In early October, Springbrook High School’s chemistry teacher Katrina Villegas left school a month earlier than expected due to her pregnancy. Villegas was already planning to take a maternity leave in November, but because of health issues her doctor believed it would be best for her to stay on bed rest.

Due to her absence, the students in her five chemistry classes, including four honors chemistry classes and one International Baccalaureate (IB) chemistry class, were left with a substitute teacher who, according to the science department, was not certified to teach chemistry.

When chemistry teacher Melanie Rock realized that Villegas’ students were struggling, she decided to start a tutoring program with the help of her Advanced Placement (AP) chemistry students.

“One of the students suggested it as a chemistry club activity to allow chemistry club to focus on supporting the school, and to make a positive impact,” Rock said.

According to Rock, about 90% of her AP chemistry students signed up to tutor their peers.

Although there are tutors available almost everyday, only a few students have been utilizing the program so far.

“People will find out about it over time, and once people do, I hope others will take advantage of this opportunity if they need it,” Rock said.

AP chemistry students volunteered to tutor for a variety of different reasons.

“I signed up primarily because I wanted to help the kids, but teaching other people chemistry also gives me a chance to review and reinforce what I already know,” senior Gelila Haile explained. “Getting student service learning hours for tutoring doesn’t hurt either.”

The students who have received help from the tutoring program believe that it is beneficial.

“Most of the AP students know what they are talking about and are extremely helpful. It’s really nice that they’re dedicating their time, and giving up their lunch to help us out,” IB chemistry senior Nicole Kalitsi said.

On Thursday, Nov. 13, Caitlin Brubaker, a subsitute teacher certified to teach chemistry, replaced the previous long term substitute.

“I plan to share my love of chemistry and show them [the students] that it is possible to do it,” Brubaker stated.

Although Brubaker is now teaching Villegas’ classes, Rock plans to continue the tutoring program.

“The previous substitute was working really hard, and it’s great that we have a certified chemistry teacher now, but I think that the students will still benefit due to the peer tutoring,” Rock stated.

Brubaker also supports the tutoring program.

“I think it’s great idea. Sometimes kids can learn a lot with the help of their peers,” Brubaker said.

Students can come in for tutoring in Rock’s classroom, F113, during lunch on Tuesdays through Fridays. There are multiple tutors available throughout the entire lunch period.