In this class we will watch a selection of films from the American Film Institutes “Top 100 Films” list. We’ll talk about the film’s content as well as historical context, and we’ll decide if they truly belong in the rankings of the greatest films of all time. Have you read the word “films” enough yet? Films.
Twilight Zone
In this ongoing offering, we will study a different episode of the classic television phenomenon each week. This term, I plan on branching out slightly to other shows that make homage to the TZ, in addition to the classics we love. This one’s gonna be extra fun!
Uncivil (Liana Green)
The stories of US History are generally told through the lens of white folks; this is a class about civil war era US history, with a focus on Black folks. Here’s the blurb about the podcast, which was created in 2018:
“Uncivil brings you stories that were left out of the official history of the Civil War, ransacks America’s past, and takes on the history you grew up with. We bring you untold stories about resistance, covert operations, corruption, mutiny, counterfeiting, antebellum drones, and so much more. And we connect these forgotten struggles to the political battlefield we’re living on right now. The story of the Civil War — the story of slavery, confederate monuments, racism — is the story of America.”
Mature themes in that the life and times of enslaved people (and free Blacks) were harsh. Plus war, and a few (minor) swears.
Logistics:
For each class session, you’ll research and define a few relevant concepts/vocabulary words before listening to a 20-30 minute podcast. After listening, you’ll answer a few short reflection questions about what you heard and submit a Google doc that includes evidence of your vocabulary research as well as your reflection piece.
This is a version of an asynchronous class: I’ll provide assignments and you’ll do your work and submit it all via Classroom, but we’ll all set aside the same time on the schedule each week to do the work. I’ll be available during that slot to answer any questions and be a resource via Zoom/Slack. I reserve the right to gather us via Zoom occasionally if it feels like we could benefit from that.
Required texts/materials: Uncivil Podcast Students will be responsible for obtaining their own texts/materials. Materials should be procured by: Download Uncivil podcast episodes before the first class meeting
BEGINNER Python or Project Euler (Eric Menninga)
Eric is willing to offer one of two classes in Spring Term:
Learn basic beginner programming with Python and PyGame. Topics you’ll explore games, fractals, and simulations. After you take this class, you should have a better understanding about how computer programs work and can create a simple python program with graphics.
OR
Project Euler, a series of challenging mathematical/computer programming problems that requires more than just mathematical knowledge to solve. Although mathematics will help you arrive at elegant and efficient methods, the use of a computer and programming skills will be required to solve most problems—which are challenging. You can check out the Problems before deciding.
Required texts/materials:
- Python (free)
- Euler (free)
Reindeer Heartache (Nat and Brayden) (hannah)
A continuation of the band, ask the facilitators if you’re interested in joining.
Nomic (Brayden) (hannah)
Nomic is a game in which changing the rules is the only move you have. Of course, the goal is to WIN. Will anyone actually do it? Who knows? How do you win? Get 100 points or something? How do you get points? I DON’T KNOW!
This game involves democracy, debate, law, and FUN!
There’s only outside work if you want to pre-craft rules (this will become clearer later).
8th / 9th Grade Seminar
8th Graders will focus on the questions Who am I? How do I move through the world?
9th Graders will model the work learned in previous seminars as they take on leadership roles and the start of post-high school planning.
10th Grade Seminar
10th Graders will explore the question How am I connected to things greater than myself?
Practical Piano. (Brandon)
This is an “advanced beginner” class for folks interested in learning how to become better at physically playing the piano. Students will learn keyboard exercises to develop good playing technique, strengthen rhythm, and build on the theory learned in the intro class. Students will learn strategies to quickly learn and more easily read music. Students will analyze melodies, chords, and harmonies to better understand how they are performed on the piano. Students will continue analyzing famous songs, creating their own music, and are encouraged (but not required) to share them with the community.
Prerequisite: Intro to Piano class or blessing from Smooch (email Brandon for info)
Yearbook! (Sieglinde)
Let’s finish it!
