*This petition is for parents and guardians of students of Montgomery Township School District only.*

We, the undersigned of this petition, hereby petition the Montgomery Township School District (Somerset County, NJ) Board of Education to take immediate action to re-evaluate the entire Montgomery Township High School Science Program including abolishing the Physics First Program.

•The Strategic Planning Survey results show that the percentage of High School students who rate the Science program as good or excellent is about one-third (specifically Freshman 38%, Sophomores 33%, Juniors 31% and Seniors 30%). This, in addition to countless individual and public meetings with district parents, shows the dissatisfaction of the public for the Science program. Please refer to page 14 of the pdf below:

http://mtsd.k12.nj.us/cms/lib5/NJ01000127/Centricity/Domain/1/Montgomery%20Township%20Board%20Presentation%20of%20Research%20Findings.pdf

•Regarding the MHS Science Program as a whole, we have issues including but not limited to: sequencing of courses (see next two bullets), curriculum, instruction/teaching technique and assessments.

•Regarding Physics First, we value the social/emotional component of our child(ren)’s academic experience and believe the Physics First program creates an undue amount of stress, negativity and decreased confidence for our child(ren). This stress affects how well they perform academically in all their other classes as well as affects their emotional, mental and physical well-being.

•The school district has not published any information or measurable data to the public regarding the success of the Physics First program or the benefits to our students. We believe enough time has been invested in the Physics First program to assess the program and, from our perspective, it is not working. Please note: North Hunterdon Central High School recently abolished Physics First. [We are trying to get more information/ data about this. If we are able to, it will be posted in the “Highlight” section below.] Physics is now open to only 11th and 12th graders as is shown on this webpage:

http://www.hcrhs.k12.nj.us/academics/program-of-studies/science-courses-for-current-grades-9-10-11/index.aspx

It is for these reasons we demand that the Montgomery Township Board of Education immediately act to address our concerns regarding the entire MHS Science Program including abolishing Physics First. We favor a more traditional science program that will be in line with our current district standards, maintain our competitive curriculum with comparison to similar districts and fulfill the science requirements for our students.

The readers of this petition should carefully review all comments included with this petition for each parent’s individual concerns.

Directions to those signing: In order to be counted, please enter your full legal name, a unique email address (only one signature per email allowed) and your ZIP Code. Then, in the comments box, please include a comment to explain your specific opinion/issue about any aspect of the MHS Science Program and/or Physics First. (Even though your ZIP Code is not displaying under your signature, it is being recorded and will be reported to the BOE.) Thank you for your support!