Even with graduation approaching quickly, seniors aren’t the only ones who should celebrate. By the end of January every government and history class with underclassmen students will have been visited by a guidance counselor to learn about scheduling.
Not only is looking forward to a new school year exciting, but there have also been some changes in the class choices that are available. “Honors classes that are currently in place this year will remain in place next year, however next year there will be no CP (College Prep) level courses,” said Matthew Johnstone, student guidance counselor.
Although some students worry that ridding these medium level courses will make classes harder for students, the guidance counselors respond to these complaints by justifying the change in course options.
“We’re hoping that scheduling-wise that more students can get their choices, because when you have the special classes then that creates fewer sections and it’s difficult to get them scheduled. It also gives them the opportunity to challenge themselves by taking an AP.” guidance counselor Jeanne Heinze added.
Other than discarding the entire branch of college prep courses there aren’t too many changes regarding the class options. However, there are some new electives that may interest the student body.
“All departments are keeping the core courses/electives that were offered last year but art is adding photography and visual communications. In addition floral design will once again be offered,” Johnstone claimed.
“Consumer math will not be offered, but as for new classes AP Computer Science Principles, that’s a new technology credit,” Heinze mentioned.
This new technology course begs the question that all students want answered: will foundations of technology still be mandatory?
In response to this question, Johnstone replied: “All of the graduation course requirements will stay the same. The state requires one technology credit, next year students will have a choice of FOT or AP Computer Science Principles. The prerequisite for this AP course is Algebra I.”
Freshman, Marissa Sieck says “I plan to still take FOT, but having the choice seems beneficial for students.”
From art electives, to computer sciences, counselors are here to help all students pick out their future schedules. “Counselors will be in government classes the week of January 25, world history classes the week of February 1 and US history classes the week of February 29,,” said Johnstone.