In this twice weekly, yearlong Yearbook Class, students have co-edited, designed, and will print up the 23-24 PSCS Yearbook. The theme this year is Punk! which was decided by community process. We’ve spent time studying and learning the the intersectional history of punk, both as an aesthetic, as a sound, and as a movement—and applying it to a really cool archive of the year.
Our co-editors have already worked out the layout, timeline, and have gotten us started in Canva (easy to share, easy to organize, on the cheap). We will consider adding 2-3 more folks interested in finalizing layout, writing copy, taking and organizing pictures, and creating pages/spreads in ways that capture this amazing community of humans. You will need special permission to join (from Sieglinde and the crew) and likely need to give an example/share how you will contribute in this final leg of a long journey.
The result will be printed and shared with the community in June—with enough time to sign and pass around to ooh and ahh!
Required texts/materials: Canva The instructor will procure the texts/materials.
Asian American Histories of the United States (ReVisioning History) (Sam) (Sam)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
An inclusive and landmark history, emphasizing how essential Asian American experiences are to any understanding of US history
Original and expansive, Asian American Histories of the United States is a nearly 200-year history of Asian migration, labor, and community formation in the US. Reckoning with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the surge in anti-Asian hate and violence, award-winning historian Catherine Ceniza Choy presents an urgent social history of the fastest growing group of Americans. The book features the lived experiences and diverse voices of immigrants, refugees, US-born Asian Americans, multiracial Americans, and workers from industries spanning agriculture to healthcare.
Despite significant Asian American breakthroughs in American politics, arts, and popular culture in the twenty-first century, a profound lack of understanding of Asian American history permeates American culture. Choy traces how anti-Asian violence and its intersection with misogyny and other forms of hatred, the erasure of Asian American experiences and contributions, and Asian American resistance to what has been omitted are prominent themes in Asian American history. This ambitious book is fundamental to understanding the American experience and its existential crises of the early twenty-first century.
Required texts/materials: The instructor will procure the texts/materials.
My Democracy – Civics (Sam)
Civics is a class that covers the origins of American government, the structure and function of our government, rights and responsibilities of citizens, the American federal system, political parties and the election process, basic economic principles, and current matters regarding domestic and foreign policy. This Civics class also includes a examination of the history, culture, and economy of the nation that encourage research and reflection. During each session, students will examine seminal documents and landmark Supreme Court cases in American political history, analyze changes in federal and executive power over time, explore the political election process and data related to recent voting trends, research and propose a public policy plan, as well as compare and contrast the functions of the national government with state and local governments
Parallel Play Book Club (amy)
This once-a-week class is an opportunity for you to read a book of your choice and share what you’re reading with others.
Throughout the term we will read (obviously), write, and share. Perhaps this is the type of reading accountability that you’ve been craving.
Please join us for this chance to lounge in literacy and build a book-loving community.
HS Sex Ed (amy)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
We’ve covered a lot in this class already this year. That said, there is still a lot to come!
Sexual relationships, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and birth control are some of the topics we will be diving into for the remainder of the year.
*This is a year-long class and should be prioritized when considering your Spring schedule.
AP African American Studies (Sam)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
This course will provide an overview of the history of Africans and their descendants across the globe, including but not limited to African civilizations prior to European colonialism, encounters between Africa and Europe, movements of Africans to the Americas and elsewhere, and the development of Black communities in and outside Africa. Learners will explore the complex interplay among the political, economic, and cultural forces that shape our understanding of the historic achievements and struggles of African-descended people in the United States and their relation to others around the world. In addition to the curricular materials, students can select a topic for further exploration and in-depth research. A variety of texts and community resources will be used to provide applicable and real-world examples related to the content.
Required texts/materials: The instructor will procure the texts/materials.
MS Literature – Maus II (hannah)
Note: This class is open to middle school students only.
