Dear Parent/Guardians,
I wish to welcome your child back to school. I am looking forward to teaching your child
and sharing the world of Forensic Science with him/her. In basic terms, Forensic Science is the
application of science to law.
Our classroom textbook is: Forensic Science: An Introduction. Your child will need a
reference textbook for home use so he or she will need to check out a textbook from the library.
If you take the opportunity to examine the contents of the text, you will find the topics we will
be covering this year.
For children to be successful in school, they need to bring their school supplies to class
daily. The following list contains the items that your child needs for Anatomy.
1. 3-ring Notebook – large size (i.e. 2 inches).
2. Paper.
3. Pens and Pencils. (Do not use red ink, or any other hard-to-read ink for
assignments.)
4. Map colors (24 Color Set) for coloring science diagrams, etc.
5. Highlighters for highlighting their notes and other papers.
Much of the coursework will be done in class. But there will be work that students will
need to complete at home. Course work will include vocabulary, worksheets, science articles,
labs, tests, videos, and projects. The school uses a computerized grade book and the policy for
Forensics is listed below.
Tests
- 65%
Daily Grades - 35%
If your child needs extra help, I will be available for tutoring Monday through Friday
from 7:30 to 7:55 and during lunch from 12:05 to 12:30. (I am a bus driver for the district and
will be unavailable for tutorials after school.) If I believe it is necessary I may assign your child to
come to mandatory tutorials in an effort to help your child become more successful.
Students will be expected to follow school rules and class rules. School rules are found
in the student handbook. Please take the opportunity to read the student handbook and make
sure your child knows what is expected of them. Class rules are listed below.
1. Respect others and property at all times.
2. Raise your hand when you wish to speak and stay in your seat.
3. Follow directions and all safety rules.
4. Be prepared for class.
5. Keep the classroom clean and organized.
6. Homework is due at the beginning of class.
- Class work will be given a chance to be completed during class time.
If additional time is needed students will need to complete it as
homework or come to tutorials to complete the work. Work turned
in late will be reduced.
7. No cheating – graded work will be reduced.
8. No food, lotions, or personal grooming in class.
We will be doing labs during the school year. It is imperative that your child follow
safety guidelines in the lab and in the classroom. A safety contract with safety rules is attached
to this letter. Please read it with your child. Then sign and return the form at the end of the
letter to me. Please fill in all information on the last page. I cannot allow anyone to do lab work
until a safety contract is signed and returned.
My school website is: http://classroom.whartonisd.net/default.aspx?Mr.KevinHawk.
The site has helpful information on it such as important downloads and internet resources. I
encourage parents and students to use the website. (Please note: The website program was
updated and it changed some of my formatting. I will work on fixing those problems when
possible.)
I also encourage parents to contact me. The best way to contact me is by email,
especially since the block schedule doesn’t always provide me with a daily conference period.
My school email is: khawk@whartonisd.net. Emails are a great way for you to communicate at
any time, and I will reply to your email as soon as I have the opportunity. You may also call the
school if you would like. My conference period is during Period 1B of the B Schedule (8:00 to
9:30). If you cannot call during that time, you may call and leave a message and again, I will
return your call as soon as I have the opportunity. The school’s number is: 532-6800.
Sincerely,
Mr. Hawk
Proposed Schedule for the Year
1st
Semester
2nd Semester
1st Six Weeks
- Lab Safety
- History and Responsibilities (chapter 1)
- Crime Scenes (chapter 2)
- Physical Evidence (chapter 3)
- Properties of Matter and Glass Analysis
(chapter 4)
4th Six Weeks
- DNA Evidence (chapter 9)
- Bloodstain Pattern Evidence (chapter
10)
- Hair and Fibers Evidence (chapter 11)
2nd Six Weeks
- Properties of Matter and Glass Analysis
continued (chapter 4)
- Drugs (chapter 5)
- Forensic Toxicology (chapter 6)
- Microscopes (chapter 7)
5th Six Weeks
- Metals, Paints, and Soil Evidence
(chapter 12)
- Fire Investigation (chapter 13)
- Explosion Investigation (chapter 14)
- Fingerprints (chapter 15)
3rd Six Weeks
- Microscopes continued (chapter 7)
- Serology (chapter 8)
6th Six Weeks
- Fingerprints continued (chapter 15)
- Fire Arms, Tool Marks, and other
Impressions (chapter 16)
- Document Examination (chapter 17)
- Computer Forensics (chapter 18)
Forensic Science: Parent/Guardian and Student Agreement Form
I and my child have read the parent letter and understand what is required for class. We also
understand the importance of safety in the lab and class rooms.

Student: I have read the parent letter. I have also read and agree to follow all safety
rules. I realize that I must obey these rules to ensure my safety, as well as the safety of
others. I will cooperate to the fullest extent with my instructor and will follow all written
and verbal instructions. I am aware that any violation of this safety contract may result in
being removed from the laboratory, detention, referral, and/or receiving a failing grade. I
have also read the parent letter and understand it including any responsibilities for class.
Student name printed: _____________________________
Student name signed: _____________________________

Parent/Guardian: Please read the safety rules. Our school tries to create and maintain a
safe classroom and laboratory environment. With cooperation between teachers, parents,
and students potential problems can be prevented from happening. No student will be
permitted to perform laboratory activities unless this contract is signed by both
parent/guardian and student.
Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read the safety rules and will
instruct your child to follow all rules and safety procedures to safe guard your child and
other children. Your signature also indicates your understanding of it including any
responsibilities your child has for class.
Parent/Guardian: _____________________________
Other Important Information
1. Does your child have any allergies? If so, please list them.
2. Are there any medical/physical conditions that you think I need to be aware of to help
your child in the lab or in the classroom?