Hi folks!

My name is Nick Duell and I am your student’s chemistry teacher this year. I want to touch base with you all on a few things:

• Check SchoolBrains to stay on top of your student's grades. I update grades online very frequently so that you and your student at home can be aware of your student's progress and any outstanding assignments.
• Unit Tests are worth quite a bit in this course. I tell the students to consistently shoot for at least 80-85s on my tests. If your student is below this threshold, I would encourage you to help them plan some time to study. Looking over their notes is a great start, but working on practice sheets and coming in to see me after school is ALWAYS encouraged. I'm available nearly every day until at least 3PM and I'd be more than happy to help your student individually. If they say "oh man, I don't need to study, I know this stuff!" — check their grades on the tests. If they're up over 90%, then they're probably pretty good. Less, and it's time to get to work! Your help is greatly appreciated and it truly makes a difference.
• Google Classroom ⋅ Your student (and you!) can see, on a daily basis, what is done in class and what is expected to be completed for homework. Email me for an invitation to our Google Classroom; I can add you as a parent/guardian.
• We always need STUFF. Below is a list of things that we use in labs and activities that are either commonly thrown away at home or cost a few bucks. This is by no means required, but I'd be remiss if I didn't ask you to help with supplies on this front. Peruse the list and feel free to send in a few things as you find them or purchase them throughout the year.
  • Paper towels
  • Sponges
  • Empty soda cans (washed, please!)
  • Empty 2-liter bottles (washed, please!)
  • Expo dry-erase markers
  • A box of tissues
  • Pennies from before the year 1982 (prior to 1982, pennies were made of 100% copper. If you have tons of pennies lying around, check the years and throw the old ones in a baggie for us to use.)
  • Alka-Seltzer tablets (these usually come in packages of 2)
  • A box of cheap plastic spoons
  • A box of paper or plastic bathroom cups
  • Disposable gloves

I think that's all for now. I have found that a balanced approach, with parents and teachers working towards the same goal, will ultimately result in a successful completion of this course. Many thanks for all your help, and please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have. I'm excited for the year ahead!

Nick