Yearbook! (Sieglinde)
We made a pretty amazing Yearbook last year, let’s do it again! This is a yearlong class. There’s potential to join us in a later term, but no guarantees. We’ll need folks to decide on theme, come up with ideas, write copy, take pictures, organize pages. We used Canva last year and we can again—the group will decide. We need at least 6 people with the ability to listen and collaborate. 2024!
Twilight Zone! (Dan Gillmore)
Spend time with PSCS alum, Dan Gillmore, who will choose an episode each week of the imaginative, wondrous and spooky television classic “The Twilight Zone”, followed by a dialogue relating to the themes and creative process of each episode.
Python programming with PyGame (Eric Menninga)
My goal is to teach fundamental programming skills to students with some familiarity with programming using the language Python with the pyGame library. It is not necessary to know Python if you have done some programming already and if you are very motivated, but are nervous about being a beginning programmer, we can make that work too, but you might need to work a little extra at home for the first few weeks.
I find Python (especially with the free PyCharm IDE from JetBrains) to be a good way to learn programming. Programming computers can be fun, but it can take a lot of practice to become fluent (just like everything else!) Writing programs that are colorful, graphical, and fun is a good way to improve your programming ability.
Some topics we can explore with pyGame include: 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.
About the instructor: I was a programmer at Adobe and Amazon. At work I wrote C++ and did page layout programs. I have taught Python with the PyGame library for a few years. I also know HTML, CSS, JavaScript and other languages.
Hindi Language and Culture (Wasfee Vazir)
This class is an introduction to Hindi language and South Asian culture. Wasfee will be back to teach another year of Hindi!
Summarize THIS! (Scobie)
In this long-running developmental writing class, you’ll be able to start right where you are as a writer, and then improve all your fundamental skills.
What do we write?
In Summarize THIS, we listen to an audio or video source piece several times (excerpts from This American Life, The Moth, and other well-produced audio/videos are common). Listening to the piece, you’ll take notes, make a draft summary, and improve it using a custom checklist created just for your current writing skill set. The idea is to communicate as much of the piece as possible in a limited number of words. You’ll often have time in class to get started, but you’ll probably need to spend more time to produce your best work, so work with your advisor to plan for that!
Then what?
After writing each piece, you’ll respond to a very detailed edit of your original work to further improve it.
For most students, it’s at least a few hours of work each week OUTSIDE of class, but a great investment in becoming an effective listener, logical thinker, and competent, efficient writer.
- Credit for the class requires all summaries to be complete and up to the standards in your checklist.
- If this is a repeat class for you, no problem, you can take it as many times as you want…. but I’ll be asking you to up your game!
Photography (Amy) (Amy)
In this course, you will create images, share your thinking behind your images, and discuss the images of others.
Photography can be a tool to express any idea and it can take on many styles: documentary, artistic, commercial, snapshots to capture memories and events, and more. Whatever your interest within photography, this will be a space where you can create and share your thoughts and images.
We will spend some time talking about what makes for a “good” photograph, as well as learn some techniques for creating photos that engage the viewer. Throughout the term we will learn about the fundamental elements of photography and put our learning to use while capturing images based on themes.
Requirements of the class will include taking photos, writing/speaking about the photos with other members of the class, and providing feedback about our peers’ work.
The focus of this class is NOT digital editing, but may include individual exploration of editing software.
Required texts/materials: Access to either a digital camera or cell phone with camera capabilities. Students will be responsible for obtaining their own texts/materials. Materials should be procured by: before second class meeting
Child & Youth Psychology (TSam) (Sam)
In this class, you will be introduced briefly to the methods of child psychology and to theories and approaches that have been developed to help us understand and support children’s lives. Psychologists are interested in understanding changes in children and their abilities over time – their physical growth, thinking, learning, emotions, relationships, and more. Psychologists work to describe how development is shaped through internal and external influences, such as the role of children’s immediate environments and the role of culture in influencing and shaping development.
Geometry (Scobie)
In this year-long PSCS class, we’ll establish and refine basic elements of geometry and geometric definitions. We’ll learn and refine geometric drawing techniques while looking at the practical math and beauty of angles and shapes. We’ll also continue to explore systems of measurement for distance, angle, slope, area, and volume, linear and non-linear equations, graphing, and visual & algebraic proofs.
