August 24, 2015
MYIB Physics
Myers Park High School
INTRODUCTION
Dear Parent:
Science is headlining the news almost every day. It may be replacing the space shuttle program, or
genetics research, or the latest drug to hit the market. In order for us to stay connected with what is
happening in conversations and make informed decisions it is necessary to have a solid background
in science. Physics is one of the four core areas of science that your student will study to help
prepare them for the world.
The most successful students are those who take responsibility for their own progress. We should try
as teachers and parents to help the student grow in self motivation and in developing good study
habits such as promptly completing homework, preparing for class, taking notes, and working with a
study partner.
Physics is a course that requires students to actively take part in their learning. This means that
homework and study time are both vitally important. If you find that your student is still struggling in
the course, know that help is available. The physics department is a close group of colleagues who
will arrange whatever we can to help your student achieve his or her best in our discipline.
In this newsletter you will find things to help a struggling student and a list of
policies and procedures. Please read them carefully with your student and make sure that he
or she understands the responsibilities that come with this course. Also note the needed materials.
I am looking forward to spending the semester exploring Physics with your student. As a team, I
believe that we can have a very successful year!
I encourage you to take a look at the class wiki before and during the semester. If you have any
further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Mr. Scott G. Shoaf
Instructor Information
Mr. Scott G. Shoaf
Email: scottyg.shoaf@cms.k12.nc.us
School Phone: 980-343-5800
Please see class wiki for additional information.
Email is the most efficient way to contact me. Thank you.
Class Wiki
Information for parents & students can be found at
www.myersparkphysics.cmswiki.wikispaces.net . Upcoming due dates, guided notes, class
assignments, and online help can be found on the class wiki.
Physics Items Needed for Class:
1. Scientific Calculator. A graphing calculator can be useful but is not required.
2. Pencil. You work will require you to make corrections and adjustments. ALL work must
therefore be submitted to me in pencil.
3. Three-ring Binder. A notebook will be needed to be kept specifically for Physics.
Because there are so many printed notes and handouts, the three-ring binder is the
notebook of choice.
4. Colored Pencils/Thin Markers. Not required but will assist in understanding concepts in
notes and on exercises.
Attendance
Because each class builds on previous knowledge, it is very important that students are in class
every day. When absences cannot be avoided, it is the student’s responsibility to get the notes
and the assignments missed. This is the expectation of the teacher and the responsibility of the
student.
Beginning Class
Students should come to class every day with their notebook, calculator, paper, pencil,
reference pack, and all work. Students are expected to be in the door BEFORE the bell rings.
Students should take care of all bathroom business BEFORE class.
Grading Policy
Formal Assessments 70%
Test (4)
Formal Lab (2 or 4)
Quiz (1)
Informal Assessment 30%
Informal Lab (3)
Homework and class work (1)
A formal assessment includes tests, quizzes, projects, or formal labs. An informal assessment
includes homework, class work, or informal labs. In each category the assignments will be
weighted differently.
Unit Tests
Tests will be given at the end of every unit. If a student knows that he or she will be out of class
on the day of a test (for a field trip, band concert, etc.) the student is responsible for making an
appointment with the teacher and taking the test ahead of time. These tests will cover the same
material as the regular test, but will not necessarily be the same test or format. If a student
misses a regularly scheduled test due to illness, the student has five class days to make up the
test during an afterschool tutoring session, until that time the tests are considered to be zeros in
the grade book. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule their tests within that time frame,
not the teacher’s.
Quizzes
Quizzes will be announced and unannounced. Your two lowest quiz grades will be omitted at
the end of each nine weeks, provided all quizzes were taken. You can simply omit the first two
quizzes you miss or you must make up your quiz afterschool within 5 school days, unless there
are extenuating circumstances.
Homework
Students are assigned homework most nights. Some assignments will be online, and students
will need internet access to obtain the work and turn in their answers. They DO NOT, however,
need to be on a computer to work on the assignment, nor do they need to answer the questions
in order or all at once. Homework is an extension of the class lesson and is vital to successfully
mastering Physics. They need to work on problem sets every evening, not just the day before it
is due. The due date for homework is given in the syllabus, and will be due at 10 pm CST on
that date. After the due date has passed, students will be able to access the correct answers
and solutions by picking up the solutions on the UTexas site. Students will not be granted
extensions to turn in late assignments so please plan accordingly.
