August 2007
Dear Parents and Guardians:
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your child to my 9
th
grade
“Essential Elements of Science” class. I am looking forward to this new year and working with some
of Mesa‛s finest young people. Attached you will find very important information regarding lab
safety and a copy of the specific classroom guidelines your child received.
This class is a full year course that will include the study of various areas of science and
how they are interrelated, but will have a main focus on basic chemistry and physics concepts. Your
child will learn and use general laboratory skills for scientific investigations and problem solving, as
individuals and as teams. It is an excellent preparation for future science courses. This course
counts as a science credit toward high school graduation for both a regular and a scholastic
diploma. Additionally, the State Board of Regents has approved this course to qualify as one of
three science credits required for entrance into the Arizona universities.
The following are a few suggestions that will help you monitor your child‛s progress:
1. All Stapley science students are given a monthly calendar and are expected to carry it
everyday to class. Your child is to write down the assignment for each day. The calendar
can be a valuable organizational tool and can serve as a means by which you, as parents, can
monitor your child‛s work. The calendar is also available on the class website.
2. Before each unit test, your child should bring home his/her science notebook. In it, should
be all assignments for the unit. All assignments should be studied for the unit tests. After
the test, it is highly recommended that students keep their assignments to study for the
midterm and end of year final exam. The midterm and final are cumulative.
3. Please encourage your child to have assignments in on time. They lose valuable points
when assignments are not completed on time. To receive full credit, it must be turned in on
time, completely finished using complete sentences, and in pencil. No late work will be
accepted! If an assignment is not turned in on the due date, they CANNOT receive
credit! If your child is going to be absent, the assignment must be turned in before or
on the due date.
4. If your child must be absent, please encourage them to make arrangements to make up their

, please put your child‛s name in the subject line. You may also call me at 472-
2767. Supportive parents and guardians play an important role in the educational success of their
children. I believe our team effort can only result in ensuring that your child‛s classroom is one
where maximum learning takes place in a positive, pleasant environment. I hope your child will
enjoy learning more about science this year and that this class will be a very rewarding experience.
Sincerely,
Courtney Lewis
Classroom Guidelines
Ms. Lewis
Please read these procedures very carefully. It is important that you
keep them in your science notebook. When in doubt, please refer to
this list and review.
1. NEED TO TALK TO ME? If you need to talk to me about
something, please do so either before the bell rings, at the end of
class, before school or after school. You may also contact me
through email or on the phone.
2. TARDIES: Promptness is important. Be in your seat when the bell begins to ring.
Immediately fill in your calendar. Do what you need to do to feel comfortable and ready to
work before the bell rings (bathroom, drink of water, sharpen pencils, makeup, talk to me
etc.) When the bell rings, it's time to begin working, not get ready to work.
3. MATERIALS: Bring all materials to class each day: paper, pencils, notebook, homework,
calculator, and your brain.
4. BEHAVIOR: All school rules apply!! Students will not prevent me from teaching or other
students from learning. This classroom is a place of learning, not for socializing. Treat other
students and their property with RESPECT. Damaging property will not be tolerated. Writing
on desks and equipment will result in an automatic detention. Inappropriate language will
also result in an automatic detention.
5. LISTENING: We are here to learn. When I am talking, face me and listen quietly. Before
speaking, asking or answering a question, please raise your hand and wait to be called on.
6. NEATNESS: Take pride in yourself, in our classroom and in your work. Neatness shows you

*unless given permission from teacher, socializing is not an option!
17. CELL PHONES/ELECTRONICS (iPODS): Cell phones and all electronics must be turned off
and be out of sight. If I see them, hear them, or think you have them (this includes
headphones), I will take them and give them to the office.
18. RESTROOM: You will have 2 passes per quarter to use the bathroom. They are meant to be
used in emergencies only. Use the bathroom before or after class. You must turn in your
pass at the time of use.
19. CHEATING: Cheating will not be tolerated! If you are caught cheating or helping someone
cheat you will get an automatic zero for that assignment. Cheating is defined in the Stapley
and MPS Student handbook as “Plagiarism or any other type of academic misconduct that
enables a student to receive a grade or score that was not or would not have been earned
legitimately.” In other words, work that you didn‛t do yourself, for example copying any
portion from an assignment, test, or quiz.
I care about your success and I hope you do too. Let's have a fantastic year!!
"---------------------------------------------------
I have read the cover letter and classroom guidelines for Ms. Lewis‛s 9
th
grade science course.
__________________________ ______________________________
Student‛s Name (print) Parent/Guardian Signature
Please order a personal pair of goggles for my child, which he/she will purchase from the bookstore
for about $3.00 when they arrive.
(This is optional. Classroom goggles are available, but must be shared.)
( ) YES
( ) NO