05 August 2011
Dear Students and Parents,

I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and express my excitement about working with your students this year. I believe students can grow and develop by examining the issues we cover in class. The main goal of my physical science class is to cover the state standards in physical science and for your child to master those standards. Over the course of this year, we will discover and explore the wonders of our world as it relates to physical science.

The Georgia Performance Standards covered this year include the following:

S8P1: the nature of matter
S8P2: transformations of energy
S8P3: force/mass/motion
S8P4: nature of sound and electromagnetic radiation
S8P5: gravity, electricity and magnetism

Grading will be divided and weighted as follows:

Presentation: 15%. This includes participation, introductory or activating activities such as homework, warm up (do now) activities, copying notes or definitions, and notebook or book checks.

Practice: 45%. This includes daily work and practice and work building toward mastery such as in-class practice assignments, labs, quizzes and projects.

Tests: 40%. This includes major tests and assessments of mastery.

I will be assigning projects at various times throughout the school year. Projects are to be completed at home. Your help and support will not only make your child more successful in school this year but will instill good study habits that will last a lifetime.

Finally, I want to keep the lines of communication open with you. I am available every day to talk with you between 8:30am and 8:50am, 10:15am and 11:15am and from 4:05pm until 4:30pm. Please do not hesitate to call the school (706.748.3020) and set up a conference or you may email me at sdmorris@mcsdga.net with any questions or concerns during the school year.

Sincerely,
Dr. Morris

Veterans Memorial Middle School
Dr. Denise Morris