Because freshmen now take chemistry instead of physics, science teachers have enlisted upperclassmen with A-averages in science courses in a tutoring program.

  Due to a change in the science curriculum, students are now required to take chemistry as freshmen, biology as sophomores, and a science class of choice for both juniors and seniors.

  Science teacher Greg Brobst noticed some of his freshman students struggling with his chemistry content during the beginning of the year.

 “Chemistry is a difficult subject especially for freshmen, and so we wanted to provide as many opportunities as possible for the freshmen to get help,” said Brobst. “We need to make sure they are understanding the material, and also, we wanted to give our upperclassmen the opportunity to help out in the community.”

  Due to this realization, Brobst and another science teacher, Jenny Bonitz, decided to use their resources to help their students. With upperclassmen in courses like AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, and AP Physics, it wasn’t hard to find students able and willing to assist the freshman. However, any student who earned an A in his or her chemistry or biology course can help in the program. He or she does not need to be enrolled in an AP science course.

  Senior and AP chemistry student Jordan Helsel helps the chemistry classes during her first-period study hall when she has free time from senior-aiding.

  “I wanted to help the freshman go from the ‘middle school kind of science’ to the ‘high school kind of science,’” said Helsel. “The more AP kids that help, the more one-on-one [attention] the freshman get.”

  In addition to helping during freshmen chemistry periods, some upperclassmen also do sessions after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

  Junior Annmarie Falzone has seen improvement in both the students she helps after they have gotten used to the new content.

  “Sometimes you can’t understand what your teachers mean and you need a perspective from someone younger,” said Falzone.

  If they officially register, these science student assistants can also earn high school credits with this tutoring. Without a doubt, this program is yet another example of students at Susquehannock working to better both themselves and each other in the classroom.