Dear Students,

It's a new year at Dunbar, and I'm looking forward to getting know each of you.  I'd also like to give you the benefit of my observations.  One thing that seemed to be a problem last year, is that students really don't know how to keep up with the studying and homework patterns.  We will try to work together to ensure that we can all be successful even with the complicated material found in this course.  We must work together to make this new adventure work well. 

I hope that you are as excited about all the possibilities that this year will bring as I am!  We have so much to learn and discover, and it all starts with you!

Last year, my students were caught by surprise by the differences in the amount of assigned homework.  They didn't seem to realize that they had to work every night on their homework, and that they had to review new material covered for the next block, EACH night.  The evening after an A day should be devoted A day's homework just assigned, and reviewing and completing homework for the B day ahead.  The evening after a B day should be devoted to B day's homework assigned, and reviewing and completing homework for the A day ahead.  This pattern doesn't leave much time for unproductive use of your time.  Be aware of the new patterns in homework.

They were also caught by surprise by the shorter time between tests.  Students must stay on top of the material covered, and really can't afford to waste time with their studies.  You should be reviewing every evening new material covered, and studying for tests well before the eve of.  Another observation that I had about tests last year was a lot of students simply forgot when the test was.  They came to class without any preparation, because they weren't keeping up with the schedule.  

The problem is that most of you don't know how to study or budget your time.  You may seem to be spending three hours each night on homework and studying, but are you making the best use of your time?  I will try to give you some tips and some ideas on how to improve on your study habits.  I will also be sure to give you adequate warning about dates of tests, and continue to remind you of when the test is for each chapter.  Also I will have these dates posted on the website at the class website to keep you aware of upcoming events in my class.  We all need to work together to ensure that their study habits and homework habits are productive.

I want to write this letter as an introduction to the class and I think it will help you assimilate yourselves into my classroom quickly and smoothly.  I will first describe to you what I expect from each of you and challenge you to remember them as we work through the year together.

I expect you to be in class as much as possible.  Attendance can make or break your grade.  The nature of block is that missing one block of lecture is like missing two days in the past schedule.  If you have had attendance problems in the past and wish to continue those in this class, you will be setting yourself up for failure.  Chemistry is hard, and it becomes almost impossible when you miss class often.  

While you are in class, I expect you to be cooperative, attentive, and friendly to everyone.  We certainly can't be learning anything worthwhile if problems develop that distract us from our task at hand.

I expect you to be ready to learn everyday!  It's easy the first few weeks of school...everything is new and exciting.  The real trick is to keep the excitement going after the thrill of the newness is gone away.  It won't be easy; even teachers are prone to slide every now and then, but it will be worth the effort you put into making every day your best.   We will be working very hard, but everyone of us can be successful as long as we work together and do our very best.  I expect nothing less than your best!

I expect you to ask for help when you need it.  You know best if you are unsure about something.  I'll be thrilled to do a "working lunch" with anyone who needs a few minutes of individual time, and I am generally available before and after school for help as well.

I expect you to take advantage of the different media I am providing to enhance your learning experience.  This website is very helpful, and you can e-mail me at any time for some additional hints and tips.

What can you expect from me?   For starters, you can expect me to care about you.  I do!  I love teaching high school.  This is where I want to be and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

You can expect me to treat each of you like the young adults you are.  I will not baby you, and I will expect you to be responsible for your own fate.  If you are willing to work hard and do as I ask, you can expect me to be empathetic with you as the year progresses.

You can expect me to keep grades updated and posted often so that you know your grades at all times.  No surprises.   You can expect to have access to most of your assignments over the internet, so when you are sick, you will still be able to keep up.

You can expect me to work hard to come up with new and better ways to teach the material to you.  I am always willing to try something new and out of the ordinary to help you to better understand the topics presented in this course.

You can expect to walk away from this class at the end of the year with a better understanding of the course material and a good feeling about yourself for a job well done!

Together, along with your parents, I hope that we can make this a banner year for you!

Mr. Swango