The journey continues. Global Graphic Novels class read Maus I and this class is a continuation as we read the second book, which is largely about Vladek’s experience in Auschwitz during World War II. This class includes reading (alone and together), writing, discussion, and making art about the book. Some discussion will specifically connect to the current Palestinian genocide.
If you plan to take this class but haven’t already read Maus I, I suggest you do so before reading Maus II.
Danny Woo Community Garden (hannah)
Volunteering at Danny Woo! One of my fave things to do, especially in the Spring. In this class, we will head up to Danny Woo Gardens (once a week), and volunteer with the folks that run the garden. Tasks include weeding, planting flowers, sorting the compost, tending to the paths, feeding the chickens, and sometimes other fun projects like using a nail gun or decorating seed packets for the community. Open to all.
The Dictionary Game (Scobie)
Come join the class in which you’ll make up ersatz (look it up!) definitions for real, but unknown words and try to convince us all that yours is the legitimate definition. You get points for fooling us with your clever, convincing definitions, and for guessing which one is the actual definition. No cheating, good people. Keep it real; keep it fun. We’ll have occasional workshops to improve your skills and knowledge, but mostly we’ll play, play, play!
Junior Seminar (Cherrise & Sam)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
Juniors will continue to plan and prepare for Senior year with this Seminar. Async
Geometry, Continued (Scobie)
Y’all know who you are and what’s up, down, parallel and perpendicular. This Spring Term, we’re gonna take a deep dive into Trigonometric equations, graphs, and some brilliant trig curriculum from New Zealand. Let’s learn some more!
BASASO. (Brandon)
A continuation of the intermediate band.
Noranderscrap! Scrapbooking with Nora and Miranda!!! (hannah)
Every week we will provide inspiration, materials, and our scrapbooking techniques. This is a chill creative space to explore and express yourself through the art of the scrap. We will have a short check in at the start of each class where we offer guidance and lessons! The rest of class will be independent scrapbooking with music and the occasional dance party. Its super fun super shloopin youll learn so much and vibe! We have everything you’ll ever need!
WORD (hannah)
Etymology: the study of the origin of words and the ways in which their meanings change throughout history.
This class is all about WORDs. It’s an etymology class! We will study the origins of lots of words and their historical, cultural, social, and etymological changes over time. We will play around with words by doing crosswords and other word puzzles. We will look up the meanings of words we really like! Multiple meanings! How words are employed and shifted in written work like POETRY. Learn new words! Learn some Latin and Greek because that’s where hella English words come from! Words from OTHER languages that ended up in our lexicon somehow!! What the heck does lexicon mean??? Take this class and find out! Gen Z uses words in a weird way – you probs have something to teach me. Like how “W” just means win now. Meaning is use.
Dance and Sing (hannah)
My vision for this class is inspired by my weekly dance class, Dance Church, to which I am fervently dedicated aka obsessed. I want to put black out curtains on the windows in Cherry and get some vibey lights in there, and then DANCE AND SING.
The structure of Dance Church is free dance incorporated into structured coordinations and movements which are facilitated by a teacher. It’s very workout-y. The teacher is in the middle of everyone and there’s no “front” in the class. We follow the teacher but you can go at whatever intensity level you want. There’s no talking in the class but you can sing, whoop, grunt, cry – whatever you need to get out.
This is a workout and movement class. I am interested in beginning with the Dance Church structure and seeing how y’all vibe with it. We can collaborate on music choices. You will need to bring comfy clothes you can move freely in every week. This class will require openness, vulnerability, and the willingness to get to know your own body and self as a dancer. Open to all.
Can you find me in the pictures above?
Leadership (hannah)
Be a part of making change at school! We will spend time planning and facilitating our final Community Engagement Day in May, as well as envisioning and enacting other leadership opportunities for our sweet special school.
This class always includes leading “small” daily actions, like days of whimsey, the WePo, and trying to get more people to volunteer for kitchen more often. It also includes discussions about larger, systemic issues like offsite use and connection across grade levels.
