Hi! My name is Erika Waltz and I am your child's Physics teacher. I am so exited to welcome your child to high school and help start them on this new journey. This site is dedicated to highlight the key information to aid in the success of your child as they navigate this new adventure.
I am entering my 17th year of teaching, of which the last 8 years have been spent as RFH. Prior to RFH, I taught 7th and 8th grade math. This experience has given me the unique experience of knowing the foundational mathematics skills your child is entering high school with. In addition to my Mathematics Education degree, I have earned a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a masters degree in Physics Education. Pairing these two content areas demonstrates the key links between their math and science courses, asking the age old question of when the mathematics skills they are acquiring may be used in the real world.
Beyond the classroom, I am a mom of three children, ages 11, 9 and 6. I enjoy time spent with my family, at the beach, paddleboarding and afternoon hikes in the park.
This year, students will explore how and why the world around us works through hands-on investigations, problem-solving, and real-world applications of physics. This site is a resource for families to stay informed about what we are learning, important course information, and ways to support students throughout the year.
Office Hours will be available in room 501 during the following times:
Office hours are most effective when students attend regularly and come prepared with specific, pointed questions. Rather than waiting until they are completely stuck, students are encouraged to use this time to clarify a concept, work through a challenging problem, check their understanding, or identify where they may have gone off track. Regular visits allow for more meaningful conversations and help students build confidence, independence, and strong problem-solving habits.
Students should come to class with the follow:
1.5'' Three-Ring Binder (dividers)
Pencils & eraser caps
TI-30 Scientific Calculator
Tissue box donations are always welcome!
An important key to success in highschool, especially in the math and science classrooms, is a growth mindset. The first few days of the school year are dedicated to comparing the growth mindset to the fixed mindset and ways to put that into practice. To learn more about how to foster this development, feel free to access MindsetWorks.