Parent Letter

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the AP Science Program here at Coronado High School.  The purpose of this letter is to give you a little more understanding of what you and your son/daughter are getting into and what you might expect to see throughout the year.  As you are aware, the Advanced Placement Program is developed by the College Board and is designed to let students experience a college level course in a high school setting.  They may even be able to receive credit for their work in this class.  One thing we have to remember about the high school setting is the time frame.  We only have 52 minute periods, while reminiscing back to my college chemistry experience, I had an hour lecture three times a week,  a 30 to 45 minute prelab class once a week, and a 3 hour lab session once a week.  We also have to factor in that the test for this course is close to when college finals are, mid May.  So you can see the obstacles in front of us.  We have to jam 2 semesters of information, plus some higher level chemistry information into a 7 month time frame (roughly speaking - with Holidays and all).  This means at times I am going to push your son or daughter to their fullest, trying not to push so hard they fall down:) .  We move at a fast pace, but understand I am here for them after school and before school to slow down and give them one on one help when needed.  I will also have some labs due to time requirements that have to be completed after school.  This is explained in my expectations.  I try to limit the number of after school lab to a bare minimum, but there will be some times where they may need a ride home.  The College Board suggests 23 different labs, and I am only able to get approximately 20 complete in our time frame.  There is one free response question on th AP exam that is lab based. 

It is important to understand why your son/daughter is taking this course.  If it is through desire to accept and tackle a difficult intellectual challenge, to take a superior science course while in high school to better prepare them for college, and/or just to take and 'pass' the AP exam, then this course will help them meet this goal.  If the main objective is to gain college credit, be sure to contact the college that your son/daughter is interested in to see their requirements.  For example, they could get a 5 on the AP exam but still have to take to course in college (it will be a good GPA boost, but...).  One of the main reasons for this is the requirements of a graduate school.  Medical fields are like this, so please be informed right from the beginning.  With that being said, I do expect all students taking the course to take the AP exam in May.  You can learn more about the exam and College Board at www.collegeboard.org they have a link for parents.

Each student and parent should not be surprised by course requirements that are in excess of what you would expect from an honors - level course.  It is not unusual for a student to be responsible for several assignments at the same time (I do try to be fair - I even communicate with other AP teachers as to when their tests or big assignments are - this will help with overlaoding).  It is not uncommon that those students use to  receiving low 90 averages will drop to a 'B'.  Students do not have to make A's on every test/quiz to do well on the AP exam.  Thinking without being told how to think is the most important key to being successful.  They will struggle from time to time, and I am sure there will be moments where they want to give up.  That is when I will ask students to come in and get help.  I can not force them, but I will do my best to identify if this happens.  I may need your help at home too.  I have found that those students that don't give up, even those that struggle are very successful in the course.  Self discipline, motivation, and maturity are important attributes for success.  There are several review/study guides for the AP exams available for purchase at any local bookstore, it is not required.  However these books tend to give them the understanding support needed when they are at home.  It will also provide them with more practice for the AP level of questioning.

I am not trying to scare you, just inform you that it will be a demanding year.  Again I try to be as fair as possible, and even give incentive activities in the form of tutoring and Add On Points to buffer the course level, because they are still in high school.  Your son/daughter can be involved in sports and/or extra curricular activities and still survive (work during the week may prove to be difficult because some businesses allow students to work really late hours-keep that in mind). If you ever have any questions or concerns please contact me through email at mjviscar@interact.ccsd.net .  Thanks for your support, and I look forward to a great year.  MJ Viscardo

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