The class will finish in the spring with a unique introduction to the core principles of Trigonometry as inspired by an insightful New Zealand math curriculum.
- Some algebra is required. If you have the equivalent of a high school Alg.1 class, you’ll be fine as long as you’re willing to work to revive your skills. If you have only the bare essentials of algebra, you’ll need to be willing to work hard at some specific sections of the class, but there will also be large parts of the class that don’t require any algebra at all.
- expect occasional in-class tests, quizzes, and puzzles
- expect collaboration on some work
- be able to maintain a quiet non-social work environment when asked
- of course there is outside work most weeks; a full credit of HS math requires some work outside of class. How long it takes has a lot to do with your strengths, supports, and commitment to learning efficient work strategies.
Basaso (Brandon Bermudez)
A continuation of the intermediate band. This term will focus on further developing students’ musicianship and performance.
- Being a good band member means coming prepared. All band members are expected to practice parts and learn lyrics outside of scheduled rehearsals.
HS Sexual Health (Amy)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
Sexual health is HUGE topic that spans all life stages. This course will dig deeper into reproductive anatomy, puberty, gender, sexual orientation, healthy vs. unhealthy relationship behaviors, body image, consent, and more. The way that topics are covered in this course will set you up to be informed and know that you have autonomy as you move toward adulthood.
I take an intersectional approach to teaching sex ed, meaning that we will examine how our own identities either provide or limit us access to spaces and experiences. I LOVE teaching sex ed and believe that you will LOVE taking this class. Throughout the year, we will let your questions and interests guide much of our learning.
We all come to this topic with varying values and knowledge. It is important that in this class we respect each other and ourselves.
While talking about these topics might seem intimidating to some, I can assure you that you will surprise yourself with the confidence you gain through increased knowledge and the normalization of these ideas in our conversations.
This course will allow you to do individual reflecting, engage in group conversations, ask all of the questions you have, and actively use your knowledge and interests to support others within your community.
Even if you have already met your requirements for HS Sexual Health, I encourage you to take it again – this will be a whole new experience!
Bamboo Structures: Flightful?, Floating? Flapping? (Scobie)
I’ve been curing a big sheaf of bamboo, some of it almost twenty feet long, for over a year, hoping we might get to do an all-natural-materials structural project. The time has come.
By combining the incredible strength of bamboo, “nature’s carbon fiber,” with the tensile strength of hemp or sisal strands in the form of cord we can create awesome tension-compression structures! And the opportunities for graphic design and decoration of these structures is also too good to pass up!
Options include flags and banners, large and small traditional Japanese kite forms, and possibly kites from other traditions as well, and, wait for it…. a skin-on-frame boat we can paddle and/or sail!
In our opening class, we’ll take a look at our team, and I will demonstrate some of our materials options, and we’ll start to prioritize and design our projects to fit the size of our class and the time we have to work.
If you join this class, be prepared to:
- work indoors with tools, sometimes in the shop
- run structural tests and try out ideas for different materials and techniques
- learn lashing knots and lacing skills
- possibly work outdoors in the “cage” or in front of the school on the walkway, depending on what shape and size of boat we design
- contribute labor, design ideas, artwork,
- help out with finding additional materials we might need
Just Write (TSam) (Sam)
Do you wish you had more time to write down your ideas, but don’t know where to start? Well, this is the class for you. The whole purpose is to make time to write and use those moments to increase our ability to see things in a creative way. You might find yourself writing short stories, creating poetry, sketching song lyrics, or even working on a big writing project.
I want us to gather and work on building up our writing skills in a relaxed way. I find that just taking the time to write and process thoughts and ideas helps us to stay connected to the great skill of writing. We will have time to write (journal), work on specific projects, blog, and even have the chance to do collaborative work. If you’re looking to get more into writing or take the time just to write more, this is the class for you!
Leadership (hannah)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
In this class, students will foster and practice leadership skills through planning, preparing, and facilitating school events, as well as team-building activities and outreach to the community.
Each week, students will work on, and hold each other accountable to, different ongoing projects. Students will work in small teams to execute specific tasks and larger projects for the community and work together to communicate across teams.
Leadership skills you can expect to develop in this class include time management, giving and receiving feedback, verbal communication, work ethic, task prioritization, taking risks, goal-setting, and building confidence.
MS Sexual Health (Amy) (Amy)
Note: This class is open to middle school students only.
