It is my pleasure to have your child as a
student this spring. A great many things can be learned this
semester as new facets of biochemistry, cells, cell energy,
heredity, evolution, and ecology are introduced.
Science can be a difficult subject.
It can have as much new vocabulary as taking a foreign language.
To complicate matters more, entering high school presents an entire
set of new challenges and expectations inside and outside the classroom. Unlike
past experiences in middle school, study habits and priorities may
need to be reexamined and modified. Individuals who have had A's
come easily to them in middle school may have to work harder for them now.
To help your student benefit the most from this course, be
advised of the following information:
Students are issued a
textbook. This book should be kept in a safe place at home
for the entire semester. An
identical class set is in the classroom for their use.
Homework is often assigned from the textbook.
"My book's at school" should NEVER be an excuse for not doing
homework.
I am not a free source of
pencils
and paper. Coming to class unprepared is a level of
immaturity they must overcome. Most students are
good with this. Too many aren't. Be sure your
student knows this.
I do not give "extra credit."
Students are told this on the first day of school. Please
understand (and discuss with your student) the responsibility
he/she has to do the assigned work to the best of their ability
the first time.
This
web site supplements
the students' textbooks and other materials
given and/or discussed in class.
Pertinent material for the current unit of
study will be added to this site as it is
introduced in class.
Students are constantly encouraged to
utilize this study aid to reinforce these
topics.
At times, assignments are
posted on this site for them to access,
download, and
complete. Power points are loaded with
the most pertinent information and are made available on the
unit pages. If desired, students may print them and bring
to class.
You and your student should use the
school's
web
site for all classes' assignments and grades,
school wide announcements and news, and other useful
information.
At times students need additional
help. The 9th grade academy will be sponsoring tutoring every
Monday and Wednesday after school, from 3:45 to
4:45,
for all four core courses: English,Math, Science,
and Social Studies. It will be announced/posted in
class. Also, I am available most mornings
and afternoons, with adequate notification, to help any student
with any biology topic.
Unfortunately, only a handful of students
ever take advantage of extra help. What's also unfortunate is
the fact that they wait so late in the semester to begin seeking
help. You can help by encouraging your student to get help
immediately with any unit as soon as it is deemed
necessary. Playing "catch up" never works. And,
the final EOC is cumulative (covering all units from the
semester), counting 20% of the course
grade.
Content needs to be learned when it is taught and not
attempted
2 nights before the final.
Your child MUST get enough
sleep. Odds are, he/she isn't. I see the heads nod
off daily. I may sometimes be boring, but not 8 minutes
into class. Don't just take my word for it.
Read on...
Your child MUST have a good
breakfast, daily. The evidence repeatedly substantiates over and
over the physiological and mental benefits. But again,
don't just take my word for it.
Read on...
Finally, encourage good
study
skills. Students should schedule a time
and place
in which focused reading/study is accomplished. This place
should be free of distractions, such as ipods, MySpace, TV,
siblings, parents, radios, etc. 30 minutes of a white-hot
focus on a subject is far superior to 4 hours of distractions.
Studying with a partner from his/her class is a good alternative
sometimes. I don't advise more than 2 persons studying
jointly. More helpful tips can be found
here.
Before a situation emerges where you feel a need to contact me
(or any other teacher) asking,
"What can
we do?" check to see if the above items have been understood and
utilized.
I encourage a healthy dialogue between
parent-teacher. If able, I would like to communicate class
news to you via email.
Please let me know how we can optimize your
student's educational experience.
Rock Hill High School
320 W. Springdale Road
Rock Hill, SC 29730
Main office: 803.981.1300
BS,
Clemson University 1987
MAT Biology, Winthrop University 2007
Award
Recipient:
York County's Walt Shcrader Environmental Educator of the Year, 2011
