I. Frequently Asked Questions:

 Biology:                                   
     1. What do I need for this class?                                                  
     2. What are the class Assignments and their policies?                    
     3. Where can I find my assignment?                                              
     4. When are the study guide answers due?                                    
     5. How often am I expected to check Edline?                       
     6. How often am I expected to check my email?                            
     7. How will I be graded in this class?                                            
     8. How can I find out my grade?
     9. What should I do if I suspect my grade is incorrect?
     10. Will my seat/lab partner ever change?                                   
     11. What do I do if I need  Extra Help?                                           
     12. How do I Email Mrs. Pellegrini?                                                 
     13. Does Mrs. Pellegrini ever respond to emails at night?                   
     14. What is Mrs. Pellegrini's Biology Web Page and where is it?        
     15. What does the teacher expect  from me?                                    
     16. What are the Teacher's Personal Preferences?                            
     17. What do I do if I  miss a class?                                                   
     18. What do I do if I know ahead of time that I will be absent?
     19. What do I do if I  miss a quiz or test?
     20. What do I do if I miss a lab?
     21. Can I turn in a lab late?
     22. What do I do if I didn't turn in an assignment on time?
     23. Can I do extra credit?
 
 
 

 II.BIOLOGY POLICIES

Course Content: Biology is a laboratory based course which will cover most of the major topics in biology, including: science as a process, evolution, ecology, diversity, genetics, cell biology, and some anatomy and physiology.  (1 Credit)

WHAT YOU MUST HAVE:
     1. Text: Biology by Miller and Levine (Prentice Hall) : laboratory book, and study guide  (The book and study guide should be left at home- we do not use them in class. Store the lab book in your locker.)
     2. At least one CD or pen drive for sharing information in class.
     3. Metric ruler, colored pencils and hole punch- optional . (I have them for classroom work)
     4. It is assumed that you have a calculator.  (This will occassionally be used in class.)
     5. You must have a large 3-ring binder ONLY for biology (or you can have several small ones)- all of your notes, homework, and handouts should be in this binder, and it should be brought home and to class each day.
     6. The phone numbers of at least 2 girls in your class must be kept at home so you may obtain any new assignments made while you are absent.

ASSIGNMENTS:
     1. Your assignments will be posted on Edline.  (Access Edline by going to   You will have to put in your password. I will try to update this page every 1-2 weeks.  You are expected to check this site at least once a week.
     2. HOMEWORK: Each study guide and most assignments count 3 points, and will usually be graded based on completion. Study guides for each chapter are due on the day of the test for that chapter. Study guides and other homework turned in one day late will be dropped one point.   No homework will be accepted which is more than one day late.
     3. LABS:  Labs are usually performed in class, but the lab questions or lab report may be completed at home.  All labs are due on the date assigned.  Late labs will be accepted only until the following Friday at 2:00.   Late labs will be dropped 10 points.
     4. QUIZZES:  Quizzes are usually announced and cover a limited amount of information.  Quizzes should help maintain or bring up a grade.
     5. TESTS: Tests are comprehensive and mostly objective  (i.e. multiple choice, matching, fill-in, short answer).  Most of the information on the tests comes from class work and from homework which has been assigned.  Application of learned material is stressed, rather than rote memorization.
     6. PROJECTS:  Periodically projects will be assigned.  Some projects will count as quizzes, some may count as labs and some may even count as tests.
     7. EXTRA CREDIT:  1 point will be awarded in the 3rd Quarter for anyone who participates in the State Science Olympiad in the Spring, and an additional 2 points will be awarded to anyone who earns a medal in the State Science Olympiad.