This class will help you develop leadership skills including collaboration, communication, time and task management, negotiation, taking initiative, etc. Open to all.
Drugs, Alcohol, Addiction, and Recovery (Scobie)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
Spring term is short, but let’s see how much we can learn about these topics through documentary, guest speakers (including recovering addicts), my own stories from my family and my life experience being raised by an addict and an alcoholic, basic research, drug categories, and possible field trips (including possibly visiting an ‘open’ addiction recovery meeting), or visiting a treatment center.
Listening Music Sessions (Meta & Sam)
Come listen to some of the music that moves us and vibe out with us! For each class, we will listen to a notable album over various genres (both past and present) and share your thoughts.
Basketball with Charlie (hannah)
Hello PSCS students! Do you have a dream in your heart? Does passion flow through you blood? Does the spirit of competition call you to play? Come play basketball with Charlie and Hannah!
In this class we’ll go to the community center, learn, practice, and play basketball. It will be super fun time for any skill level. The goal is of this class is to lean a little more about the sport, get more comfortable with teamwork, and most importantly have fun playing sports.
Come play!
Casual Ghost Party. (Brandon)
A continuation of the advanced band.
Complicated Dogs (Jay and Wolf) (hannah)
Introducing Complicated Dogs, yet another band at PSCS. It is made by furries, for furries who are trying to learn instruments. Here, rock dogs can come together to practice, learn, and hopefully perform in a band setting. All skill levels are welcome. We will each learn about our respective instruments and music, as well as study any songs/genres we want to play. We’ll also build teamwork skills through playing in sync. This class is facilitated by Jay and Wolf.
Note: All animals are complicated dogs
Mature themes: Quoting from Brandon’s band classes since the same applies here, “Mature themes regularly emerge in any exploration of modern music genres. We will deal with these themes as they come up and make community-based choices about lyrics and material.”
Science Fair (amy)
Observe.
Question.
Hypothesize.
Experiment.
Draw conclusions.
Communicate results.
The Scientific Method is a process that we’ve all utilized throughout our lives, whether we’ve realized it or not.
Have you ever wondered if bread will be more moldy if left in the shade or the sun? Have you ever wondered if talking to plants helps them grow? What other questions do you have? Let’s try to answer them!
In this twice-a-week class, we will learn about the Scientific Method in more depth, complete a project together, then complete our own science fair projects. All of this will culminate in our own PSCS Science Fair, where we can share our learning with others.
You get to decide how deep to go in this class. Science fair projects can be simple, complex, or anywhere in between.
Duolingo & Study Hall (Sam) (Sam)
The ability to speak and communicate with others from various places on earth is something most people only dream about. There are over 300 languages and dialects spoken all over the world. You will embark or continue on your language journey using the website/app DUOLINGO. There will be time to practice both in class and in your spare time. You will be expected to practice and log your time every day/week.
&
Do you find yourself needing a place to get classwork done and don’t want to use open slots all the time? Well, I have a solution for you. You can come to my room, work quietly and get learning support all in one place. There will be a short check in about what you will work on during the slot and a quick check in to verify the work that you finished.
Note: If you are interested in both, please plan on rotating between Duolingo and Study Hall every other week or make plans accordingly.
Chess Club (hannah)
More chess. It’s super fun, it’s chill, it’s competitive if you want. Learn chess. Playing makes you better. See realistic picture above of me teaching gus, henry t, henry b, and val how to play.
Adulting (amy)
Paying bills. Credit cards. Jobs. Paying rent. Budgeting. Vacations. These are all parts of being an adult.
In this once-a-week class we will learn about all of these things (and more) so that we are better prepared to conquer adulthood.
I have some ideas of things to teach, but I will also ask YOU what you want to learn – so you will have a chance to guide where this class goes.
