At Pasco High School there are over 100 different electives offered each year. But the school doesn’t have all the classes on students’ schedules each year.  In fact, some of the classes offered have NEVER been taught.

This article will run through some of the popular and little-known classes. First, it is essential to know how the electives and schedules work and why when someone signs up for a class, they might not see it on their schedule.

At the end of the year, when the counselors come into classes, students sign up for classes the next year. When this happens, the counselors get over two-thousand different forms about what classes kids want to take.  So, they have to make schedules based off of this, accounting for different people’s classes, what hour different classes are taught, and the teachers who teach them.  If a class only gets fifty people signing up for it, it will probably not get on a schedule because the teacher may have a class that had a hundred people sign up.  This is why students may not get the classes they want.

CLASSES

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Photography is taught by Mr. Rust, Mr. Brault, and Mrs. Butterworth.  It is a very popular class that counts as a Fine Art or CTE credit.  In this class, students learn how to operate cameras, how to edit pictures, studio lighting, portraiture, event photography, architecture, career opportunities, and professional business practices.  They also apply this knowledge taking pictures around the school and at school supported events. In the higher-level classes, students apply and build upon this knowledge.

PAINTING AND DRAWING

Painting and Drawing is taught by Mrs. Cruzen.  It is also one of the most largely taken electives at PHS, counting as a Fine Arts credit. During this course, students learn the principles of design and use these principles to explore drawing and painting verbally, in writing and in practice. The students will develop skills including shading, perspective, still life and composition.  Students will also use different tools such as pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics, and pastels. (There may be a fee for this class.) In the higher-level classes, students apply and build upon this knowledge.

FOODS AND NUTRITION

Foods and Nutrition is taught by Mrs. Ulmstead, Mrs. Grade, and Mrs. Gutierrez.  Again, one of the more popular classes, counting for a CTE class.  Students will learn about food safety, sanitation, measurement, basic preparation skills, common cooking vocabulary, dietary guidelines, as well as a basic introduction to MyPlate. In this class you will also have hands-on experience cooking. Students will learn skills related to food preparation, nutrition. Units of study include food safety and sanitation, nutrition and healthy meal planning, measurement and use of kitchen equipment and utensils, food preparation, and careers in the foods industry. In the higher-level classes, students apply and build upon this knowledge and learn about different cultures.  This is a great class for those interested in a cooking class or just want to learn how to cook.

COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN

Computer Aided Design is taught by Mrs. Sharpe. Unlike the previous courses mentioned, this class is not very well known.  In Computer Aided Design (CAD), students learn how to use different CAD software to design 2D and 3D models. This is a great class for those interested in careers in the fields of engineering or construction.  Students apply their knowledge of technology, engineering, and math to make a portfolio of completed models. In the higher-level classes, students apply and build upon this knowledge.

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Taught by Mr. Brault, video production is a class that can earn students Fine Arts or CTE credit. This class has been popular in the past but now less people know about it. In this class, students will learn the steps to produce videos. These steps include planning, designing, shooting, editing, and producing digital videos. Students also learn standard techniques and software, including Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and AfterEffects. This class is great for independent students because spend a lot of time working on projects with deadlines. In the higher-level classes, students apply and build upon this knowledge.

ACCOUNTING

The accounting classes are taught by Mrs. Schneider.  Students learn how to use double-entry bookkeeping system, basic business vocabulary, and how to keep financial records. Students also complete an accounting cycle. Students use simulations and online accounting tools with QuickBooks. DECA related activities and curriculum are also used. In the higher-level classes, students apply and build upon this knowledge.

To see a full list of electives offered at PHS, click HERE