1. Ms. Christine (Chris) Wieland
Welcome,
Parents and Guardians!
Ms. Christine (Chris) Wieland

2. Welcome!!!
Please write your student’s name and your name on the list circulating the room…thanks!!!! Then I know who you belong to!

3. Chris Wieland A little bit about me:
I student-taught Biology and Chemistry at Issaquah High School 24 ½ years ago.
I was part of the team that opened SHS.

4. Chris Wieland A little bit about me:
During the 15 years I have taught at Skyline, I have taught…
Current:
Biology (currently)
IB Biology
Past
Biodiversity and Lab Concepts
Physical Science (Lab Methods Chem/Phys)
Chemistry

5. Chris Wieland I have a The Hope Heart Institute:
Bachelor’s in Biology
Master’s in Teaching.
The Hope Heart Institute:
I took a break from the classroom and Oversaw Ed programs from …but I missed the classroom.

6. Casey Sullivan Teacher Intern University of Washington
Bachelors of Science in Biology; Evolution, Ecology and Conservation
Masters in Teaching, Secondary Science
Skyline High School Graduate: 2013
Assistant Cheer Coach at Skyline
Exhibit Attendant, Woodland Park Zoo

7. Success in General Biology
Scaffold for Success
Their success is, in the end, up to the student but we are here to support them!!!
Success in General Biology
Your
Student
Parent/
Guardian (Home)
Teacher (Classroom)

8. Scaffold for Success 9th Grade: Transition Year
First Step to being a more independent student.
MOST 9th graders still need support from home! At least until after 1st Semester Grades have come in!
Checking Teacher Websites Daily (Favorite them!)
Checking Family Access Together Weekly
Appropriate Use of Technology
Encouragement to Attend Weekly Help Sessions (2X’s/week)
Activity bus available!

9. Top Ten Things Parents Should Know About Biology This Year

10. 10. How to contact me:
I check my daily respond within 48 hours (unless on the weekend or over a break).
Phone:

11. 9. Check the classroom website
staff/mrs_wielands_site/biology_ /c/307
Calendar...it is the window into the classroom
Important documents and links
Helpful resources listed on the website. If your student gets stuck, have them check out those links!

12. 8. Grades are online.
I try to update grades by the end of every weekend. A great time to go over grades with you student is Sunday night.

13. 7. State Testing Update No more Biology End of Course Exam.
This year’s 9th graders will take the “Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science” (WCAS) at the end of the junior year.
This exam is based on the newest science standards: “The Next Generation Science Standards” (NGSS)
WCAS is slated to be a High Graduation requirement in 2021.

14. 7. NGSS

15. NGSS-Topics Microbiology Macrobiology Microscope Cells and organelles
Biochemistry (fats, sugars, nucleic acids)
DNA
Genetics
Macrobiology
Evolution
Ecology
Populations
Human Impact

16. NGSS-Skills Cross Cutting Concepts: Patterns Cause and Effect
Scale, Proportion and Quantity
Systems and Models
Energy and Matter
Structure and Function
Stability and Change

17. NGSS-Skills Science and Engineering Practices
Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Developing and Using Models
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Obtaining, evaluating and Communicating Inforamtion

18. 6. Help/Review Sessions
With me: 1-2 Days a week with, weekly schedule posted on Biology Connect Calendar
With a National Honor Society Tutor: Thursdays, 2:30-3:30 in 2115

19. 5. Expect Homework almost nightly.
Typically not more than 20 minutes to ½ hour at a time.

20. 4. Our Textbook has online access.
Your student is welcome to check out a hard copy of the book at the library.
Pilot of New Curriculum:
Topic Covered: Same as Traditionally Taught
Text and Resource Materials: New
3 different curricula in Quarter 1
The two most experienced teachers are doing is at SHS (all schools teaching biology are participating in some way)

21. 3. Cell Phones are often a distraction to the learning environment
I could use your support…please contact the front office if you need to contact your student.
They can ask permission to use for educational purposes in class .
If not, I will turn it in to administration for a parent or guardian to pick up.

22. 3. Cell Phones are often a distraction to the learning environment
If you have not already done so, please fill in the parent portion of the Course Expectations (last page).

23. 2. Gel Electrophoresis and DNA Fingerprinting.
Each year, we borrow $10,000 worth of materials and equipment.
ors/sep/index.html
Learn to use real-life technical skills
Apply to real life scenarios such as DNA fingerprinting for finding the gene for a specific cancer.

24. 1. Ask your student what we are learning in class!
Students understand the material better when they are asked to explain it in their own words.  
As an added bonus, Biology is fascinating because it is the study of life all around them. It is meant to be hands-on and fun!

25. Thank you for coming! Any questions for me?