When choosing your schedule for the school year it is important to take into consideration what you have planned for your future. Weir high school offers different elective classes depending on grade level, out of all of these classes there is certainly one that is beneficial for you.
Weir high provides the opportunity to two foreign language classes, American Sign Language taught by Mrs. Smith Montgomery, and Spanish taught by Dr. Csizek.
Mrs. Smith Montgomery instructs American sign language l, ll, lll, and llll. ASL teaches students how to communicate with deaf, hard of hearing, and speech impaired individuals. Knowing and learning to communicate ASL can help with any future encounter and can also lead to job opportunities. Montgomery stated, “ASL can lead to interpreter jobs as well as helping when dealing with Deaf persons on the job or anywhere in life”
Dr. Ciszek teaching Spanish l-5 quoted. “Students benefit from increased cultural awareness; reading, writing, and listening skills; and will hopefully be inspired to explore the world around them.” Spanish allows students to conquer a second language by providing education on communication and different cultures, and by emphasizing vocabulary and literacy skills. “Taking Spanish both semesters made me feel like I had some consistency. I also just enjoy Dr. Ciszek as a teacher.” Stated Freshmen Alea White.
When entering high school, you are also entering the age where you are eligible to take the road. Luckily, Brian Pietro teaches Weir highs drivers education class. Drivers Ed helps students become more comfortable on the road. Students with their license and with their permit can acquire benefits from this class by being able to practice driving skills like parallel parking and driving long distances.
There are five elective classes that art teacher Mrs. Johnston has to offer. These classes include Art 1-4 and crafts. “My classes are great for problem solving and spacial awareness. Art allows you to look at the world differently and then see how you can make it what you want.” Johnston stated.
“Mrs. Johnston is so fun, and her art class opens your eyes and expands your creativity.” Junior Raena Reitter stated.
Gym, Dance, team sports, Weight lifting, and Fitness and conditioning are all elective classes that require students to be active. Staying active as a student can be very important for your health, especially while being young.
Team sports, Fitness and conditioning, and weight lifting are all taught by Tyler Warrick. “There’s a little bit of everything for everyone.” Warrick stated.
With Business being the most common major for college students, Mrs. Dotson’s classes can be very beneficial for those who plan to go to college, want to start a business, or find themselves going down the marketing career. Dotson teaches Personal finance, Business & Marketing Essentials, Entrepreneurship, Accounting 1&2, and Office procedures.
Personal Finance Is now a required class for upcoming Freshmen, but it is also recommended for anyone to take. Personal finance teaches students how to properly manage money, helps students gain a logical perspective, and teaches students how mistakes made at an early age can affect your financial outlook for the years ahead.
“Each of my classes teach students skills that are used in a workplace setting such as good communication skills, teamwork, leadership, and hands-on learning.” Said Dotson. The multiple classes that Dotson teaches are great for gaining leadership skills as well as incorporating real world- training. The Future business leaders of America organization which prepares leaders in the business world also ties in with these elective classes.
After completing your science credits, you have the option to take elective science courses. These include Anatomy and Physiology, Forensic Science, Forensic science 2, and Dual credit biology, taught by Deana Williams.
Dual credit Biology and Anatomy are treated as college level courses by Williams, but currently, Dual credit biology is the only course available for college credit. “This helps to prepare students for the rigor of college while broadening their knowledge. It is also important to me that students really learn the information presented rather than memorizing it. I feel this provides students with a good base of knowledge on which they can build.” Williams stated.
Forensics 1 is offered as a lab science course, while forensics 2 is available as an elective for students. Forensics involves hands on learning and critical thinking skills. With forensics 2 being an elective it gives Williams a chance to have more flexibility, like being able to cover current cases, or cases that students are interested in. “I have had several students go on to study forensics in college”
Morgan Bricker, Weir student medias Advisor grants the opportunity to capture your journalist skills, by providing 3 classes for students, Journalism I, Print Journalism (Newspaper I-IV, Yearbook I-IV), and Journalism Video.
Journalism allows students to learn about journalism history, “current events, press law and ethics, interviewing and information gathering, newswriting, journalistic style, photography, videography, publication design, sales and marketing, advertising, business management, leadership.” These skills give students the concept of what it is like to be a real-life journalist.
Video and Print Journalism gives students the chance to explore themselves as a student journalist. “I have learned so much because of WSM and my knowledge continues to grow each and every day.” Said Weir Student medias staff manager Hailey Hans . Students gain the opportunity to express their first amendment freedoms, by being able to publish a newspaper, morning announcement’s, videos projects, social media posts, web articles, online content and more.
“Ask just about any Weir Student Media alumni, and they’ll tell you that they use the skills they gained while on staff almost every day in some capacity. Whether in their college classes, their careers or their lives, what they learn as journalism students helps in all walks of life. You don’t have to become a professional journalist to benefit from taking these classes in high school.” Bricker quoted.
Scheduling begins April 1 in first block classes. Students should select the electives that align with their interests and possible career paths.
Additional Electives
We have reached out for information about the elective classes listed below, which are not already mentioned in the article, but have not gotten a response. Updates will be provided online.
Life, and Food prep taught by Emily Hores
Business computers, Accounting, Desktop publishing, and Digital imaging taught by Kristen Palavis
Chorus, Band, Music Appreciation, Orchestra, and Instrument Ensemble taught by Gavin Shaffer
Early childhood classroom assisted teacher (CTE courses) taught by Sara Jackson.
