The problem is that you bought Pentium 4M cpu notebook that runs too hot and uses too much power for all but desktop replacement notebooks (and that is not what you are doing by going from class to class).
I know as I turned in one of these Compaq 2000 series due to subpar 2 hour battery life also (and integrated/shared video RAM) for a Compaq X1000/HPZT3000 15.4" Pentium M Centrino (6.5 pounds is also lighter than the above and much thinner).This model also has a dedicated video card for gaming (Dell 8600 is a very good model also) -- see X1000forums.com,,,,,,,
My fan never comes on at all unless it is booting up, playing a DVD (and then only comes on occassionally) or using the hard drive heavily (like downloading windows updates).
So, next time get a Pentium M Centrino notebook like this and you will have far less fan noise (although certain Centrino models run hotter than others) and you will get 3.5-5 hour battery life.
You have a Pentium 4 crammed into your notebook somewhat modified for efficiency but note that most desktops have loud fans and now you know the reason why --the Pentium 4M is not for this type of use .........
If your fan is not running on a Pentium 4M you will soon have a meltdown inside with all that heat.......