Student Responsibilities and Expectations for Mrs. Kreutter’s HonorsPhysics Class

Honors Physics is challenging. In order to be successful, you must be willing to work hard and be self-directed. You must have enough time in your schedule to be able to practice problem solving and really think about concepts and mathematical applications. Be realistic about your ability to balance the rigor of this course with your other obligations.

  1. Behavior: I expect to be treated with respect in order to provide every student with a positive learning environment. I expect you to come to class each day ready to work. I expect you to adhere to all school rules within my classroom. I do not police/record restroom visits; however I do expect you to go before, rather than during a test.
  2. Absences: It is your responsibility to make up any missed assignments, tests, quizzes, homework, projects, etc. Assignments will usually be available in Google Classroom. If you are absent for a test or quiz, you are expected to take it the day you return to school, but not during class. Plan to do this after school. If you are absent the day before a test or quiz, you are still expected to take it on the announced day because we will not cover any new material right before a test. Exceptions will be made for extended absences. If you know ahead of time that you will not be present for a test or quiz, please tell me ahead of time so we can schedule a time for you to take it. If you are absent at the last minute, please email me as soon as possible. If you miss the period of our test/quiz, but are in school that day you are expected to see me IN PERSON. All work for a particular unit must be made up before you take the unit test. Late work (not counting excused absences) will be subject to a penalty and a deadline . An assignment is considered late if turned in after it has been collected from the rest of the class. Sometimes I will do a spontaneous homework check or a lab data check ; if you do not have the work at that time, you earn zero points.
  3. Homework: Homework is for your benefit. It is not usually graded, but your grades on tests will improve if you do complete suggested homework. Some labs, projects, and assignments will be completed outside of class time but will be considered “assessments” rather than homework.
  4. Academic Integrity: I expect each student to present their own work. Collaboration is encouraged and required in some instances; however each individual must contribute (to a final project, for example) and must turn in lab reports, papers, and other assignments written in their own words (i.e., no copying other people’s work and claiming it as your own). Infractions will be dealt with harshly (no credit for each party involved and the filing of an Academic Integrity Violation Form). With projects, papers, and lab reports, be sure to cite any “borrowed” ideas or words. When it doubt, it’s better to cite a source than plagiarize.
  5. Class Participation: I expect all students to participate in class. I will call on you whether your hand is up or not; be ready. You will be expected to participate fully in lab activities in your lab group.
  6. Electronics: ABSOLUTELY NO CELL PHONE USE DURING OR AFTER TESTS.Otherwise I am not going to police your cell phone use. Smart phones can be useful for some labs to record data or events, but texting or posting to social media is usually not the best use of your time in class. You should be mature enough to monitor your own behavior.
  7. Extra Help: I am generally available for extra help most days after school (depending on meetings and my own children). Always check to be sure I am available before you decide to stay after school. The most likely locations to find me are: Workroom 219 (knock first) and Room 217. Outside of class, email communication is best. My email address is :
  8. Lab: It is not optional. Lab comes before club or team meetings. Lab is on A days for Per 2 and C days for Per 4.

Grading Policies

You will be graded on a point system with weighted categories (50% Assessments, 40% Labs/Projects, 10% Practice/Progress Checks). Assignments may include the following:

  • Homework: not usually graded, but there could be exceptions
  • Quizzes: Some announced, some surprise!
  • Lab Notebooks: you need to maintain a lab notebook so you can write up formal lab reports. Lab notebooks may be collected and graded also.
  • Tests: Major tests at the end of each unit. Usually worth 75-100 points. You can depend upon having to think critically, meaning there will always be problems that are not quite like ones we have worked previously. Application of concepts is important.
  • Projects/Papers: TBD. You will be provided rubrics and grading guidelines for special projects and papers during the school year.

Course Supplies

  • I suggest a 3-ring binder for notes, homework, and handouts. You will need to save all your handouts and notes for the entire year as there will be cumulative exams. You will need to take notes in class. I don’t care if you use loose-leaf and your binder or have a separate spiral notebook. The notes are for you. Use your best judgment.
  • For labs, you will need to record predictions, data, outcomes, etc. as you complete the lab. You need to purchase a sewn, quadrille-ruled composition book for this purpose. This may seem old school, but pen and paper is the most reliable recording method we have in the classroom.
  • You will need a scientific (non-graphing) calculator and a pen/pencil daily. Graphing calculators are not permitted in Honors Physics.

Laboratory Contract and Guidelines

Physics is a laboratory course. As such, much of your learning will occur during activities and labs. While we will not be using chemicals, animals, or fire, there will be opportunities for poor choices to lead to accidents. Using common sense will go a long way towards keeping a safe, productive learning environment, but here are a few explicit rules:

  1. No running, pranks, jokes, horsing around, or other irresponsible behavior at any time in the lab space unless running and jumping are part of the experiment (This is physics. We may need to jump; we almost certainly will need to run).
  2. Follow written and verbal instructions at all times. Don’t be afraid to ask me if you don’t know what to do next.
  3. Do not touch anything in lab (equipment, supplies, etc.) without my permission.
  4. No experiments are to be conducted when I am out of the room.
  5. No eating, drinking, gum chewing, or tasting in the lab.
  6. Only have lab notebooks and necessary materials out when conducting an experiment.
  7. Clean up after yourself when finished, but report any spills or broken equipment to me immediately.
  8. In addition to spills and breakage, let me know if there is an injury, fire, or inoperable/dangerous equipment.
  9. Do not remove any equipment from the lab without my permission.
  10. Be careful with sharp tools. Use them only as and when instructed. If cutting, cut away from your body. Let me know if you do cut yourself.
  11. Do not open any cabinets or go into the storage room without my permission.
  12. Matches, burners, power supplies, catapults, and hot plates are dangerous. Use them only as instructed.
  13. Know where the safety equipment is—the shower, the eye wash stations, the fire extinguishers, the fire blanket, and the exits. Know where to go when there is a fire drill or emergency.

Please read and sign and have your parents sign also. Due by 9/15.

I have read the handout detailing the student responsibilities, grading policies, course supplies, academic integrity, and laboratory contract and guidelines for Mrs. Kreutter’s physics course. I agree to follow these rules to ensure my safety and the safety of others. I agree to follow other rules and teacher instructions as such additions arise. If I do not follow these rules I understand I will be removed from the science classroom and will not be allowed to complete assignments.

______Printed student name

______Student Signature and Date

I have reviewed the safety contract with my child and am aware of measures that have been taken to ensure my child’s safety and academic success:

______Parent Signature and Date

Photo Release Permission:

We will video and/or photograph some experiments; these videos will be posted on my website but no student names will be posted.

______I give permission for photos/videos of my child to be posted on Mrs. Kreutter’s website.