Mrs. Hoffmann's 8th grade English class will focus on journaling, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and various types of essay writing. Students are expected to follow classroom rules including being courteous, respecting others and their belongings, bringing required materials daily, and being on time. Consequences for rule violations include warnings, detention, and referral to the principal. Students will be graded based on classwork, homework, tests, essays, projects and quizzes.

1. Welcome Back! Read and find out a little about Mrs. Hoffmann’s 8th grade English class. What’s going on in 8th Grade English this year?

2. Classroom Expectations In order to maintain a safe and respectful environment that is conducive to learning, the following classroom expectations are essential. Be courteous to other students and teachers. Respect other’s belongings in the classroom. Bring all materials to class everyday. Be on time. Be a team player. Give 100% in everything you do.

3. Other Expectations Stay in your assigned seat unless given permission to move around. Use the restroom during your 5 minute passing period. Only bring necessary materials into the class; we have no room for backpacks and large bags. Leave cell phones, ipods or other personal items in your locker. Food, candy and drinks are not allowed in the classroom, except for water bottles with lids. Turn assignments in on time. Enter the classroom in a quiet courteous manner. The classroom is not a place for horse play.

4. Discipline Procedures If any of these classroom expectations are not met the results will be as follows: First Incident – Verbal Warning and last to leave class. Second Incident – Set in hallway for reflection time; parent conference/call. Third Incident – Lunch or after school detention; additional parent conference. Fourth Incident – Referral to Principal’s office.

5. Grading Policy Class Work & Homework – 50% Major Work (tests, essays & projects)– 30% Quizzes - 20%

6. Class Work & Homework Policy Class work will be counted late if it is not finished either in class or the next day with the teacher’s okay. Homework will be counted late if it is not finished by the beginning of class on the day it is due. Class Work Homework

7. Late Work If a student turns in work after it is due, it is considered late. It may be turned in one day late for up to a 70. After two days, the assignment can be turned in for up to a 50.

8. Late Work If you turn in a late assignment, attach the bright blue late assignment slip to it. Make sure you fill out the information on the slip. You will know the date it was due from the heading in the upper right hand corner which will include the due date.

9. Parent Portal You may keep track of academic progress regularly through the Parent Portal. Access it on the school web site - www.robinson.k12.tx.us/. Click the icon Parents under Resources on the left hand side of the home page. Scroll down the “Parents” page until you find the Parent Portal link. Resources Parents PTA Emergency Special Links Employment CTE Health Services Alumni Administrator

10. Parent Portal The Parent Portal will be updated at the beginning of the week, but missing assignments will be filled in everyday as an “M”. If you look at the portal regularly, you will be reminded of missing work. You will then be able to get your work finished and turned in the next day for a late grade instead of a zero.

11. Make-up work If you miss a day of school, you are responsible to pick-up your make-up work. Make-up work is due the day after it is received. If more time is needed due to an extended absence, that can be arranged. If a student is present the day an assignment is given but is absent the day the assignment is due, the assignment will be due the next day the student returns.

12. Classroom Procedures Independent Work – You will be expected to utilize your time wisely when you are asked to work alone on assignments. This will reduce your homework load tremendously. Group Work – You will be expected to work productively and cooperatively together when you are given assignments that will be done in groups. In order for your group to accomplish and succeed in your assignments, everyone will need to participate and listen especially when the teacher is giving instructions.

13. Tutorials Every Tuesday from 3:25 – 4:10 If any student needs additional help or to come at another time, please arrange it before hand. We will be utilizing homeroom this year as a tutorial time as needed.

14. Conference & Homeroom Conference Period 7th Period 1:46 – 2:33 Homeroom Period 10:36 – 11:09

15. 8th Grade English Course Matter (what you’ll be working on this year) Journaling Vocabulary Development – Greek & Latin roots, various others Vocabulary Attack Skills Individual Reading Books – of your choice within reason Writing Various Types of Essays – based on purpose of writing Essay Writing Skills – organization, word choice, grammar Reading Comprehension Reading Literary Texts of Different Genres and Periods

16. 1st Period 8:00 – 8:47 2nd Period 8:52 – 9:39 3rd Period 9:44 – 10:31 Homeroom 10:36 – 11:09 4th Period 11:14 – 11:59 Lunch 12:04 – 12:49 6th Period 12:54 – 1:41 7th Period 1:46 – 2:33 8th Period 2:38 – 3:25 8th Our Schedule

17. 2” Binder for English only Dividers (5) One single subject spiral (100 count) One Composition Book Flash Drive Other supplies as needed for class pens/pencils/red pens notebook paper highlighters – multiple colors access to a dictionary/thesaurus 8th the supplies you will need

18. "If you never have, you should. These things are fun and fun is good." by Dr. Seuss Eighth grade should be a fun year. You have the opportunity to have many great things happen both inside and outside of the classroom. Remember that your attitude will affect how your year will go; make sure you have a great attitude and you will have a great year!

19. Thank you for previewing our classroom expectations and policies. Answer the following questions and return the signature sheet signed by you and your parent. T or F You will write in a journal in English this year? How many binders will you need for English? T or F One of our classroom expectations is to be on time? What day of the week are tutorials available? What famous person gave the quote at the end of the slide show?