Mr.

Sam Horning
Room E1
samuel.horning@fwusd8.org
(520) 696-8109

Hello 3rd Hour! I’m excited to have you in

our class at FWHS for Spring 2024. I’m
Mr. Horning, and most of you know that I
am a Graduate Student (M.Ed) through the University of Arizona in the Teach AZ program. It’s
wonderful to be teaching your Biology class this semester. Feel free to ask me questions about
myself at any time to learn about my teaching background and my interest and studies in Biology.

As you already know Biology is the study of all life! This year we’ll be studying the human body
including how the cells of organisms duplicate and combine to create new life. We’ll also study
DNA and genes, disease, ecological events, speciation, and natural selection. You’ll end the year
with a fuller comprehension of all these concepts and more!

I want every student to succeed and to leave class with a genuine interest in Biology! You can
reach out to me for assistance at any time.

KNOW THE GRADING POLICIES KNOW THE LATE WORK POLICY KNOW THE REQUIRED MATERIALS

District Grading Scale You will have one week from Pencils
A = 90-100% the due date of assignments to Spiral Notebook
B = 80-89% turn in any late work. No 2 Pocket Folder
C = 70-79% exceptions except under Chromebook
D = 60-69% extraneous circumstances Chromebook Charger
F = 59% which need teacher approval.
You can receive up to 50%
Semester Grade credit on late work
40% = 3rd quarter assignments.
40% = 4th quarter
20% = final exam

Assignment Weights
Labs = 35%
Assignments = 30%
Quizzes & Tests = 25%
Bellwork & Attendance = 10%
 WHEN YOU EXCEED CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS WHEN YOU BREAK
EXPECTATIONS, I  Be in your seat when the bell rings. If not, you EXPECTATIONS, I WILL…
WILL… are marked tardy.
 Be respectful of each other and the learning 1. Provide a verbal
 Give you verbal environment. warning.
praise!  Have required materials. 2. Assign an after-class
 Give you a sticker or  Be ready to participate. meeting with Mr.
a small snack!  Follow directions the first time they are given. Horning.
 Award you with free  Use appropriate language. 3. Assign an at-lunch
time or game-based meeting with Mr.
science activity! TECHNOLOGY EXPECTATIONS Horning.
 Provide a Letter of Cell phones and headphones are not allowed in 4. Assign an at-lunch
Recommendation class while the sign is flipped to red. When the meeting with Mr.
for a job or a sign is green, you may use your devices freely. Horning and develop
school! an action plan and
ABSENCE EXPECTATIONS call home.
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to 5. Automatic referral.
check google classroom and contact me for
make-up work. You have as many days as you
were absent to make up your work. Write
“ABSENT” on the top of written assignments.

UNIT 3: MELANIN STORYLINE ATTEND HELP SESSIONS IF YOU NEED THEM!

We’ll start of the year learning about melanin, the
pigment in humans that makes skin have different
coloration.
UNIT 4: DISEASE STORYLINE
We’ll focus on various diseases and how they affect the
human body. We’ll also look at cell division.
I am available at lunch each day!
COME TO CLASS!
Emergencies and illness happen. If you’re
sick, stay home! If not, come to class. You
are doing yourself a dis-service by missing.

UNIT 5: PENGUIN STORYLINE STAY ON TOP OF LATE WORK!

We’ll bring our learning to group dynamics and changes
in populations over time by studying penguins.
UNIT 6: CANINE STORYLINE
We’ll conclude the year with a study of natural and
artificial selection in canines. We will look at how
Dear Parents/Guardians,
different breeds of dogs became the way they are now.
Don’t fall behind on your assignments. It’s
important to stay on top of assignments as
we’ll be moving with speed at times!
GET TO KNOW YOUR CLASSMATES!
There will be a lot of collaboration in our labs
this year. It’s important you learn to work
well with your classmates!
 I look forward to providing your child academic support in learning more about our shared
world through Biology. You’re welcome to read about the Teach AZ program through the UA
website or ask me questions over email or a phone call. I have guidance and supervision through
the year from professors at UA as well as my mentor teacher, Mr. Burch. It is thrilling to work at
FWHS, a school widely renowned for its excellence. Go Cabs!

Please kindly take a moment to fill out this quick reply agreement.

Warmly,
Mr. Horning

Students: I AGREE to follow the expectations and procedures of Biology class. I will do my best
to set an example of hard work, dedication, responsible behavior, collaboration, and respect for
others. I know that my grade will reflect my commitment to excellence. If I have any questions or
concerns, I will reach out to Mr. Horning.

Full Name:__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature:___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PARENTS: I AGREE to support the expectations and procedures of my child’s class. It is my goal
to help my child succeed in this class. I will ensure that my child has the required class materials.
I will not hesitate to contact Mr. Horning with any questions or concerns that concern my child’s
performance in the class.

Full Name:__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature:___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Email________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone #_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Best way to reach me: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Comments/Questions for teacher:

Estimados padres/tutores,

Espero poder brindarle a su hijo/a apoyo académico para que pueda aprender má s sobre nuestro
mundo compartido a través de la Biología. Les invitamos a leer sobre el programa Teach AZ a
través del sitio web de la University of Arizona o tambien puede hacerme preguntas por correo
electró nico o telefó nicamente. Durante todo el añ o cuento con la orientació n y supervisió n de
profesores de la University of Arizona, así como de mi maestro mentor, el Sr. Burch. Es
emocionante trabajar en FWHS, una escuela ampliamente reconocida por su excelencia. Go Cabs!

Por favor, tó mese un momento para completar este acuerdo de respuesta rá pida.

Atentamente,
Sr. Horning

ESTUDIANTES: ACEPTO seguir las expectativas y procedimientos de la clase de Biología. Haré

todo lo posible para dar ejemplo de trabajo duro, dedicació n, comportamiento responsable,
colaboració n y respeto por los demá s. Comprendo que mi calificacion reflejará mi compromiso
con la excelencia. Finalmente, entiendo que si tengo alguna pregunta o inquietud, me comunicaré
con el Sr. Horning.

Nombre_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Firma________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fecha________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PADRES: ACEPTO apoyar las expectativas y procedimientos de la clase de mi hijo/a. Mi objetivo

es ayudar a mi hijo/a a tener éxito en esta clase. Me aseguraré de que mi hijo/a tenga los
materiales necesarios para la clase. No dudaré en comunicarme con el Sr. Horning si tengo alguna
pregunta o inquietud relacionada con el desempeñ o de mi hijo/a en la clase.

Nombre_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Firma________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fecha________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Correo electrónico________________________________________________________________________________________

Teléfono #__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Comentarios/preguntas para el professor: