Physics 2014-2015

Instructor: Mrs. D. Yessick

Conference Information: Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the teacher with any concerns they have about their child’s performance in this class. Requests for accommodations are welcomed. You may call the school at 342-2850 and leave a message or you may e-mail me at Please be sure to include your name, your child’s name, phone number and the best time to call. My planning period is from 12:00 to 1:15 and I would be happy to meet before or after school if you would like to request a conference.

Course Description: Physics is the branch of science that addresses the properties of physical matter, physical quantities, and their relationships. It consists of studies of mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity and magnetism. Emphasis is placed on motion of objects in one and two dimensions, the law of conservation of momentum, Newton’s and Kepler’s laws of motion, energy, thermodynamics, properties of light and electrical, magnetic and gravitational forces acting on objects. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for one unit of physical science for the advanced diploma.

Materials: Students will be required to bring a composition notebook (maybe spiral bound), folder or ring binder and a pen or pencil to class every day. Students will also need a scientific calculator and graph paper. Requested Materials: Students are asked to bring one box of tissues for classroom use

Textbook: Physics, copyright 2006 by Holt School Publications and teacher made supplemental materials.

Grading Policy: The final grade for each nineweek grading period will be based on various methods of

assessment. These methods will include, but are not limited to tests, homework assignments, projects,

essays, quizzes, notebooks and class participation. Student’s nine weeks grades will be averaged and the

grade calculated based on the following:

Daily Participation/Assignments: 50%

Tests, Quizzes, and Projects 50%

The final semester average will be computed according to the board policy. The four nine weeks grades will

be counted as 80% and final exam counted as 20% of the final grade. Please see the Tuscaloosa County

Exam policy for further information about exam requirements and exemptions.

Course Requirements: In order to be successful mastering the objectives of this course, it will be necessary to take part in classroom discussions, do all assignments and lab work and study for announced tests. Every absence from class will result in make-up work that must be completed and turned in to the teacher according to the make-up work policy of Tuscaloosa County Schools.

Essential Functions: To be successful in this class, students must be able to perform the following; read and comprehend the textbook and supplemental materials, follow written and verbal directions, communicate in writing and verbally using standard grammar, sentence and paragraph structure. Students should also be able to apply scientific knowledge, use problem-solving skills, participate in class discussions and take useful class notes.

Grade Reporting Periods
Nine Week
Periods / Progress
Reports / Report Card
Aug 7 - Oct10 / Sep 12 / Oct 17
Oct 14 - Dec 19 / Nov 14 / Jan 9
Jan 7- Mar 13 / Feb 6 / Mar 27
Mar 23- May 21 / Apr 17 / May 29

*Please mark these dates on your calendar and ask to see your student’s progress reports and report cards.

Make-Up Work: Students are required to turn in all make-up assignments according to the Make-up work policy in the Parent/Student Guide. Makeup tests for an excused absence must be scheduled with the teacher within 5 school days of the excused absence. Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher for make-up assignments. Students will receive a grade of zero for all assignments that are not made-up or that are missed due to an unexcused absence unless allowed by the teacher according to the new board policy. Makeup work that is turned in beyond the time allowed by policy will earn reduced credit.

Discipline: To ensure that all students have an orderly and structured learning environment, it is necessary for all students to understand and comply with the classroom code of conduct as follows:

• Students will be seated before the tardy bell. Tuscaloosa County School Board policy will be followed regarding tardies.

• Students will bring required materials to class daily.

• Students will be held responsible for following the school’s dress code.

• Students are prohibited from using cell phones or other electronic devices in school unless specifically directed by the teacher and approved by the principal; cell phones or other electronic devices used in class for any other purpose will be confiscated and turned into the office.

Students will be required to follow all other rules as stated in the Parent/Student Guide.

Failure to comply with the stated code of conduct in the class will bring consequences in accordance with the Tuscaloosa County High School policy and may include the following: warning, parental contact, additional writing assignments, counselor referral, Saturday detention, suspension, expulsion.

Attendance is required according to the Tuscaloosa County School Board policy and will be strictly enforced.

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Student Name (printed) Parent Name (printed)

Laboratory work is very important to the student’s success in chemistry. We are very fortunate to be able to participate with Alabama Science in Motion for many of our labs. Alabama Science in Motion requires a lab safety contract to be signed by parents and kept on file. Please review the safety contract with your son/daughter.

Please sign below indicating that you have read the syllabus and Alabama Science in Motion Safety Contract. Contact Mrs. Yessick if you have any questions.

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Parent Signature Home or cell phone E-mail address

______Please check if you can be reached during the day for a non-emergency conference.

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Emergency Contact (please print) Daytime phone number