Tuesday, January 8, 2019

A Class Overview


A Class Overview

Below is my class syllabus, which includes information on class expectations and policies. Included are two links: one to the student handbook, as well a link to email Mrs. Anderson.
Mrs. Anderson’s Biology Class 2018-2019
Lakeside High School
Course/Teacher Introduction:
Dear guardian(s) and student,
Welcome to Biology!  My name is Mrs. Anderson.  This is a standards based course that follows the California State Standards grade 9-12 Biology, while we integrate into the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). My goal as a teacher is to provide everyone who enters my class the opportunity to learn in the most successful environment.  It is the responsibility of each individual student to take advantage of the opportunities presented.  

Required Materials:
You should have the following materials with you everyday:  Science Notebook, lined paper, writing utensil, ruler, highlighter, glue or tape, colored pencils, scissors, and school planner.    

Course Goals:  To reach proficiency of the Science State standards, To improve literacy including reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, To reflect and become a self-directed learner, To write Cornell notes from the textbook and from class lectures, To analyze and draw conclusions supported by data, To learn to self-edit assignments for growth and critical thinking, To complete assignments both individually and as a member of a collaborative learning team, and To successfully perform laboratory experiments.

Grades:  Every Friday students will have a Science Notebook Check, Quiz and Learning Log.  Students who continue to not complete their notebook will have a difficult time catching up and their grades will suffer (not completing work means not preparing for weekly quizzes, etc.) Typically grades will be updated by Monday afternoon into Infinite Campus.  Please regularly view the website to keep track of student progress. Students will receive grade summaries every 2-3 weeks.

Class Rules:  Respect, Come to class prepared, Follow all school rules, Always try your best, and Ask questions
   
Student Expectations/Behavior:  
·      Students must come prepared to class each day with notebooks, pens, paper, assignments.
·      Students are expected to sit in their seats assigned to them.
·      Cheating will not be tolerated.  Anyone guilty of cheating will receive a zero for the assignment.  Cheating during a test/quiz will result in a zero and parent will be notified. ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICE OUT DURING A QUIZ/TEST IS CONSIDERED CHEATING!
·      Make-up test/quiz should be taken within 3 days of returning from an excused absence.  It is the responsibility of the student to obtain missing assignments when absent from the files basket in class OR emailing me.
·      Courtesy and respect are expected at all times. This includes not eating during class, listening to the instructor, using electronics appropriately, and staying on task.

Policies and Procedures

Restroom Passes:  Students will be allowed to use the restroom after the first 10 minutes of class and before the last 10 minutes of class. Students that abuse the use of bathroom passes during class by being out of the classroom more than 10 minutes will be marked tardy for that period.  Restroom use during lecture will not be permitted.  
Cell Phones/iPods/Electronic Devices:  Students will be guided as to appropriate times and ways to use electronic devices in class. Any student who continually fails to demonstrate responsible electronics use will be discussing the problem with Mrs. Anderson during or after class.
Absences:  Students that are absent should see Mrs. Anderson before school or after school to obtain missed work.  Students can also email to ask for missed work. Students have two school days to complete missed assignments.  It is the responsibility of the student to get make-up work.  Work that is not made up when a student is absent will result in a zero.  Students that are absent more than 15 days during the semester for non-school events are subject to not receive credit for the class.
Tardy Students:  Students who are not in their seats ready to learn are considered tardy. Students are expected to quietly enter the classroom and immediately get on task.  
Food/Drinks/Gum/Candy:  The consumption of food, drinks, gum and candy is not acceptable in the classroom.  A bottle of water is acceptable.
Be Respectful:  Come to class on time prepared to learn in a respectful environment.  Use appropriate language at all times.  Respect the classroom and equipment in the classroom.  Be sure all materials are put in their proper location.  Writing on classroom desk is considered disrespectful, even if you are only writing with eraser or pencil.  
Grading: Grades are weighted based on the following categories: Notebooks:  40%; Learning Logs; 10%; Quizzes: 20%; Tests 15%; Final Exam: 15%
Behavior, Expectations, & Discipline:
Every student in class is required to behave and follow the school rules listed in the student handbook.  These rules apply while under my or any other staff member’s supervision, including substitute teachers.  Any student who breaks these rules will be dealt with according to the school discipline policy as stated in the student handbook.  Warnings will be given when appropriate, but further steps will be taken when necessary.  
Movie Notification:
During this class, there may be films used to enhance learning with a rating of PG or PG13, by signing this paper you give permission for your student to view these films.



Teacher Contact

A Professional Profile


A Professional Profile

My name is Mackenzie Anderson. I have a bachelor's in animal science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.  I’ve always had a love for animals. At one point, I had the desire to be a veterinarian. This dream changed, I found myself graduating when the stock market hit a low in 2009. I worked retail for awhile, hated it, worked as a one-on-one special ed aid, and realized I could really be teaching young people the fascinating world of science!  This is my 6th year teaching secondary science. I taught middle school life and physical sciences for my first year, then went back to teach with my wonderful master teacher, whom I met through the student teaching requirement of my teaching credentials through National University.  I now teach all biology to freshman, but have taught zoology/botany, and a year of one class of academic essentials of mostly freshman-sophomores. I teach in Lake Elsinore, where I also live. I enjoy living amongst the beautiful Ortega Mountains and being close enough to family that live in Orange County, the beach, the desert, and the mountains. I live with my husband and our 2 year old daughter, as well as our dog, cat, and fish.  I enjoy doing pretty much any kind of craft, and have recently started a Craft Club at my high school.  I love sewing, reading, traveling, camping, hiking, kayaking, spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and playing on my phone.