Mrs. Hoffer
8th Grade Science
2014-2015 Classroom Policies
khoffer@ohschools.org
419-534-5376 x 3143
COURSE INTRODUCTION—What we’re going to learn
Welcome to 8th grade Science! This year we will focus on 3 main areas of science: the Physical Sciences including forces,
motion and the nature of energy; Life Sciences including heredity and life cycles; and the Earth and Space Sciences including
earth’s atmosphere and outer space. We will work hard to learn science by doing, not just by memorizing it! This will help us to
see science in action in the world around us. As we master our science concepts, we will apply them to everyday life to see the
importance of science!
PREPARING FOR SUCCESS—What you need to bring to class every day!
 A three ring binder
 Blank loose-leaf (not ripped out), college-ruled notebook paper
 Pencil or Pen
 Textbook
 Highlighter (any color)
 Calculator
 A positive attitude towards learning
 Respect for the rules of our class
ORGANIZING FOR SUCCESS—What you’ll need to keep in your binder
Your binder will contain all of the work that you do in this class (and ONLY this class) over the course of the year. It is
EXTREMELY important that you keep an orderly binder for this class, as it will help you prepare for tests and succeed in class.
Binder checks will occur once per quarter and you will receive 0 to 5 points, depending on its completeness and organization.
GRADING POLICY—How you will be graded
The class will follow a weighted scale for all assignments:
Tests and Projects/Labs-45%
Homework-15%
Quizzes-30%
Classwork (including warm-ups)-10%
Letter grades will be assigned using the school’s grade scale:
100-92 = A
81-72 = C
91-82 = B
71-64 = D
Below 64 = F
Please check PowerSchool frequently in order to remain aware of your academic progress.
TESTS AND QUIZZES—What to expect
Tests will be given at the end of each unit. They will each be worth 100 points. We will hold a review session the day before the
test to help us prepare. If you miss the review day, you are still required to take the test.
Quizzes will be given throughout each chapter. Quizzes will be worth approximately 25 points each but can vary in point total.
Students can expect 1-2 quizzes per chapter. The purpose of the quizzes is to encourage students to remain current with the
information and to provide a quick assessment of student learning. Special accommodations will be made for students as needed.
Students who are absent on quiz day will need to make up the quiz on the day of their return.
HOMEWORK POLICY—How to get full credit for all assignments
Everything we do inside and outside of class will help you succeed in this class. Each assignment is designed to expand your
knowledge and help you meet the daily learning objective. Therefore, students must carefully complete ALL assignments.
Homework assignments will be given regularly. Projects and homework assignments are expected to be handed in on time at the
beginning of the class period. If extra time is needed for a project, students must provide a parent note with an explanation prior
1
to the due date. Internet access will be required for some activities. If Internet access is unavailable at home, please plan to use
the school or public library facilities. Late homework assignments WILL NOT be accepted. Late projects or labs will be
accepted for partial credit.
Students must identify their work before handing it in by writing their first and last name and class period at the top of the
page. You will not get credit if your work has no name.
ABSENCES—What to do when you return
We will follow the handbook rules for making up work. When you return, make sure you see me and check the absent folder for
the day you were gone for any assignments you have missed. It will be your responsibility for getting all absent work. If you
miss the day of an exam, it is your responsibility to make up the exam with me on the day you return, either at lunch or after
school.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY—Knowledge is too precious to be stolen!
Students caught copying from other students on assessments or homework, plagiarizing other’s work or ideas, or submitting
work that is not of their own creation will receive a zero on that assignment and will face disciplinary action.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN MRS. HOFFER’S CLASSROOM
WAYS TO SUCCEED—Follow every day!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Respect everyone in all words and actions.
Listen when someone is talking.
Class time is only for class activities.
Follow all of the teacher’s directions the first time.
Come to class prepared with all of the required materials.
Acceptable Behavior
1. Raising your hand to answer questions
2. Listening to and respect other students and your
teacher
3. Using technology when appropriate
4. Not using cell phones
5. Not eating or drinking
Unacceptable Behavior
1. Talking and disrupting others
2. Not following instructions
3. Using technology in an inappropriate manner or
at a time when it is not being used
4. Using cell phones or other devices not approved
by school policies
5. Eating and drinking in the classroom
*Follow all Lab Safety and School Rules and Policies!

Consequences for Unacceptable Behavior:
1. Warning
2. Warning + Parent Contact
3. Disciplinary Referral
4. Conference with parent and administrator
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES—What is expected during class!

Entering the Classroom- Students are expected to enter the room in a quiet manner. When you enter the room, you should
move your “number magnet” from the absent section to the present section of the attendance board and pick up any
handouts from the front of the room. If you fail to move your magnet, or are not in your seat when the bell rings, you
will be marked “tardy”. Tardies will be addressed according to school policies. You will also be counted tardy if your
computer is not closed when the bell rings, unless otherwise told.

Passes During Class Time – Every minute of class time is important but if it is necessary to leave the classroom, the
following procedures will be used. Only 3 passes will be issued during each class period. If you are given permission to
leave, you must sign out and move the magnet on the chart to the appropriate number of passes left for your class.
2

Participation- Students are expected to be working throughout the entire class period. During class, it is expected that all
students will actively participate by answering questions, taking notes and adding to class discussions. If a student
finishes his/her work early, I expect the student to complete enrichment exercises available in the classroom or to read a
book silently so they do not disrupt others.

Exiting the Classroom-Our last activity of the day will be an Exit Ticket based on the day’s lesson. You must complete it
before you leave. When you hear the bell ring, remain in your seat until dismissed by the teacher. I may have important
reminders to tell you at the end of the class. We DO NOT line up at the door in this classroom.
REMIND-- A way to stay on top of important due dates!
Remind is a service that allows teachers to either text or email students reminders. You are not required to sign up for Remind,
but I highly recommend using it. I will explain how parents/guardians may also sign up for this service at open house.
EXTRA CREDIT—A reward for those that go above and beyond in using their brains!
There will be 1-2 extra credit assignments available for every student each quarter. The extra credit assignments will be counted
as a homework assignment and will be worth 5-10 points. The extra credit assignments will have specific due dates and will not
be accepted after the due date has passed. The extra credit assignments will not be required.
EXPECTATIONS FROM MRS. HOFFER—High expectations for students and teachers
You can expect the following from Mrs. Hoffer:
 Fairness and consistency
 Excellent, engaging classes that take place in a safe learning atmosphere
 An open line of communication. If ever you need to reach me, I can be contacted before 10:00PM via email and you will
receive a prompt response!
Email: khoffer@ohschools.org
Phone: 419-534-5376 x3143
I have HIGH EXPECTATIONS for all of you and am looking forward to an excellent year!!!
Please Sign and Detach the Bottom Portion After Reviewing The Syllabus.
I ___________________(student name) understand and agree to the terms outlined in the course syllabus. I agree to be an active
participant in the classroom by asking questions when I do not understand, answering questions that the teacher asks and asking
for additional help when I need it. I also agree to follow all of the “Ways to Succeed” and all classroom procedures so that the
classroom is a safe learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed.
STUDENT:
SIGNATURE _______________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN:
SIGNATURE_________________________________
DATE________________
DATE_________________
3