OHS boasts one of the most extensive and well rounded lists of electives in the district, and continues to add more each year. This next year will see the addition of dance conditioning (Yoga/Pilates), future career experience, as well as the expansion of the Mandarin program. These classes will give students new opportunities to explore their interests and gain real life experience in the workforce.
The addition of dance conditioning to the OHS campus is exciting for many students and teachers alike, with the class expected to become prominent among the other fine arts.
“There always seems to be an interest in more active classes, especially those that aren’t as competitive,” said Jennifer Swaine, guidance counselor.
Dance conditioning is not only directed at aspiring dancers either. The class will also teach students about the muscles in the body, and how they work together.
“[The class is] for dancers, athletes and any students, really, that want to move more efficiently, improve their technique, endurance, and coordination,” said Kristen Lucero, dance teacher.
Work experience is another very exciting opportunity, where students can earn money and gain experience in a career-focused environment. The class allows students to leave campus for one period to attend a job that schedules them at least 5 hours a week.
“It’s going to be able to work around the students schedule; you do not need to attend a physical class, it is just a Canvas course,” Swaine said.
This class will be especially appealing to any students who already have jobs outside of school, or are looking to save money for furthering their education after high school.
“This class is going to give those students who already have jobs a bit of a break, so they don’t have to stress as much over both school and work,” Swaine said.
Within the language department, the Mandarin program is adding Mandarin 3-4 and AP Mandarin in order for the students who have already started learning the language to further their knowledge of both the dialect and the culture.
“We had many students coming in from middle school with Mandarin experience, and we had what they needed to advance, and now we are expanding the program for those students who choose to take higher level classes,” Swaine said.
These classes will give students the opportunity to further their interests in different subjects and gain experience in a job; all of which will be useful for students in the future.
“There is a lot of demand for these classes,[and] I’m really excited to see how students like them next year,” Swaine said.