GRADING:
     1. All grades will be posted on:  www.mygradebook.com 
     2. Quarter grades: Tests will be 49% of your grade; quizzes will be 24%; and labs are 24%., Homework counts 3%.
     3. Homework thoroughly completed and accurate for the items checked will be graded V+ (3pts). Two to five incomplete answers or errors on homework will result in a \/ (2pts); while homework with 6-10 incompletes or errors will  receive a \/- (1pt) and homework poorly done or not turned in will result in V=(0pts).
     4. The midterm and final exams count  20% of your semester grades. 
     5. Use the following equations to calculate your  grades:

          Semester Grade:  (40% Quarter 1 Ave + 40% Quarter 2 Ave + 20% Midterm/Final)
          Final Grade: (Semester 1 Average + Semester 2 Average ) 

 6. Grading error-- If you suspect that: a) I have incorrectly entered your grade into the grading program;  b) I have neglected to enter your grade into the gradebook program within a reasonable amount of time; c) the quarter grade/average for you in the grading program is incorrect; OR d)there is anything wrong with the grade showing in the grading program, or on an assignment, or on your report card---PLEASE INFORM ME IMMEDIATELY!  I need to correct any errors as soon as possible-- so email/tell me as soon as you realize there is a problem.

SEATING:  Seats are assigned and are changed each quarter.

EXTRA HELP:
     1. Extra help may be provided by scheduling a time with the teacher in advance.  Be prepared with specific questions.
     2. If you need help, don’t wait.
     3. If you need help on a regular basis, you may want to see if you can get an Honor Society student volunteer tutor.  If you are interested in this option, see the teacher.  This option is often dependent on the availablity of the student and the tutor, and  their schedules.
     4. Check the schedule posted in the biology lab (or click the link for "Mrs. Pellegrini's Daily Schedule" on my webpage) for specific class periods when I am free.  I am often in the classroom before and after school,  but it is important that you make an appointment to be sure that I am available;  occassionally I have meetings (usually Tuesdays)  or duties after school.

EMAIL:
    1. You are expected to check your email at least once a day.  Many times I will send you important messages, handouts, or other information, which may require a response from you; or I may send you information for which you will be held accountable.   Therefore, it is important that I have your school email as well as any other email address that you  frequently use.
    2. If you need to communicate with me, my email address is: lpellegrini@ursuline.org ; you can also email me at llpellegrini@comcast.net.
    3. I check my email constantly when in school- although I may not have time to respond right away.
    4. I do check my email at night and on the weekends, so if you need an answer to a question, you will probably get an answer.  Of course, I cannot guarantee that I will get to all emails at night, so don't have your expectations too high!

BIOLOGY WEB PAGE:  Please check out my web page.  I have some great resources listed and I have many of the class notes already posted on the web.    In addition, there are some good sources of quizzes and tutorials for help in reviewing material.
 
 

WHAT I EXPECT FROM YOU:
     1. I expect you to check Edline for your assignments at the beginning of each week.
     2. I expect you to check your email at least once a day.
     3. I expect you to use the resources on my Biology Web Page to assist you in learning the material.
     4. I expect you to do your written homework consistently. For each chapter there are questions to be answered in your study guide.  Study guides for each chapter will be collected on the day of the chapter test.
     5. I expect you to review and study  your class notes every night and to make sure you understand what was presented in class.  If you do not understand, you should ask the teacher at the beginning of class the specific items you find confusing.
     6. I expect you to complete all assignments on time.  Anything that is to be turned in must be printed before you come to class, and ready to be turned in at the beginning of the class period.  If there is a significant reason why you do not have your homework done, or are not prepared to take a test, see me.  Significant reasons have included: being evacuated from your house, spending the night in the emergency room, a serious illness in a family member, a death in the family, etc.  A significant reason would not include spending the evening at a sporting event.
     7. I expect that you will not talk while I am talking, and you will raise your hand if you have a question or comment.
     8. I expect you to make an appointment to see me for extra help, if you are having difficulty.  You should come to the help session with specific questions you want to go over.  Please do not expect me to repeat a lecture.
     9. I expect you to get  your assignments if you are absent.  Most of the time your assignments will be on Edline, but if you are absent you need to call someone to find out if the assignment was changed.  You may email me in the morning of any day you are absent, and I will try to reply to you as soon as I can.
     10. I expect you to get the notes from someone when you are absent, and have someone explain them to you.  If you still do not understand them, make an appointment to see me, and come with specific questions.  Please do not ask for extra help until you have done your part.
     11. I expect you to turn in homework assignments which were collected the day you return after being absent-- whether you have biology class that day or not.  Assignments may be put in my mailbox in the faculty room, but I prefer that you bring them directly to me in the biology lab.
     12. I expect you to come to class with a pencil and/or a pen.  Tests will almost always include a section on a scantron (a mechanical answer sheet) for which you need a #2 pencil.
     13. I expect you to prioritize your activities so that your main priority is success in your schoolwork.
     14. I expect you to take responsibility for your own learning.  You must take advantage of all of the opportunities given to you to help you understand and learn the material.
     15. I expect you to use your laptop as a tool for learning.  In biology, many of the notes include drawings and diagrams which you cannot put on the computer. I do not expect you to be using the laptop in biology class for anything that is not related to biology.
 
