Dear Parents and Guardians:
I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself and describe your student's physics class.
My name is Phillip Timm. I have been teaching physics and physical science since 1990 at Jacobs High School. I look forward to working with you and your student during the coming months. I have two boys and one girl of my own—ages 18, 16, and 14. My wife had our first child during my first year at Jacobs. The years go by fast. My certification is in high school level science and I have a BS in Physics and a MS in Physics Secondary Education. However, I do consider myself a regular guy having hobbies of woodworking, welding, drawing, and painting. I am currently teaching 3 levels of physics at the school and will therefore not be involved in those activities (hobbies) for some time.
Physics is offered at four levels at Jacobs –Regular, Honors and AP Physics and occasionally Independent Study. Most 4-year colleges expect their students to have had biology, chemistry, and physics. At Jacobs, we feel that most students can handle an Algebra-based physics their sophomore year. It is an excellent review of the math concepts taught in Algebra. The Honors Physics class is designed for students that are very strong in math and hope to continue to study physics in college. Your student is currently enrolled in Honors Physics. I teach physics with the philosophy that all college-bound students can learn high school physics. Students in Algebra II or higher should be able to master the concepts covered in this class. We do many hands-on experiments to help explain each topic. For every math concept covered, there is enough skill and drill practice provided to help master the concepts. It is an excellent overview of all the math required on college entrance exams. Students have also received a sheet that discusses grading and class expectations, and an overview of topics covered in physics. You should have signed this.
As this is a lab class, attendance will be extremely important. If you expect to be absent for any extended periods of time (over 9 days absent—20% of the term), you will probably not be able to earn credit for this class.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at school at 847-658-2500 ex 154. I am available to talk in the morning from 6:50 to 7:20. or 9:15 till 10 a.m. and of course my email is accessible 24-7. Please do not expect an immediate response as I look but once a day at best.
Do not forget to check in at Infinite Campus. (Please go on-line and look up the District 300 Web site to obtain access: Web Site: www.d300.org
Go to: parent and Choose parent portal--it will walk you through getting access. If you have any trouble please contact Jacobs High School at 847-658-2500).
Mr.Phillip Timm
Physics Teacher
Nationally Certified
