8th Grade Health & Physical Education Syllabus

Teacher: John Hodson E-mail:     

Phone: 320-982-7387 Best time to contact:  7:15-8:00 am or 3:15-3:45 pm

Course Description: 

Health and Physical Education is a vital part of a complete education. Students involved in the 8th Grade Health and Physical Education curriculum will be in activities that can enhance their academic performance and classroom behavior throughout the school day.  Increasing health knowledge and developing healthy behaviors in our students helps them become well-rounded individuals. Students will be introduced to and participate in activities that will help them remain active through a lifetime, learn to set and achieve health related goals, and work with others in multiple situations. During the Health portion of the class students will have an opportunity to explore health related topics in detail and learn positive decision making skills.

Potential Physical Activities: 

Fitness testing Basketball Badminton

Football Softball Floor Hockey

Weight Room Pickleball Tennis

Track/Field Lacrosse Soccer

Ultimate Frisbee Team Building Gymnastics

Bowling* Swimming** Volleyball

* Students will go bowling for 5 days during 4th quarter, cost will be approximately $15

** All students will need a swimsuit and towel for 2nd quarter (we have extras if needed)

Health Topics:

Wellness Triangle Mental & Emotional Wellness/Disorders            CPR/First Aid

Physical/Mental/Social Health Suicide Prevention           Safe Dating*

Fitness Components Alcohol, Tobacco, Vaping

Stress Management Human Growth and Development

* There will be a guest speaker from Pearl Crisis Center for Safe Dating


Materials needed for this course: 

• You are REQUIRED to be prepared for class each day by having a change of clothes, which allows you to function athletically and promotes good hygiene. 

• Shorts, t-shirt, sweatshirt, sweatpants, and tennis shoes (Not Allowed - Crocs, Sandals, Boots, Dress Shoes, & Dudes)
• Failure to dress appropriately will have a negative impact on your grade. 

• Locks will be provided and you are responsible for the lock that is issued to you and will be required to return that lock at the end of the school year. 
• A lock fee of $7 will be administered if you lose your lock.
• Personal locks can be used as long as a combination or key is provided to the teacher.  
• Swimsuit for the 2nd quarter of the school year. (A one piece swimsuit is required for girls)

Textbook and Resources Utilized: 

• Google Classroom – students are expected to monitor classroom activities and 

requirements DAILY through the class page.

•  Fitnessgram Fitness Standards
• Teen Health Textbook

Requirements:  Student participation is a must. This is an activity-based class, therefore students should expect to be active during the class period.  Students should be prepared to try new activities with an open mind.  Remember to be safe, responsible, respectful and have fun. 

Class Participation  & Responsibility – Students will earn 5 points per day in physical education class based on dressing appropriately in athletic attire, participation, and being respectful to self, staff, classmates, and equipment.  Health and PE assignments will consist of classwork, homework, tests, skill assessments and projects.  Each PE & Health assignment will have a point value to it.

Milaca Bullying Policy:

This class follows the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program:

• We will not bully others.
• We will try to help students who are bullied.
• We will try to include students who are left out.
• If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and at home.

Locker Room Expectations:

You will have 5 minutes before and after class to change. You should do so quickly and go into the hallway as soon as you are ready for class. Cell phones are NOT allowed in the locker room. There will be consequences for misbehavior, rough housing, and vandalism. 

Absences from PE Class: Students will be given 5 absence days without having to do a make up workout sheet.  Once the student has missed more than 5 days, they are expected to get a Make Up Form from me and complete a 30 minute workout (approved by me) and turn in within one week from absence to receive points for the days missed.  A parent’s signature is required on this form.  

Unexcused absences: Students will not be able to make up points lost due to unexcused absences. 

Limited Participation: For EXTENDED NON-PARTICIPATION a doctor’s note is required.

For temporary LIMITED PARTICIPATION a parent/guardian note is required and students will be asked to make up those points by a modified activity or scheduling with the teacher.

Late Work: All work is expected to be turned in by the due date. If an assignment is turned in late it will receive partial credit.  Late work will not be accepted after the unit assessment has been given.  

Cell phones/Electronic Devices:

Cell Phones and Other Electronic Communication Devices

Each student has the opportunity to participate in the school’s technology device program. Therefore, students cannot use their personal electronic devices as a substitute for a school device.  Appropriate use of personal electronic devices is allowed only during passing time and the student’s assigned lunch period, the phone should not be visible at any time during scheduled classroom time, this includes when students are out of class with a pass. Devices may be confiscated for misuse or use during scheduled class times.  Students are prohibited from using a cell phone or other electronic communication device to engage in conduct prohibited by school district policies including, but not limited to, cheating, bullying, harassment, malicious and sadistic conduct.  If the school district has a reasonable suspicion that a student has violated a school rule or law by use of a cell phone or other electronic device, the school district may search the device.  The search of the device will be reasonably related in scope to the circumstances justifying the search. Students who use an electronic device inappropriately during the school day and/or in violation of school district policies may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the school district’s discipline policy.  In addition, a student’s cell phone or electronic device may be confiscated by the school district and, if applicable, provided to law enforcement.  Cell phone use will be prohibited in all locker rooms, restrooms, and during any and all testing environments. For a second offense, the item will be confiscated until a parent or guardian contacts a school official and a plan is in place to avoid further distractions/violations.  Additional violations will result in confiscation, detention, and/or suspension.  If a student refuses a staff member’s request to confiscate an electronic device it will be considered “insubordination” and subject to immediate dismissal.

Classroom management/discipline plan: 

    1^st incident results in a student teacher meeting to discuss behavior plan

    2^nd incident results in parent contact and the development of a behavior plan

  3^rd incident result in meeting with administration. 

**Behaviors that are safety issues will result in immediate removal from class. 
 

*  Please note there may be times when PE classes go off campus to the disc golf course, pickleball courts or the trails during class. By signing below gives permission for your student to be a part of those classes.

If you have any questions please feel free to email or call me. 

320-982-7387