PERSONAL PREFERENCES
     1. PLEASE DO NOT USE RED INK FOR ANY ASSIGNMENT, LAB, QUIZ, OR TEST!
     2. PLEASE DO NOT TURN IN PAPERS WITH “SQUIGGLES”- the unkempt edge of paper ripped from spiral notebooks.  Cut them off—I will be happy to give you scissors.
     3. HAVE ASSIGNMENTS PRINTED BEFORE YOU COME TO CLASS.

WHEN YOU MISS A CLASS:
     1. Get the notes from a classmate for any class you miss.
     2. Then have the classmate explain the information to you.
     3. Study the information yourself.
     4. If you do not understand the material after doing these three steps, see your teacher immediately with specific questions.  Email me early in the day if you have any questions.
     5. If you have an extended illness, see the teacher for specific instructions.
     6. If you know ahead of time you will be absent, be sure to get a planned absence form from the main office and have your teachers fill it out.  We can make arrangements at that time for any assignments/quizzes/tests that you will miss.

WHEN YOU MISS A QUIZ OR TEST:  You will be expected to take the make-up quiz/test within the next 48 hours either after school in the designated area (usually room 15), during a regularly scheduled study, or by making special arrangements with the teacher, if she is available.  Please make the necessary arrangements to get to school early or to get home if it is necessary for you to come before school or stay after school.  Failure to make up the work at the appropriate time will result in a grade of 0.  YOU WILL NOT BE EXCUSED BECAUSE OF SPORTS.

WHEN YOU MISS A LAB:
     1. If you MISS a lab for any reason (including sports), you have 48 hours to make it up—just like tests and quizzes—unless the teacher is unable to make accommodations. (Therefore missing a double lab can be extremely troublesome.)
     2. You must make arrangements immediately with the teacher regarding when you plan to make it up.
     3. NOTE: There are some labs which cannot be made up due to various reasons.
     4. When making up a lab you must bring along someone who has done the lab and who can instruct you on what is expected. This is especially important if I am teaching another class at the time.
     5. Students who miss labs because they leave early for sports must make arrangements for making up the lab with Mrs. Pellegrini BEFORE leaving.
     6. Remember: Missing a double lab usually means 2 periods will be needed to make it up.
     7. The lab will be due the day after it has been made up, and will not be considered late.  Late labs are due the following Friday after the due date.

WHEN YOU DON’T TURN IN ASSIGNMENTS ON TIME:
     1. Late homework (study guides) can be turned in one day late. If that day is a day we do not have class, you should bring the assignment to me, or put it in my mailbox.  (Note: I am not responsible for items which are put in my mailbox and end up being lost.) After the one day late, assignments will not be accepted.  One point will be deducted for late homework- out of the total 3 points possible.
     2. LATE labs are due by the following Friday at 2:00, and 10 points will be subtracted from the grade. (Students not turning in  labs due on Thursday have until the following Friday- 8 days- to turn in late labs. )
     3. Late labs turned in later than 2:00 on Friday will not be accepted—unless previous arrangements have been made with the teacher.
 

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