The First Day of Classes

Many schools now begin with a shortened schedule for the first few days. We began on Wednesday, August 20th with an 11:45 dismissal; each class meeting for 25 minutes. On the first day I assign seats and pass out the state test books. I pass around a blank seating chart and tell the students to print their names in the proper space. They are told that it is their first intelligence test of the year; can they get their name in the correct space. The seating charts were returned correctly the first time by all but one class. In my 5th period regular Chemistry class one of the young ladies put her name in the wrong box, resulting in half the room being incorrect. Their second try was successful.

The 1st period AP Chemistry class appears enthusiastic and ready to work, with the exception of one young lady who has already asked if she can drop. I filled out the paper-work for her without trying to talk her out of it, and sent her off to talk to the guidance counselor. I know there will be a few more of them dropping after they take their “summer homework” exam next week.

The Honors Chemistry and regular Chemistry “A” classes I have been assigned are filled with students whose parents or older siblings I have taught; more than half the names being familiar to me. I will ask each one personally if they have such a connection to me when I check their materials in lab next week. We spent the first two early dismissal days going over the class policies and handing out sheets of information. The first full day, Friday, we began the lesson on scientific notation. This is mostly a review topic, it being covered in Algebra I, but I have to teach them how to use their scientific calculators to work with these types of numbers. The Honors Chemistry and Chemistry A classes begin studying the same topics, but differentiate towards the end of chapter 2.

My home room class is all the sophomore students (19) from my 5th period Chemistry A class and two sophomores from the Biology class next door. Since all homerooms are the same year in school I lose my 5th period juniors and get the two sophomores from the mostly freshmen Biology class.

Fifth period is a double period because of lunch. My Chemistry class meets for the first 45 minutes, has a 25 minute lunch, and then returns for 20 minutes of homeroom. I have decided to bring my lunch this year and eat in my room. The administration does not like us to do this, but does little to discourage the practice. It is the only time of the day when I can collect my thoughts in solitude.

Monday we check into lab. I check to make sure that each student has the materials I assigned them to have for class; book sock, binder, scientific calculator, and class notebook. It is their first grade in Chemistry, each item being worth 5 points. We then go over the lab safety rules and point out the location of the fire extinguisher, safety shower, and eye wash station in the lab. They will take the “Lab Safety Quiz” the next day.