Tech Space (Sam) (Sam)
Technology is an ever-growing part of life. We use cell phones, midis for music, as well as computers for gaming and research. This will be a space for people to come and be creative on solo projects and collaborate on group ideas.
Our main focus will be to work on shows for our radio station, KLOK radio.
Also, this space will be a place for people to come and work on digital art, coding, podcasting, digital music, DJing, designing, and more. We will be able to take these projects and use them for our personal endeavors or incorporate them into our school community.
HS Literature – Middlesex (hannah)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
Middlesex is a Pulitzer Prize–winning novel by Jeffrey Eugenides published in 2002. Primarily a coming-of-age story (Bildungsroman) and family saga, the novel chronicles the effect of a mutated gene on three generations of a Greek family, causing momentous changes in the protagonist’s life. The protagonist is an intersex man of Greek descent. This book has received massive praise as well as harsh criticism.
Themes include gender identity, ancestry and heritage, the American Dream, and the differing experiences of what society constructs as dichotomies, specifically the gender binary. The novel contains many allusions to Greek mythology, including creatures such as the Minotaur, half-man and half-bull, and the Chimera, a monster composed of various animal parts.
This class will include discussion of the book, writing assignments, historical learning, and perhaps an art project. All of the reading will take place outside of class.
Global Current Events (Sam) (Sam)
Information and how it is shared is so important. The need to be informed of news in your local community, county, city, state, and country as a whole is (in its basic terms) the main way people can stay connected. In this class, we will learn what makes the news, how information is distributed, and who makes the tough decision on what is covered on the local news, printed newspapers, and national and international websites.
We will also take the opportunity to learn about stories from new places and stories that the mainstream media thinks is not important enough to cover. Also, we will find time to uncover news from lesser-known places and understand the things they encounter on a daily basis.
This course will involve reading and answering questions about the content of each story. Students will have the opportunity to locate and present articles that interest them and relate the information to the class. There will be time to discuss things we discover and find interesting.
Philosophy (hannah)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
MORE. Last term, we covered language and meaning; culture wars and identity politics; cancel culture; and media literacy, especially in connection with Palestine and the upcoming election. We will begin where we left off.
High school only unless you talk to me. You do not have to be in the prior class to join.
Shop Life (Scobie)
If you like making things, fixing things, and being competent with tools, you should always take as much Shop Life as you can possibly get your hands on! Here’s what we’ll be doing:
- Learning about tools and the skills to use them effectively and safely.
- Working on improving, organizing, stocking, and cleaning our ever-developing shop.
- Contributing to the school and our larger community with fixes, furniture, and projects.
- Completing projects that result in gifts you can give to yourself or others.
Dungeons and Dragons – Nat (Nat)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
In this class we will go over a weekly dungeons and dragons campaign led by Me, Nat. I will expect you to bring a prepared character, any physical dice you will want to use, as well as your enthusiasm every week.
Note: If I have not spoken to you about being a part of this class, then please don’t sticker it. ThanksOutside work: There will be little to none outside work for this class, I will occasionally give homework though.
Soccer (hannah)
You already know what it is. The beautiful game. Capped at 10 students.
World Geography (Sam) (Sam)
World Geography will examine people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international scales from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography. You will learn the influence of geography on events of the past and present with emphasis on contemporary issues. Some of this class will center around the physical processes that shape patterns in the physical environment; the characteristics of major landforms, climates, and ecosystems and their interrelationships; the political, economic, and social processes that shape cultural patterns of regions; types and patterns of settlement; the distribution and movement of the world population; relationships among people, places, and environments; and the concept of region.
- You will analyze how location affects economic activities in different economic systems.
- You will identify the processes that influence political divisions on the planet and analyze how different points of view affect the development of public policies.
- You will compare how cultures shape the characteristics of regions and analyze the impact of technology and human modifications on the physical environment.
- You will use problem-solving and decision-making skills to ask and answer geographic questions.
