Exploring a variety of course selections

As teenagers of the 21st century, we are constantly changing our habits as technology evolves around us. We are always looking for the fastest, smartest and coolest way to do things, whether it is finding a place to eat or studying for a science test. Fortunately, each year Hewlett High School makes changes to provide the best opportunities for students. After midterm week, grades and GPAs for the first semester were released. These grades mark the end of stresses for many seniors and an important step for juniors.
Seniors are eager to be second-semester seniors, a popular term for students that do not have to be concerned with grades affecting college acceptances as much. In addition, returning students recently began the process of choosing classes for their schedules next school year.
Unlike previous school years, students selected courses online through the Parent Portal. The process continues with meetings between students and guidance counselors. There are many important decisions students make in this process, and the schedules take time to finalize.
Hewlett High offers more than 20 advanced placement courses, a multitude of college level courses and remedial courses. Many classes are added each year to ensure students have the ability to take courses to fulfill their interests. Some new courses for the 2015-2016 school year include AP physics 2, Mandarin Chinese 2R, and half-year options for 12R English like creative writing.
The Pupil Personnel Services Department works to inform students and parents of all of the options provided by the school. Students often ask their teachers for course recommendations. Students also learn from PPS the importance of picking classes that will apply to career interests and help to learn skills for college and beyond.
Starting with the class of 2017, students need to fulfill a new requirement of credits under Financial Literacy to graduate. Some classes that account for this credit include college money and investments and financial math. The goal is to help ensure students have the skills and knowledge needed to be responsible for their personal finances and the understanding of the issues and strategies involved with maintaining successful fiscal health. Although slightly cumbersome to fit the classes in some students’ schedules, the courses can help students with an important life skill.
Overall, students are pleased with the diverse course options at Hewlett High School. Each department provides support for the students who know what they want to study, but also allow undecided students to explore new interests. It is critical to have exposure to a multitude of areas before college in order to truly identify strengths and weaknesses. The process is more difficult for some, but in the end, our lives are a little easier when we know ourselves.