Sept.

4, 2013 Dear Grant Parents, My name is Ethan Medley and I will be teaching your child in AP physics this year. This will be my seventh year at Grant, and I have been teaching physics for the last twenty years in the district. AP physics a very challenging class, but I am very available to help kids who are struggling. I eat lunch in my room on most days and stay late after school. Kids are welcome to drop by or set up a time to meet. The AP test is on May 12, and I strongly encourage students to take it. The class very much teaches to the test and most of my students have qualified for college credit as a result. This test and class cover the typical first semester physics curriculum for engineers and physicists mechanics (motion, forces, collisions, orbits) with calculus. While most students take this as a second year physics course, it is possible to start with this course. Those students who do this must realize that to be successful they will need to work extra hard, particularly at the beginning of the year. Throughout the year, students will participate in weekly lab experiences to keep the curriculum real and hands-on. One or two of the labs per quarter will involve thorough reports. Major tests will occur about twice a quarter. Test items are chosen from prior AP tests and graded using the College Boards rigorous scales. This has three effects that I want to bring to your attention: student test scores are frequently low; students are prepared for the challenge and the emotional feel of the actual AP test, and I use a generous overall scale for total class grades. Unlike the first year class there are no test retakes. For homework I use an online service. As each student gets a set of problems with unique numbers, I encourage them to work together. Please let me know if getting internet access is an issue and I will find a way to work around this or make alternate homework assignments. The letter grade is based on the following scale: 85-100A, 70-84B, 5569C, 40-54D, 0-39F. In calculating a total percentage, tests will be worth approximately 50%, labs reports will be worth approximately 30%, and homework approximately 20%. Lab reports that are late are penalized 10% per week, but if students request an extension responsibly I grant them. Asking on the due date, or by email the night before is not good enough. They need to plan ahead. I have created a web site to allow students and parents to see unit goals, dates of major activities, exemplary student work, answer keys and occasionally other things. Please bookmark the site http://apphysghs.blogspot.com. I hope you find it useful. I update it once or twice a month. It is also possible to access student grades online. I use the same service that most PPS teachers use, and there is a link to it on the website. I am excited to have your child in class this year. I always appreciate hearing from parents if you have questions or concerns. The best way to reach me is by email at emedley@pps.net, but you can also reach me by phone at Grant at (503) 916-5160. I look forward to a good year. Sincerely, Ethan Medley http://physicsghs.blogspot.com emedley@pps.net