Dear Parents/Guardians,
Wayzata High School offers a science course to incoming freshmen entitled "Enriched Physical Science." The prerequisites for enrollment in the course are the following:
According to our records, your student has met all the prerequisites to date, and is invited, although not required, to register for this course as he/she completes registration for 9th grade.
The Enriched Physical Science (EPS) course is designed for students with high interest and aptitude in science and math. The course applies mathematics to chemistry and physics concepts, extending learning to topics not typically taught in 9th grade Physical Science. These topics include the thermodynamics of chemistry, projectile motion and self-designed research projects. This course moves at an accelerated pace and requires demanding supplemental readings and use of a graphing calculator.
In addition to the application of math skills, students will be asked to read and comprehend challenging text. Examples of course readings are available for review by going to the Wayzata High School Gifted and Talented webpage. As a reference, students currently enrolled in the course have 7th grade Winter MAP Reading test RIT scores that average 236, with typical range from 230-249.
Again, your student is not required to register for this course, but is eligible to do so if he/she is looking for a rigorous and challenging science class for their freshman year. The course is not a prerequisite for other Advanced Placement or Honors Science courses. Students should plan for a balanced schedule, knowing those who don't take EPS can be successful in subsequent honors or advanced placement science courses. There are a few courses that students are unable to register for directly due to prerequisite requirements that need to be verified before adding it to their schedule. Enriched Physical Science is one of these courses. Should your student wish to register for EPS, they should complete the attached form. They will not be able to enroll directly in this course as part of the registration process. Final determination of course placement will occur after Semester 2 math grades are posted. If you have questions regarding this course, you can contact the Gifted and Talented Coordinator from your middle school. Or, you may contact the High School Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Amy Swenson, at Amy.Swenson@wayzataschools.org or 763-745-6605.
Sincerely,
Scott Gengler Wayzata High School Principal |