The beginning of high school is an exciting new experience where freshmen can make friends, get to know their teachers, and pick their electives. Some students pick their electives based on previous knowledge of their dislikes and likes. Students who don’t know what to pick usually pick the same as their friends. While others go on a whim and discover classes that is interesting, that wasn’t before they took it. Freshmen students tend to not be too focused on the many possibilities that can be gain even when they’re young. There are many options of classes that can help students pursue to achieve greater in either education, hobbies, or finding what feels rights. For instance, honors and advanced classes, which can count towards both high school and college credits.
Every student is required to take mandatory English required per year. In every English class, teachers ask the students who would like the be in the honors program for the duration of the semester. To get the honors English credit the requirement is to keep above a C-", the requirement is to not have a C- or lower. Students in honors will take an extra step when it comes to projects, essays, or any assignments. Sophomore Coco Zehm was asked why she was interested in doing the honors program, she replied, “I was interested in taking the honors option of English 2 because I would think that I am a naturally curious and analytical person and taking the honors option would allow for that to show on my transcript and my classroom activity.” 9th/10th graders can take English 1 and 2 Honors classes without having to do anything beforehand. Mrs. Rosenfield is one of out of three English teachers that are teaching in Cascade High School. Mrs. Rosenfield described that taking honors English classes helps prepare you for adult life. “I would say that taking Honors English prepares you for success in any career. You need these skills to obtain and retain any job, and they do a great deal to empower you in your personal life, as well.”
UWHS Pre-Calculus is an advanced math class for people who decide after doing Algebra 2 if they want to challenge themselves with college level math class. The classroom information stated by Cascade High School description that, “The purpose of the course is to use and advance the math skills developed in previous math classes to prepare students for college-level Calculus. The course will introduce a basic toolkit of examples, and then focus on multi-step problems with applications to a wide range of disciplines.” Before taking this class 10th-12th grade students must pass Algebra 2. With this class completed students can gain five college credits with a B or higher. Mr. Massey is a teacher who teaches college-based curricula for UWHS Pre-Calculus, UWHS Planets, and CWU Physics at Cascade High School. When he was asked, why he would encourage students to take it, he replied, “UWHS Pre-Calculus is a great class for reviewing and strengthening the math skills gained in Algebra II. You learn how to solve real-world, multi-step problems, which will prepare you really well for Calculus and/or life in general.” It was taught last semester and every year there's at least one pre calc class taught as far as I know.
The solar system is a vast space that can be explored infinitely and still have many discoveries that students can learn from, then UWHS Planets is a perfect class. The official description for this class states, “Survey of the planets of the solar system, with emphases on recent space exploration of the planets and on the comparative evolution of the Earth and the other planets.” Learning planets, stars, galaxies, and how the stars and planets move through space and chemistry. This class is available to 10th to 12th graders who have passed both Geometry and Level 2 Science and can earn up to five college credits. The topics in UWHS Planets can help provide background information if any student would like to get a job in the future, for example, planetarium director, meteorologist, research scientist, climatologist, aeronautical, engineer, astronomer, etc.
If you would like to contact Mr. Massey about this class, please email dmassey@cascadesd.org for further questions.
Students are required to take Digitools as a mandatory high school credit for computer class, however, the class is also a dual credit. If students pass the class with a B or better than they can gain up to five college credits. The description stated that Digitools, “Prepares students to apply technology skills to personal and workplace business situations. Students develop mastery in using MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access). It also includes career exploration and HTML programming language.” This class will provide students to learn how to explore websites and typing to improve personal and business work. Mrs. Murphy said, “Digitools is a beginning computer class at the high school. It teaches students the basics of the Microsoft Office Suite. We also cover a career exploration unit.” Mrs. Murphy also teaches Computer Science and Multimedia at Cascade High School. During the time in class, it would be a great advantage to earn college credits if they have a B or better without having to do extra steps in 9th/10th grade.