University of Texas Homework Information
Getting Started
a) Log on to the following address
http://quest.cns.utexas.edu/student/ or go to the class wiki and use the provided link.
b) Get your UTEID by following the instructions at the given link. Then log back in to the system.
c) When you view "My Courses", if you don't see any courses listed, click "Enroll in new course".
Obtain the unique number for your class from your instructor and enter this when prompted. Your instructor
will be notified that you want to register, and you will see a status message indicating that your enrollment is
pending.
Your number is: 3rd Block: 08153
4th Block: 08154
d) Viewing and submitting your assignment
Choose My Courses to view your course listings, and then choose a course to see the assignments associated
with that course. Click on an individual assignment to see problems and a form to submit your answers.
Problems have many different variations, so your assignment will be different from another student in your
class. All assignments have due dates and your instructor has the option of displaying a solution after the due
date has passed.
Please see class wiki for “UT Homework Document” to see how answers should be formatted.
HAVING TROUBLE AND NEED HELP?
1. Try reading the section in your textbook that corresponds to the material being covered
in class.
2. Go to the class wiki and link to the online review for topic that corresponds with the
material being covered in class.
3. Come to tutoring afterschool on Tuesday or Thursday afterschool 2:20 – 3:30 locations
TBA.
If you have tried these three things and are still having difficulty, please see me as soon as
possible to explore other alternatives.
Remind 101
Students should and parents can get text reminders for class by signing up through Remind
101. Text the following to 81010:
3rd Block: @3rdshoaf
4th Block: @4thshoaf
Class Rules
The following are four simple rules that will be followed in addition to the school rules/policies
and lab procedures.
 Be Courteous—respect the other students around you as well as the teacher, and behave in
a manner that exhibits this respect
 Be Prepared—come to class on time with all materials, ready to work and learn for a full
ninety minutes
 Be Responsible—for your materials, your deadlines, your behavior, and the lab equipment
when it is in use.
 Be Safe—due to the nature of many of our physics labs it is EXTREMELY important that
you respect the rules of the lab to protect yourself and those around you.
Consequences
Should any of the rules of the class or school be broken the following consequence plan will be
put into action as appropriate.
1. Warning verbal or non-verbal cue
2. Private discussion with Mr. Shoaf after class
3. 15 minute detention
4. 30 minute detention student will write a letter home to parent to be used at next
consequence describing behavior and consequences
5. The letter written will be sent home to parent with addendum from current behavior
issue. In addition Mr. Shoaf will call home to discuss the issue and an after school
detention will be issued
6. The issue will be referred to the office
Mr. Shoaf’s Wish List
Lab Donations for Consumable Items (Make Checks to: Myers Park High School)
Tissue/Kleenex
Paper Towels
Copy Paper
9V Batteries/ C Batteries
By signing and returning this form you are agreeing you have read and understand everything in
this handout. In particular the following items:
1. What to do if your student needs help.
2.
3.
4.
5.
How to sign up for text reminders.
Materials needed for class every day.
The quiz policy.
Students will need access to a computer with Internet access throughout the course of
this class.
6. Homework is due and a grade is received date listed in the syllabus and on UTexas
website. If this date needs to be changed it will be announced in class and listed as an
emergency message upon logging in to the UTexas website.
Please print the information below and return it to me by Friday August 28, 2015
Student Name: __________________________________________________
Guidance Counselor: ______________________________________________
Parent / Guardian Name: ___________________________________________
Home phone: ______________________________
Daytime phone: ____________________________
Best time to contact: ________________________
E-mail: ____________________________________
Any other important information: ______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
I have read this letter and understand what is expected of my child. I will do my best to help my child
fulfill his or her responsibilities and keep up with his or her progress. If I have any questions or
concerns or if I am unaware of my child’s progress, I will contact you through e-mail.
Student Signature: _________________________________________________
Print Parent Name: ________________________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________________________________