Syllabus & Course Expectations

2020 -2021 Course Expectations

Course Expectations:

Biology I is a laboratory course designed to provide information regarding the fundamental concepts of life and life processes. Topics covered include, but are not restricted to, cell structure and function, biochemistry, genetics, ecology, evolution, taxonomy, and aspects of earth science. Reading, writing, and speaking strategies are incorporated throughout the course. The study of biology provides the opportunity for problem recognition, field observation, analysis and interpretation of data, and discussion of current issues in the field.

Volcano Vista science teachers present a curriculum based on New Mexico’s adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards. A detailed listing of standards and benchmarks can be found on the APS website.

Class Expectations:

• Be respectful

  • Cooperation and a positive attitude are expected at all times. When you communicate digitally, be sure to re-read what you have written BEFORE hitting send.

• Be prepared

  • Attend our meeting with cameras on, ready to participate.

• Be organized

  • Check both Edgenuity and Google Classroom for assignments. Because you will be managing multiple courses online, it is imperative that you maintain deadlines and don’t let yourself get behind. Ask for help if you need it!

• Use time wisely

  • Effective use of short and long periods of time will be very important! Your success is dependent on your participation.

Biology Grade Every assignment given holds weight in the student’s overall grade. Students and parents are responsible for checking grades on the Edgenuity website and ParentVue or StudentVue . Grades on Parentvue and Studentvue will be updated on Mondays.

Classroom Policies

• Advantages of Distance Learning

  • You will be able to move ahead or go back and review as needed.

  • You will develop numerous skills that will assist you in the future. They include writing skills, ability to meet deadlines, computer skills, time management skills, and research and problem solving skills.

• Deadline Policy:

  • Turning work in on time is always the goal since it helps the student progress toward mastery of the content.

Classroom Materials:

• During the virtual learning session, students will need their chromebook, a notebook to take written notes, pen/pencil.

• If and when we move into a hybrid model, we will discuss class materials and procedures at that point.

Should we return to school in a hybrid situation, the following is information you will need:

Albuquerque Public School Policies:

• Covid-19 Policies: "Until there is a vaccine, masks, hand washing, and physical distancing are key practices that will help prevent the spread of the virus."

  • Masks & Face Coverings:

    • Staff and students are required to wear face coverings except while eating, drinking, and exercising (with minimal exceptions for students and staff with medical conditions.) This includes in classrooms, on playgrounds and in common areas.

    • APS will supply masks for staff, though they may choose to bring their own from home.

    • Students must provide their own face coverings, which are considered part of their school supplies.

    • Related Video: How to Make Cloth Face Coverings (Sew and No Sew) -- CDC External link

  • Social Distancing:

    • Students and staff must adhere to social distancing requirements, meaning they should be at least six feet apart.

      • Furniture may be rearranged in classrooms to allow for social distancing. Furniture doesn’t have to be removed but may be unoccupied.

      • Elementary art, music, library, and other “specials” will take place in the regular classroom with teachers rotating, not students.

      • Classrooms and Playgrounds

      • Students should not share books, toys, equipment, or supplies.

      • Students should plan to bring their Chromebook or iPad to school each day.

      • Learning outdoors is encouraged, weather permitting.

      • Water fountains are off-limits; students are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle. Schools will provide water stations for refilling.

      • Students will wash their hands or use hand sanitizer upon arrival, before and after lunch, before and after recess, and at the end of the day.

• Classroom Attendance Policy:

  • Much of your learning occurs during class lessons, discussions, group activities, and laboratory investigations. Therefore, your participation is imperative. Please make a practice of punctuality and good attendance during scheduled meetings. The habits you form in high school will follow you into college and the work world.

Volcano Vista Policies:

• Grading Policy:

  • Our grading periods are 6 weeks in length

    • Teachers have 3 days to enter grades after the grading period has ended. Report cards are printed from APS district offices and sent home with your student. Semester report cards are mailed home and most families receive report cards approximately 2 weeks after the grading period ends. If you do not receive your student's report card, please call the Academy secretary at 890-0343.

    • Only final semester grades show on transcripts; 6 week grades are not on the official transcript.

• Academic Dishonesty Policy:

  • All work that you submit must be your own work. You may not do any of the following:

    • Turn in or copy someone else’s work.

    • Copy someone’s work and change a few of the words.

    • Copying words from a source (ex: internet) without citing it and giving credit to the source.

    • Attempt to use any notes on a closed- note assignment.

    • Look at someone else’s work during a quiz, test, or otherwise individual assessment.

  • If you are doing any of the above or anything else that constitutes cheating, you will receive a zero on that assignment, and you may be referred for disciplinary action.