Michelle Hurst introduces herself as the AP Biology teacher and provides information about the course. The class will involve hands-on labs completed individually and in groups to develop skills like problem solving. Students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week preparing. The goal is to prepare for the AP exam on May 11. Parents are asked to review the attached course overview, guidelines, and rules and contact the teacher with any questions.

1. Aug. 24, 2009
Dear Student, Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
Welcome back to school! I want to take this opportunity to provide
some information about the upcoming year. My name is Michelle Hurst,
and I am in my 10th year as a science teacher, and 3rd at LHS. I have
both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Interdisciplinary Sciences. I am
excited to have the opportunity to share the interesting field of science
with all of you.
This class involves lots of hands-on work through the labs. We will
work in groups often; however, each student must also complete at least
two individual projects during the semester. We will develop skills such as
problem-solving and teamwork while learning about physics. These skills
are vital in today’s workplace, and my goal is to help prepare students for
college and the workplace.
Attached are the course overview, guidelines and rules. Please
review them so that you are aware of the course requirements and my
expectations.
I keep a classroom blog that updates my students of work and
assignments. I will post power points and other assignments there. This
is a great site to check if your student is absent, or if you want to see
what we are working on in class. http://mrshurstscience.wordpress.com/
The goal of this class is to prepare for the AP Biology exam. To do
this, we must move at a fast pace. Your student should spend about 3-4
hours a week studying or preparing for this class. The exam will be on
Monday May 11. Students are also asked to keep up with a lab notebook,
in case a college would like proof of our lab work. As your teacher, I
commit to providing an environment where you can be successful.
Parents, if you have any questions or concerns, please call me or send me
a note. I look forward to an excellent semester. Please share your
email address with me if you prefer this method of
communication.
Sincerely,
Michelle Hurst
hursmi@mansfieldisd.org

3. AP Biology Class Description Mrs. Hurst
The MISD course catalog provides the following information about this class: This course
provides students with an in-depth study of biochemistry, microbiology, botany and genetics
at an accelerated pace. This course is primarily for students who are interested in a career in
medicine, biology or other related fields. Students taking this course should be highly
motivated and strong in critical thinking and independent study skills.
Successful completion of AP Biology should prepare students for the Advanced Placement
Examination and/or the second level biology course.
The textbook will be the primary resource for practice and test preparation.
Campbells Biology, 6th edition.
I also strongly encourage purchasing a AP review book such as Cliffs AP.
Grades are based on the following distribution. More details on grade policies are found in
the attached class guidelines. To receive weighted credit for AP & TCC courses, students
must be enrolled in the course, receive a passing grade in the course, and take the
corresponding College Board AP exam in May.
6-week grade:
Tests …………………….…….… 50%
Labs /Quizzes ……………… 30%
Homework ………20%
Three 6-week grades = 80% of semester grade
Exam = 20% of semester grade
Please note that the following items are required for this class each day: pen, pencil, lab
notebook and a spiral. A calculator is recommended for homework.
--------------------------------------------------------------
The attached guidelines are for parental information and are written for the student. Please
read, sign the acknowledgement and return this portion to class.
I have read and understand the attached class information and guidelines.
Student name (please print)_____________________________
Student signature____________________________ Date _____________
Parent name (Please print)_____________________________
Parent signature_____________________________________ Date _____________
Please indicate how you wish to be contacted if necessary: Email address or phone number:
Parent phone or e-mail:__________________________________________

4. AP Biology Class Guidelines Mrs. Hurst
Class Rules
1. Show respect for others and their property.
2. Be seated unless otherwise instructed.
3. Come prepared to work: Bring notebook, pen/pencil, calculator, textbook.
4. Follow all directions the first time they are given.
5. Follow all lab safety procedures. No horseplay.
6. Follow all school rules and policies.
Consequences
•Following the class rules and procedures provides a positive learning environment for those in the classroom.
The reward from following the rules and procedures is respect from me and fellow students.
•If you choose not to follow a class rule, the action that will be taken is:
o 1st occurrence = Verbal warning
o 2nd occurrence = Complete corrective action form and/or detention
o 3rd occurrence = Office referral
Grades….
•Progress reports are issued every 3 weeks. All graded work is posted on Infinite Campus, which can be
accessed from the school web site. I will try update this weekly.
•Each student is responsible for keeping up with his/her grades.
•Any discussions about individual grades will take place before or after school, or questions can be placed in the
basket where all work is turned in.
•Homework is due at the beginning of class on the day that it is due. Late assignments may be turned in up
to 1 class period late for a maximum of a 70.
•If a student fails an exam and would like a retest:
-Must be made up within one week of the test (or sooner if it is the end of a six weeks).
-Grades will NOT be changed at the end of a grading period.
-Students must show completed notes and all assignments for that unit beforehand.
-Students must also first do test corrections on the failed test.
-A maximum grade of a 70 will be given for any retest.
Labs….
•Every student must participate in lab. Science requires observation and experimentation.
•Each student must return a signed safety contract and must pass a safety quiz before participating in lab.
•Students in AP are responsible for the lab and information covered if it they are absent.
•If safety procedures are not followed, student will be removed from lab.
Supplies
Bring the following items to class every day:
pen, pencil, spiral, lab notebok
Absences….
•District policies will be strictly followed related to attendance. See Legacy High School Student Handbook for
Absence Policy on p. 31-33 and Tardy Policy on p. 36.
•You are responsible for getting your own make-up work. Refer to my website or lesson plans posted in
classroom.
•Missed handouts are in the “make-up work” folder for your class.
•Get notes you missed from a classmate.
•For missed tests, you must schedule the make-up time with me.
Academic Dishonesty….
•Cheating and plagiarism are not tolerated. Assignments that use the internet as a source must include
citation/credit if information is copied and pasted. Lab discussion and conclusions must be in your own words.
District policies will be followed per the Legacy High School Student Handbook on p. 37.
Tutorials….
Scheduled hours are Wednesday after school, but I am happy to schedule additional times as needed.

5. AP Biology Scope and Sequence
1st Six Weeks
Lab Safety
Nature of Science
Chemistry of Life
Enzymes
Cells
2nd Six Weeks
Membranes
Transport
Cell Cycle
Cell Regulation
3rd Six Weeks
Heredity
Molecular Genetics
Gene Regulation
4th Six Weeks
Evolutionary Biology
Diversity of Life
Structure and function of Plants
5th Six Weeks
Organisms and Populations
Structure and function of Animals
Ecology
6th Six Weeks
Systems
AP Review
Exam Monday May 11!
Each semester students will be asked to read one science related
book. One must focus on evolution.
Students must keep up with a lab notebook throughout the year.
www.mrshurstscience.wordpress.com