Diverse courses propels student interests

A cozy snow day at home on Feb. 3 marked the start of Hewlett High School’s third quarter of the 2013-’14 school year. For students who were up late on Super Bowl Sunday, it was a relief to sleep in late and enjoy another day of relaxing. After a long week of strenuous midterms, it feels good to know it’s time to start over in the second semester.
Some students have altered schedules in the second half of the school year, bringing them new challenges. In the second semester, courses are also planned for next school year. Recently, each grade had assemblies with their guidance counselor discussing course options. As a sophomore, the choices are plentiful and somewhat staggering. It’s tough to decide on courses in advance and hope that you made the right choice.
“I’m excited to continue with my classes this semester and I’m doing an independent study for recycled design which should be an interesting experience. I do wish that there were more extracurricular classes to choose from,” Franny Gould, a sophomore, said. “I think I’m really challenging myself with the classes I’ve taken and plan to take. I think as I get closer to college, I want to take more diverse classes to really get an understanding of what I’m interested in.”
The Science Department offers a variety of Advanced Placement classes to enhance junior year. Known for being a difficult year due to college preparations, choosing hard courses can be stressful. The selection includes AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics 1, and AP Environmental Science or Regents Physics. AP Physics 1 is a new class replacing AP Physics. Another class being offered for the first time is Introduction to Robotics Research as a Science Research class to benefit the members of the Hewlett Robotics Club.
The Social Studies Department also has a monumental change in course options. Previously, Hewlett High didn’t offer the class AP World History. However, the Board of Education is considering adding the class to be offered in 11th grade. The course would require the prerequisite of World History Honors in 9th grade. The prerequisite will definitely be a class next school year, while AP World History is to be determined for 2015-’16. Many other high schools in the area already give the option for this AP class.

Another slight course change is reflected in Hewlett High School’s Journalism program as a part of the English Department. In the past, in the first semester Journalism 1 was given followed by Journalism 2 in the spring. In order to improve the class it will now be Journalism followed by College Journalism. In conjunction with Molloy College, this class will further enrich students interested in journalism. The change should be a boon those who write for the Spectrum student newspaper.
Overall, our high school offers an immense amount of classes and provides students with numerous opportunities to pursue their interests. Whether your passion is in writing, science, or art, classes are consistently being upgraded.
As a sophomore, there are many courses to look forward to in the future. Although I’m undecided what my true interests are, I know I can count on Hewlett High School to help me figure it out.