Syllabus 2011-2012 
Biology
Ms. Bottorff, “Miss B”
Vinita High School
Email: bottorae@vinitahornets.com
School phone: 918-256-6777

*Welcome to Biology! I am excited to be beginning a new school year with each of YOU!  Biology is a class that I enjoy teaching. I love knowing how things work and why things are the way they are. My intentions are that every student will be challenged to reach there highest potential, and be able to succeed in this increasingly complicated and scientifically challenging world.
*Materials You Will Need
Blue or Black Ink Pen
Pencil
3 Ring Binder or folder
Textbook
*Grading
You will receive points for a wide variety of assignments. These will include homework, quizzes, labs, projects, exams, and a conduct grade for each trimester. We will use the Vinita High School grading scale to determine how your percentage translates into a grade. 
A 90% - 100%
B 80% - 89%
C 70% - 79%
D 60% - 69%
F Below 60%
*Late and Makeup Work
Late work will be accepted at the instructor’s discretion. It must be completed within 2 school days of the date the assignment was given, and will only be worth 50% of the total possible points.
**You are responsible for finding out what assignment(s) you missed.

How we will operate as a class
• We will start class when the bell rings. You need to be in your assigned seat and be ready to begin class. If you are not in the classroom when the bell rings, you will be counted as tardy.
• We will have the materials and resources that we need ready and available. I will have lab materials, handouts, powerpoints, and warm-ups ready and you will have your book, notebooks, paper and pen or pencil.
• We will strive for an atmosphere that is both productive and comfortable.
• We will work efficiently and minimize distractions.
*WE WILL TREAT OTHERS WITH RESPECT
School Policies
• We will follow the guidelines set out in the Vinita High School Student Handbook for student attendance, appearance, behavior and other issues.
Discipline
The steps for the discipline plan that will be utilized in my classroom are as follows:
1. Warning and/or detention
2. Extra work assigned at teacher’s discretion (to be completed before or after school).
3. Parent contact.
4. Removal to Principal’s office. In-school-suspension (ISS) or other formal disciplinary action may result.

Special Needs
• If you have special needs, whether they are identified by Special Services or not, please bring these to my attention. I need you to help me know how I can help you.

I look forward to getting to know each and every one of YOU! I hope that every person who enters my classroom will strive to contribute to a successful school year! 

“The beautiful thing about learning is that NO ONE can take it away from you.”     –B. King