Michelle Hurst is the science teacher for the upcoming year. She has over 10 years of teaching experience and degrees in interdisciplinary sciences. The physics class will involve hands-on labs where students work in groups, but must also complete individual projects. The goal is to help students develop skills like problem solving and teamwork for college and careers. Attached are the course overview, guidelines, and rules which students and parents should review.

1. Aug. 24, 2009
Dear Student, Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
Welcome back to school! I want to take this opportunity to provide
some information about the upcoming year. My name is Michelle Hurst,
and I am in my 10th year as a science teacher, and 3rd at LHS. I have
both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Interdisciplinary Sciences. I am
excited to have the opportunity to share the interesting field of science
with all of you.
This class involves lots of hands-on work through the labs. We will
work in groups often; however, each student must also complete at least
two individual projects during the semester. We will develop skills such as
problem-solving and teamwork while learning about physics. These skills
are vital in today’s workplace, and my goal is to help prepare students for
college and the workplace.
Attached are the course overview, guidelines and rules. Please
review them so that you are aware of the course requirements and my
expectations.
I keep a classroom blog that updates my students of work and
assignments. I will post power points and other assignments there. This
is a great site to check if your student is absent, or if you want to see
what we are working on in class. http://mrshurstscience.wordpress.com/
Students should arrive in class with an open mind and a positive
attitude: “I can do this!” As your teacher, I commit to providing an
environment where you can be successful. Parents, if you have any
questions or concerns, please call me or send me a note. I look forward
to an excellent semester. Please share your email address with me if
you prefer this method of communication.
Sincerely,
Michelle Hurst
hursmi@mansfieldisd.org

3. Physics Class Description Mrs. Hurst
The MISD course catalog provides the following information about this class: “This course
covers the fundamental concepts of chemistry: Physics is a course dealing with a
broad range of topics including mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity,
and magnetism. Emphasis will be placed on hands-on projects simulating
the concepts being taught.
In Physics, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods
during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific
problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: laws of motion; changes
within physical systems and conservation of energy and momentum; forces; thermodynamics;
characteristics and behavior of waves; and atomic, nuclear, and quantum physics. Students
who successfully complete Physics will acquire factual knowledge within a conceptual
framework, practice experimental design and interpretation, work collaboratively with
colleagues, and develop critical thinking skills. (TEKS 112.39)
The textbook will be the primary resource for practice and test preparation.
Throughout the course, we will concentrate on problem-solving and mathematical skills
required to understand these topics. An excellent source for help online:
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/Phys/Class/BBoard.html
Physics grades are based on the following distribution. More details on grade policies are
found in the attached class guidelines.
6-week grade:
Tests …………………….…….… 50%
Labs /Quizzes ……………… 30%
Homework ………20%
Three 6-week grades = 80% of semester grade
Exam = 20% of semester grade
Please note that the following items are required for this class each day: pen, pencil, and
a spiral. A calculator is recommended for homework.
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The attached guidelines are for parental information and are written for the student. Please
read, sign the acknowledgement and return this portion to class.
I have read and understand the attached class information and guidelines.
Student name (please print)_____________________________
Student signature____________________________ Date _____________
Parent name (Please print)_____________________________
Parent signature_____________________________________ Date _____________
Please indicate how you wish to be contacted if necessary: Email address or phone number:
Parent phone or e-mail:__________________________________________

4. Physics Class Guidelines Mrs. Hurst
Class Rules
1. Show respect for others and their property.
2. Be seated unless otherwise instructed.
3. Come prepared to work: Bring notebook, pen/pencil, calculator, textbook.
4. Follow all directions the first time they are given.
5. Follow all lab safety procedures. No horseplay.
6. Follow all school rules and policies.
Respect is treating others the way you wish to be treated. This means….
•Only one person speaks at a time except during labs or group work.
•If you wish to speak while teacher is speaking to the class, raise your hand to be recognized.
•When someone is speaking to the class, remain seated. In cases of personal emergency, exit
quietly through the back door.
•Follow directions the first time they are given.
•Disagreements/disputes will be handled one-on-one after class or in a principal’s office.
•If you need to sleep, go to bed earlier. Keep your head off your desk during class.
•Do your part in labs and group work.
Consequences
•Following the class rules and procedures provides a positive learning environment for those
in the classroom. The reward from following the rules and procedures is respect from me
and fellow students.
•If you choose not to follow a class rule, the action that will be taken is:
o 1st occurrence = Verbal warning
o 2nd occurrence = Complete corrective action form and/or detention
o 3rd occurrence = Office referral
Grades….
•Progress reports are issued every 3 weeks. All graded work is posted on Infinite Campus,
which can be accessed from the school web site. I will try update this weekly.
•Each student is responsible for keeping up with his/her grades.
•Any discussions about individual grades will take place before or after school, or questions
can be placed in the basket where all work is turned in.
•Homework is due at the beginning of class on the day that it is due. Late assignments
may be turned in up to 1 class period late for a maximum of a 70.
•The tests that are given at the end of each chapter require preparation. The students have a
chance to practice the required skills and question types on at least one quiz in the class
periods before the test.
•If a student fails an exam and would like a retest:
-Must be made up within one week of the test (or sooner if it is the end of a six weeks).
-Grades will NOT be changed at the end of a grading period.
-Students must show completed notes and all assignments for that unit beforehand.
-Students must also first do test corrections on the failed test.
-A maximum grade of a 70 will be given for any retest.

5. Labs….
•Every student must participate in lab. Science requires observation and experimentation.
•Each student must return a signed safety contract and must pass a safety quiz before
participating in lab.
•If safety procedures are not followed, student will be removed from lab.
Supplies
Bring the following items to class every day:
•Pen or pencil
•Notebook and paper
•Textbook (per planner instructions)
Class supplies: Each student is requested to bring one of the following:
1 roll paper towels
1 box facial tissues
Restroom….
•Do not leave to use the restroom while someone is speaking to the class.
•The class restroom pass is required to exit the classroom.
•If your restroom visit exceeds 5 minutes, or excessive visits and your restroom privilege
during this class is revoked for the remainder of the semester.
•If you are caught somewhere other than the restroom, your restroom privilege during this
class is revoked for the remainder of the semester.
Absences….
•District policies will be strictly followed related to attendance. See Legacy High School
Student Handbook for Absence Policy on p. 31-33 and Tardy Policy on p. 36.
•You are responsible for getting your own make-up work. Refer to my website or lesson
plans posted in classroom.
•Missed handouts are in the “make-up work” folder for your class.
•Get notes you missed from a classmate.
•For missed tests, you must schedule the make-up time with me.
Academic Dishonesty….
•Cheating and plagiarism are not tolerated. Assignments that use the internet as a source must
include citation/credit if information is copied and pasted. Lab discussion and conclusions
must be in your own words. District policies will be followed per the Legacy High School
Student Handbook on p. 37.
Tutorials….
Tuesday 6:50-7:10 Waugh S220 Tuesday 2:50-3:20 Hurst U202
Wednesday 6:50-7:10 Griffin Z302
Thursday 2:50-3:20 Hurst U202