Chemistry courses have a universal reputation for being difficult. Should your child experience any difficulty, please encourage him/her to see me for additional help. I am available Monday and Wednesday through December after school. This may change depending on other obligations. In many cases, just five or ten minutes of individual assistance can make all the difference. The textbook for the course, World of Chemistry, has many features to assist students and parents. The introductory pages offer suggestions on reading chemistry, writing chemistry, and testing in chemistry (pages xxii-xxix). I would also recommend reading pages 14-16 to help your son/daughter develop successful strategies for learning chemistry and to discuss why learning chemistry is so important. An online resource, classzone.com, provides flashcards, practice tests, and learning support for the textbook.
Laboratory work is an important component of the grade so attendance is crucial. You may want to review the labs and my comments periodically.
As explained in the course expectations and policies, attendance is crucial to experiencing success in the classroom. Please review the course expectations and policies – it is imperative that work and or labs be made up as quickly as possible after an absence. Each student must assume responsibility in arranging time for make-up.
I will be glad to confer with you at any time during the school year should you have any questions regarding the course or your child’s progress. I am most easily reached via email at e_bertrand@sau9.org . You may also call the school at 356-4343 x3460. I will contact you as soon as possible.