Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of Pre-AP Biology Students,

 

I am sending out this email in an attempt to answer any and all questions you may have about my class, assignments, grades, etc. right now.  Some of this I mentioned at open house, but I know that evening was a whirlwind and it never hurts to hear things twice.  We are off to a great start and I am looking forward to a great year.  Please don’t hesitate to email me with questions or concerns throughout the year.  I encourage parent communication and think the best way for student success is to have unified support at home and at school.  We can all work together to help your student succeed in biology this year.

 

ONLINE GRADEBOOK:

• If you haven’t already, you can follow the instructions on the LTHS webpage to set up an account for Parent Connect to Gradespeed.  You can access your student’s grades on every assignment in every class from any computer with internet access.  You can share your logon with your student and they can view this as well.    

 A few hints about my gradebook:

• If a cell is blank, I haven’t put a grade in for it yet….I’ll get to it soon

• If a cell says “Msg” that is short for missing and factors in as a zero
• If a cell says “Exc” that is short for excused….the student will not be penalized for not completing the assignment
• If a cell says “Inc” that is short for incomplete and does not factor into the students grade until the assignment is completed and entered into the gradebook.
  
  

REGARDING THE BIOCHEMISTRY TEST:

I know the test grades are probably not what you are used to seeing, but please do not be alarmed.  This test is historically the lowest test grade of the year (and has been for years).  I believe it is this way for several reasons:

 

(1) Biochemistry is HARD!  It’s a pretty abstract concept that is difficult for students to grasp.  Hopefully, as we refer back to these concepts throughout the year, it will all eventually make sense.

 

(2) There is a big difference between Pre-AP middle school science or IPC test difficulty and Pre-AP high school science test difficulty and it usually takes a little adjustment.  Don’t worry.  They’ll get it figured out soon.

 

(3) The first test in any class is usually tough because students need to figure out what kind of questions will be asked and how to better prepare for them.  Before long, they will figure out what kind of questions will be asked and how to predict what will be on the tests.

 

If your student earned a grade that you and/or your student are not used to or pleased with, please encourage them to come in to my room before or after school to look over the test.  I do not send the tests home for security reasons (we use the same test bank every year, so we can’t let the questions get out), but I would be happy to let them look at their test with the key to see what was missed and better understand their mistakes. 

 

SOME FAQs:

My child has a MSG (zero) for an assignment but I know he/she did it…..what happened?

• The usual answer for this is either that they forgot to turn it in or they turned it in without a name on it.  If it was turned in with no name, I give them a chance to claim it, write their name on it and resubmit for full credit.  If they forgot to turn it in, the no late work policy as stated in the syllabus applies. 

Is there anything that can be done about low daily grades or zeros?

• YES!  There are wonderful things students can earn called homework passes.  Homework passes can replace low daily/homework grades (including zeros).  Labs and Test grades cannot be replaced with homework passes.  Sometimes homework passes can be earned by the winning team when we play the review game before a test in class or periodically I will do materials check.  If a student is organized as outlined on the syllabus supply list and is using their planner to write down assignments, they can earn a homework pass when I conduct a binder check.  My advice is to keep the homework passes until the end of the grading period to bring up low grades rather than earning one and immediately being tempted to skip out of an assignment.

My child failed a test….is there anything that can be done to bring up the grade?

• School policy is no-retests for Pre-AP and AP classes.  Unless there was a grading error, the grade stands.  Instead of focusing on one bad grade, focus on bringing up the next test grade.  We have a lot of tests in this class, so one test grade will not have a huge impact on the overall average.  On the morning of the day before the test a test review session is offered at 8:01 am.  Students are encouraged to attend these sessions. 

I hear biology has a lot of projects…what are they and when can we get started on them?

• We will have a fall project and a spring project.  The due dates are listed on the calendar.  The fall project will be a genetic brochure project.  I will assign it in the next few weeks.  It is not due until just before the Thanksgiving break, so that should give them 2 months to complete it.  It will count as 2 test grades.  The spring project will be officially assigned after we return from winter break.  It will count as 3 test grades. 

How should my child be studying for biology tests?

• In the syllabus, there is a page about how to succeed in biology.  Make sure your child is following those suggestions.  Good study habits will pay off.  My recommendations are to fill out the review sheet, take the practice activities on online textbook, come in for tutorials, and study the notes.  Students have had good luck forming study groups as well.  I would be happy to facilitate a study group in my room if anyone would like to form one.  Students should bring a copy of the online notes to class also.

My child never tells me anything….how can I make sure he/she is staying on top of things in biology?

• Check my website!  The unit calendars has all the test dates and gives you a good idea of what we are working on.  Sign up for Parent Connect Gradespeed and keep an eye on their progress.  Email me if you have questions.

How does my child know when there is a quiz in class?

• Quizzes are usually not announced.  But if notes were taken on the previous day of class, then that material could very well likely be on a quiz the next class period.

What is Textmarks?

• Textmarks is a text messaging service that is used to notify and remind Pre-AP Biology students of due dates or upcoming events, and/or simply reminders.  Students can sign up for Textmarks by visiting the online sign-up

I hope this information helps.  Please let me know if you have any further questions.  Feel free to contact me at anytime!  Welcome to PreAP Biology.  :)

 

Sincerely,
Peter Brunet
Science Department - Room H220
Lake Travis High School
3324 Ranch Road 620 South
Austin, TX 78738
Phone: (512) 533-5796
Fax: (512) 533-6101

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