Only halfway through with this school year, teachers and administrators are already preparing for the 2020-2021 school year. Some of them are doing so by adding more class options.

One addition is Design Through Printmaking. The class is going to focus on different types of printmaking and using different tools. Some of the projects are going to involve mono printmaking, soak screen, relief, and etching. Ms. Leah Klister, the teacher of the class, is also hoping to get a printing press for school before next year. “I am super excited to teach this class because it is my favorite type of art,” Klister said. 

Another class that was in high demand was Engineering 4. Next year will be the first time a student can take four years of engineering. It will only be available to seniors and the main project will revolve around RoboCup. The class is going to be developed around the students and based on student feedback. “The layout is going to be a small group and independent study, the students are going to be replacing the teachers almost,” Ms. Anne Dougherty said.

AP Computer Science will be taught by Dr. Peter Kirwin. Kirwin has a lot of experience in this field as he runs his own software company. The class will be open to juniors and seniors who have very minimal coding knowledge. The AP test will revolve around JAVA code, and it will Consist of multiple-choice and free-response questions. “It will mirror the engineering program in the way there won’t be any test or homework,” Kirwin said.

The last new addition to the curriculum will be Digital Video and Storytelling. Mr. Charlie Zinn will be teaching the class. It is open to every grade and will be focused on giving students the ability to tell stories and show their emotions. “I hope the projects give teenagers a chance to express themselves,” Zinn said. 

There will be no prerequisites to get into Digital Video and Storytelling. The class is going to involve taking video in the real world and will require a lot of planning for projects. It will also help kids become leaders and take initiatives on the projects. The class will be unique in that it is the first of its kind to use film in a documentary or storytelling format. Zinn has high expectations for the class. “It is reuniting me with some of my past interest and I hope to do it well so I can inspire other students,” Zinn said.