CWU Physics is another class that is a step forward in college credits from the regular class. The information Is declared, “An integrated experimental and analytical investigation of topics including kinematics and dynamics. This integrated lecture/laboratory course includes the analysis of physical systems using algebra and trigonometry along with inquiry-based activities and experimental investigation. Five Central Washington University credits in Introductory Physics can be earned for the course.” Students who want to expand their knowledge from their previous science class would be excellent for this class. The class is available to 10th to 12th graders if they passed Pre-Calculus and Level 2 Science or special permission of the Physics instructor. When Mr. Massey was asked what his class teaches, he replied, “In CWU Physics we study how the world works using Newton's Laws of Gravity and Motion. There are lots of applications to everyday life, which is why the class is usually a prerequisite for all health and science, and engineering-related fields.”
If you would like to contact Mr. Massey about this class, please email dmassey@cascadesd.org for further questions.
Computer Science is available to 9th to 12th graders with suggestions to do Robots and Dones beforehand. However, not required to do so, it would be beneficial. The description for this class states, “This course is a project-based course designed to introduce students to the broad field of computer science. Instruction focuses on socially relevant units including computer science principles through game programming. The students will understand how and why certain tools and languages can be used to solve problems in the real world. Field trip each year to Microsoft for Computer Science Fair. Also counts as a 3rd-year math course.” Students can gain five college credits if they have a B or higher. This class is designed to be an upper computer class after doing Digitools. It teaches the student how to problem solve in different ways. Students taking this class can achieve working towards jobs, for example, video game designer, web developer, software developer, software engineer, system analyst, computer hardware engineer, and etc. Most of the jobs that are listed are well paid and job growth outlook.
If you would like to contact Mrs. Murphy about this class, please email tmurphy@cascadesd.org for further questions.
Multimedia is a great class for people who have an interest in graphics and designs and is open for 10th to 12th graders who passed Digitools and have teacher approval. Up to five college credits can be earned if students have a B or better in that class. The class prepares students to have a key eye on how the graphics will work compared to other websites. The description stated by Cascade High School was, “Are you interested in journalism? Camera work? Graphics? Web design? Interview skills? If so, then this course is for you! Multimedia teaches students how to incorporate various media resources with a computer (Adobe Suite & other video programs). Students will create live broadcasts from home sporting events, create commercials to be aired on digital monitors throughout the high school, and maintain a high school website.” Mrs. Murphy helps students to expand their knowledge and use it for everyday usage. Which is important for adult life on resumes, essays, and anything that needs to look presentable. When asked why the class is important to learn, she replied, “Multimedia is great for creative people who are good at design and graphics. Students learn how to design and put together videos, web pages, and graphics. Currently, my two Web Design students are working on the senior slide show.”
Lastly, Child Development gives an opportunity for students to learn child theorists, child psychology, areas of growth, infant development, toddlers, school-aged children, and teen-aged. Sophomores through seniors are able to take the class if they took Child Development 1. The course description of Cascade High School states, “Students will be working, observing, and collaborating with the district’s preschool early learning program, Kodiak Cubs Preschool.” Students who take the class for Child Development 1 are learning the stages of children and the effects that happen on a daily basis. When students move onto Child Development 2, they will have the privilege to educate children ages 3-5 years old, including students with special needs and those whose home language is not English. When Child Development teacher Ms. Camp, was asked what careers will be helpful to those who want a career in it, she replied with, “I believe everyone can benefit from learning about the growth and development of young children. It helps reconnect us to our own childhoods but also connects us to people. Unless you are planning to become a hermit and never be around anyone ever again, being at Kodiak Cubs will teach you something about living in a community with others, problem-solving, and joy.” She cherishes her time teaching students about patience, out-of-the-box thinking, and problem-solving when it comes to children who haven’t had the experience with the world yet. Students who take this class will be able to obtain both high school and college credit if they complete the requirements. Sophomores to seniors are able to contact Ms. Camp for a letter of recommendation if their goal jobs are to help with children in the near future.
If you would like to contact Ms. Camp about this class, please email camplindsay@nwi.net for further questions.
There are many possibilities for students to extend their knowledge and dedication through extensive classes that can academically challenge the student in many ways. Earning college credits can benefit students for college. While honors classes can students to be prepared for life and resumes. The classes that are presented in Cascade High School have shaped the student’s lives in various ways. This will help them prepare for future challenges and develop new interests.
If you would like to know more about the classes in Cascade High School, please visit https://www.cascadesd.org/domain/729
If you need to talk to somebody about classes, please email kschmitten@cascadesd.org or abartanen@cascadesd.org
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