Marine Biology

Dear Parents:

My name is Stephanie Bauer and I will be your child’s Marine Biology teacher this year. Because I will be spending so much time with your child, I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you a few things about myself, both personally and professionally.

I have been a teacher at Lakewood High School for the past 23 years.  I attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where I received my B.A. in Aquatic Biology.  I received my teaching credential through California State University, Long Beach. I have a Master of Arts in Teaching from Grand Canyon University. I am also a Lecturer at CSULB in the Science Education Department where I teach an introductory course for beginning science teachers (EDSS300c). I am married and have three children. Our oldest son, Kyle, is a sophomore at CSULB, our daughter, Megan is a freshman at Chapman University and our youngest son, Aaron, is in the sophomore in high school. My husband, Barry, is a mechanical engineer.

Teaching is more to me than just a job. It is a commitment I take very seriously. My goal, my mission as a teacher, is to fully dedicate myself to helping your child reach his or her full potential. I hold high expectations for your child and I will do all I can to help him or her meet those expectations.

My teaching philosophy is this: I don’t simply teach Marine Biology. I teach students- I teach your child. I have dedicated myself to foster both personal and academic literacy in my students. Your child deserves my full respect and understanding. In all interactions I will strive to give this to them. In return I expect cooperation and respect from your child.

I look forward to an exciting and productive year. You will be hearing from me frequently because you are the most important person in your child’s life, and your involvement and support mean a great deal. I look forward to meeting you at Back to School Night on Wednesday, October 3. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. School Loop will probably be the easiest way for us to communicate.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Bauer

sbauer@lbschools.net 

(562)425-1281 x3320

Odyssey Marine Biology

Course Information

Mrs. Bauer

2012-2013

It is my belief that if you understand exactly what is required in this course there will be a more diligent approach to the work, better use of time and fewer cries of that much-used student slogan: “That’s not fair!”

CLASS MATERIALS: REQUIRED EVERY DAY

• lined paper
• a notebook to keep loose papers/handouts
• a pen and a pencil
• YOU in your seat, ready to work, before the tardy bell rings

GENERAL INFORMATION, HOMEWORK and GRADING POLICY

• Your marine biology section of your notebook will contain all your warm-ups (5% of your grade- collected monthly), lecture notes and hand-outs. It is your responsibility to keep yourself organized.
• A folder/portfolio of your marine biology work will be kept in this class. It will be filled with your graded work from this class. You can take it home periodically to study.
• Tests will be announced one week in advance. They will be worth approximately 100 points each. Materials on these tests will come from your readings, class discussion, notes and lab activities. These tests will be given about every 4 weeks. These will represent approximately 15% of your class grade. You will be allowed to retake exams for which you earn a D or an F. You will be given the higher grade. Exam retakes and make-ups must be taken within one week of the original exam. They can only be taken during lunch or after school by making an appointment with me.
• Laboratory exercises represent approximately 30% of your class grade. Due to the complex nature of labs, you will not be able to make these activities if you are absent. Laboratory papers will be written for some of the exercises. These formal typed papers may be started at school and finished at home for a homework assignment.
• Homework is required, though not on a daily basis. It may consist of worksheets, reading (PQRST), questions, or completing laboratory exercises. It is your responsibility to allow yourself sufficient homework time to complete assignments and reading. This represents approximately 25% of your class grade. Late work is accepted with a 10% penalty. Absolute deadlines will be announced prior to quarter and semester grade closures.
• Odyssey projects and activities will represent approximately 25% of your total marine biology grade.

Refer to the following scale for grade requirements:

            A- 90-100%                B 80-89%                    C 70-79%                                            D 60-69%                    F 0-59%

Using this scale, it is possible for everyone in the class to earn an “A”. However, it is equally possible for everyone in the class to fail. Seize the day. It is up to you! Good luck and have a successful year. Please be aware that this information is subject to change. I’ll keep you informed!                                         

--Mrs. Bauer                                                                                                                          

sbauer@lbschools.net

(562)425-1281x3320

Period 5 conference 12:44-1:38