The new school year is coming faster than you think. On Jan. 31, counselors went into all junior English classes to remind students about graduation and department requirements, as well as to talk about new course selections that will be available for the upcoming year.
This year, each department chose new courses for next year.
“The courses were submitted to the district for review, a course description was provided, as well as a core curriculum,” said counselor Pat Olson-McGee. “Then they were submitted to the Board of Education and waited approval.”
These new courses include Intermediate Algebra, Discrete Mathematics with Data Analysis, Chicago Literature, Film Studies, AP Environmental Science, and Forensics 3.
For those who do not want to a complete year of English 4, there is an opportunity to only take it for a single semester.
“You have to take one semester of English 4, and then you can take another English elective for another semester,” said Olson-McGee. “The English department would like to see students be creative and think outside of the box with taking an English elective as well, and not just English 4 all year.”
Additionally, there are many more selections of blended learning classes available this year that reach out to a broader student population.
These include Psychology, Current Issues,Biology,US History, Medical Skills (for juniors and seniors), Weight Training and Fitness, AP Art History, Foods and Nutrition I, and Consumer Education.
In order to take a blended learning class, you must have a 2.0 or higher GPA when you meet with your counselor. Internet access at home and available technology are also necessary, and it is helpful to be a self-sufficient learner. When signing up for the class, you will be given a contract to sign that commits you to the above criteria.
There is also a new option for those interested in the medical field.
“A new medical class is now available for freshman and sophomores, called Principles for Biomedical Sciences for theMedicalAcademy,” said Olson-McGee.
Many students have seen signs around the school advertising the Co-Op program. The Co-Op program is a class that assists students in the world of work.
Here is a snapshot of a sample day in the Co-Op program. You will be taking two classes, Cooperative Education Work Place and On the Job Training, and you will be learning resourceful skills in both classes like work skills, résumé building, and how to perform mock interviews. On the Job Training allows for early release from school after 7th hour to go to work. You will be logging your hours as well as talking to your employer to gain school credits.
Remember to talk to your counselor about AP classes, early graduation, early release, Co-Op programs, and the two new programs at MCC, Culinary Management and Robotics.
Counselors will be meeting with incoming juniors from Feb. 14 to Feb. 29 and incoming sophomores from March 2 to March 9.