MS Sex Ed (amy)
Note: This class is open to middle school students only.
We’ve learned the basics about how reproductive organs work, the technical aspects of pregnancy, how to identify healthy vs unhealthy relationships, and so much more. But wait…THERE’S STILL MORE TO COVER!
We will be wrapping up the year by learning about STIs (facts, transmission, prevention, and treatment) and birth control, and putting together all of the learning we’ve done since September.
*This is a year-long class and should be prioritized when considering your Spring schedule.
Weaving (amy)
You’ve seen the looms gathering in Cherry. Now, it’s time to use them!
In this twice-a-week class we will learn how to warp a loom (get it ready), follow a draft (weaving patterns), and create our own pieces of fiber art.
Be a part of pioneering a program at PSCS that can live on for years!
French I (Sam) (Sam)
French I is an introduction to the French language and culture. The fundamentals of French pronunciation, grammar, and culture are presented through a balanced development of all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
This class is designed for students to gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures. Students will start to learn how to communicate in French. Our main focus will be on developing the four basic language competencies (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) and engaging in the five Cs: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities
Hindi Language and Culture
This class is an introduction to Hindi language and South Asian culture. Wasfee will be back to teach another year of Hindi!
Mandarin Chinese (Kathy and Jeremy)
Chinese is the most common language on the Internet. Heck, Chinese is the most common language, period. Mandarin is the most widely spoken version of Chinese, with the number of Mandarin speakers being almost equal to the next three most widely spoken languages combined (Spanish, English, and Hindi).
With all those people speaking Chinese, it makes sense to learn a little. Chinese can be a very challenging language, but it’s one where even a little can be impressive. We will focus on some very practical words and phrases so that you can actually use what you learn. We’ll learn some polite words like “please” and “thank you,” some learning phrases like “What does that mean in English?”, and some food words so maybe you can impress your family the next time you go to a Chinese restaurant.
We will not learn to read and write characters for a couple of reasons: unlike an alphabet, you can’t tell how a word is pronounced by looking at the character (and you may only be able to guess at the meaning), they’re terribly complicated, and I don’t read very well myself.
The homework will involve practicing what we cover in class in various ways.
Fluoride (Brandon Bermudez)
A continuation of the beginner band.
Here for the Aesthetics (Cherrise Smith)
This class will look at ALL things aesthetics! Fashion, interior/exterior design, nature, culture and all the varieties of art expression. This is a place for us to express our vibes, learn about others, appreciate art in all its varieties, and have fun!
True Crime Psychology (Cherrise Smith)
Join us as we take a deep dive into some of the most complex true crime cases to ever exist. What happened? Who did it? And most importantly why? In this class we will focus on the pathology behind those who have committed horrendous crimes. Discussing antisocial personality disorder, narcissist, sociopaths, psychopaths from a scientifically informed perspective. It’s about the crimes committed, the science, and the psychology.
All Things Mental Health (Cherrise Smith)
What are the factors that contribute to our mental health?
How did we end up in a mental health epidemic?
Where do we go from here?
These are just some of the many questions we will be diving into and dissecting together. We will be listening to podcasts, watching documentaries, reading articles and sharing our thought and opinions on all things related to mental health!
Ornithology & Local Bird Appreciation (Lucy)
Can you identify every species of bird in Washington State just by their call? Neither can Lucy, but she wants to someday!
Join Lucy to learn more about our local birds, including how to identify them, how they are impacted by our urban environment, the history and politics of ornithology, and more!
This class will be a mix of indoor and outdoor learning. Indoors, Lucy will share what she’s learned from her participation with UW’s Bird Friendly Campus project, and from her individual hobby research. Outdoors, we’ll learn how to ID some birds! Outside of class time, you can expect to read 1-2 articles per week (~5-10 pages) so we can talk about it during class 🙂
Whether you already know a lot about birds or nothing at all, this class is open to all students who appreciate our lovely feathered friends!