Dear Parent,

By visiting this page you are demonstrating an interest in your student's success in Biology this year. Below is a list of parent suggestions that I have collected over the years. This should look familiar to you if you were the parent to sign the policies at the beginning of the school year. Please email me if you have found something helpful that is not included on this list and I will add it for the benefit of other parents.

How a parent can help his/her student to succeed in Biology:

1) Provide a quiet, well-lit place for your student to study and, during study time, completely eliminate distractions (incoming and outgoing phone calls, television, radio, and visits from siblings and friends, etc.). Make sure your student studies some Biology every day.

2) Make your student accountable and show that you take an active interest in their learning by checking the daily assignment calendar and making sure that reading log assignments are completed to date.

3) Understand that Biology may be one of your student¹s most difficult classes. Encourage steady improvement instead of a specific letter grade. Call me at 596-3600 ext. 381 to discuss specific strategies your student can use to improve.

4) Go with your student on a Self-Guided Adventure. These act like "grade insurance" and make it possible for you to have fun and earn extra credit!!

5) Plan ahead to attend Open House (Fall - at night) and/or PACK Day (Spring - during the day).

6) If you are not pleased with progress report grades, require your student to pick up weekly progress report sheets (aka "blue sheets") from the counseling office. The student gives one to each teacher on Thursday, and the teacher returns it the next day (Friday) with the grade to date, assignments missing, and comments on behavior and participation.

7) Check the class website for course info, calendars, and grades. The grades postings list all assignments to the date indicated on the grades page and will show clearly what assignments are missing and need to be made up. Grades are password protected to ensure privacy.

8) Encourage your student to use my Study Guide Page to practice vocab and take practice quizzes.

I am committed to being a partner with you in your child's success!

Mr. Park