Welcome

*Welcome

Welcome to the WORLD OF BIOLOGY!

My name is Sarah Arndt, the 2020-2021 school year will be my 4th year as a Saugus Centurion. Prior to this, I worked for the Hart District at Canyon High School for several years as an Anatomy and Earth Science teacher. As a Saugus High School Alumni, I feel a deep pride in being able to work for the community I grew up in. After high school graduation, I proceeded to obtain a Baccalaureate of Science with an emphasis in Ecology, Evolutionary, and Organismal Biology from California State University Channel Islands. While at the University, I had the opportunity to go to New Orleans to research invasive species five years post Hurricane Katrina. My senior capstone research was based upon molecular biology and “aging”. I have a deep love for science and I hope to develop an appreciation for science upon completion of the course in my students as well.

Biology: the study of life and the world around us ... it is complex and so intricate... it truly is amazing! The curriculum will be delivered to all types of learners by using many different strategies. There will be exploration, drawings, coloring, singing, labs, activities, video clips, and assessments. Biology has its own language, it takes time and diligence to learn the language of science. By the end of the class, you will be able to understand "what science is" and what it means to think like a scientist. Some of my tests, as you have probably heard, are very hard; they are so hard in fact that some are called "challenges". I promise to challenge you all year and make you all better thinkers. My grades are based on assessments, assignments, and lab work. Your work needs to be neat, complete and handed in on time. Next Generation Science Standards requires students to work in more collaborative groups so participation is key! I hope to see all of my students develop better critical thinking skills by the end of the course. Student help time is still TBD, however feel free to reach out if you are struggling via email.

I do not want to see iPods, cell phones, and iPads in class. If you are listening to an iPod or using your cell during instruction, you might as well tell me that you don’t care what I have to say. I have put in countless hours to ensure an exciting curriculum and I get very sad and insulted when you prefer your phone to me. If there is no assigned homework than you should read your book, finish classwork work, review lab activities and notes, watch videos, and sing your way through science! MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE WEBSITE and GOOGLE CLASSROOM EVERYDAY! If you didn’t know it, the number one health concern of teens is lack of sleep. Please turn off the phone and get at least nine hours of sleep. Yes, nine! Teens need more sleep than children. It’s good for your developing brain and it will benefit you later in life. One of my favorite words is “ponder.” You will learn some amazing facts about Biology and life this year. Learn to shut off the electronics, sit back, close your eyes, and ponder the wonders of the world. Enjoy the class and I look forward to an exciting and academically challenging year.

Message to parents:

I post grades on Infinite Campus; however I do believe that high school students need to be responsible for their own grades. High school is an important time to learn how to transition into college, and the workforce. Please ask your student to talk with me before you email or call me about their grade. If there are any major problems, I will certainly let you know. I expect more out of my students regarding their academics, attitude, and study habits. As a teacher, it makes one very happy and gratified to see students succeed. I am thrilled that so many students are interested in Biology each year and you can be sure that I will do my best to inspire and challenge them and to deliver a rigorous and engaging lesson each day.

COVID Distance Learning UPDATE:

As we navigate this new adventure of distance learning there is bound to be bumps along the way. I can promise you however, I will do my best to make this course engaging, fun, and rigorous regardless of the education platform we are using! Please make sure students are checking my website and google classroom. Attendance will be taken during live sessions and students are expected to attend. I will do my best to return emails within 24 hrs, but please give me grace as I have two very small children at home.

Maintaining homeostasis,

Sarah Arndt