Sexual health is HUGE topic that spans all life stages. This course will cover reproductive anatomy, puberty, gender, sexual orientation, healthy vs. unhealthy relationship behaviors, body image, consent, and more.
I take an intersectional approach to teaching sex ed, meaning that we will examine how our own identities either provide or limit us access to spaces and experiences. I LOVE teaching sex ed and believe that you will LOVE taking this class.
We all come to this topic with varying values and knowledge. It is important that in this class we respect each other and ourselves.
While talking about these topics might seem intimidating to some, I can assure you that you will surprise yourself with the confidence you gain through increased knowledge and the normalization of these ideas in our conversations.
This course will allow you to do individual reflecting, engage in group conversations, ask all of the questions you have, and begin to imagine how YOU might normalize these conversations within your community.
Recess! (hannah)
We love recess! In this structured and lightly-competitive play/exercise time, we will walk up the street to use the community gym and play a variety of group games.
Games will include basketball, soccer, four square, spike ball, capture the flag, various forms of tag, badminton, the infamous mushroom ball, and whatever else y’all want!
This is a class for anyone who wants to play, run, sweat, laugh, learn new games, collaborate, communicate, foster leadership and team building skills, and/or just add some movement to their week.
First Aid and CPR (Amy) (Amy)
This course will cover basic first aid, as well as teach you how and when to perform CPR and use an AED.
Coursework will include some reading, writing, and hands-on learning. We may also be joined by guests with first-hand medical knowledge.
Ideally, none of us will ever need to use these skills, but by gaining confidence and skills, we may be more willing to step in to an emergency, should it arise.
Did you know that the majority of cardiac arrests occur at home? The skills that we learn will most likely be put to use with members of our own family.
Join us once a week to have a good time learning life-saving techniques!
Trivia! (Amy) (Amy)
This one is for the trivia buffs out there!..or even those who simply enjoy learning and sharing facts.
In this class, we will explore various types of trivia, play trivia together, and develop our own trivia to share with others.
Is there a topic that you already know a lot about? Perhaps there is a topic you’d love to explore? Or, are you a person who knows a little bit about everything? Come join us to literally turn learning into a game!
Casual Ghost Party (Brandon Bermudez)
A continuation of the advanced band. This term will focus on original songwriting, production, and performance.
- Being a good band member means coming prepared. All band members are expected to practice parts and learn lyrics outside of scheduled rehearsals.
Indigenous Poetry (hannah)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
In this class, students will explore and examine indigenous poetry from across the country working with the anthology When The Light of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through: A Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry. The poetry in this book elevates voices and illuminates unseen histories across time and space.
Students will compare and contrast poetry from different regions of the country while learning the stories of poets, tribal nations, and historical contexts to better interpret meaning. This class will include the memorization and recitation of a chosen poem as well as regular discussion, analytical writing prompts, and creating your own poetry and/or artistic expression inspired by what we read.
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.
- Possibly learning about our new CNC cutting machine, when to use it, and for what. (If you wish to use this aspect of the shop, please understand there may be significant outside-of-class work to learn about drawing and preparing cut files)Outside work is elective and almost entirely voluntary in this class, almost never assigned.
Tech Space (TSam) (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.
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.
American History – HS (TSam) (Sam)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
The founding of America and its early history to the present is one that commonly leaves out the narrative of the marginalized. While some of the stories we have been taught often share ideas of heroes and major triumphs, they almost never share the true stories of the people who actually did all of the work. In this class, we will be reading and analyzing the literary work of Howard Zinn and his remarkable book, “A People’s History of the United States.” We will have meaningful discussions, write essays, and research connecting narratives.
Required texts/materials: The instructor will procure the texts/materials.
American History – MS (TSam) (Sam)
Note: This class is open to middle school students only.
The founding of America and its early history to the present is one that commonly leaves out the narrative of the marginalized. While some of the stories we have been taught often share ideas of heroes and major triumphs, they almost never share the true stories of the people who actually did all of the work. In this class, we will be reading and analyzing the literary work of Howard Zinn and his remarkable book, “A People’s History of the United States.” We will have meaningful discussions, write short responses, and research connecting narratives.
French 1 – Language and Culture [Year long] (TSam) (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
Required texts/materials: The instructor will procure the texts/materials.
Art & Aesthetics (TSam) (Sam)
One of the many forms of expression, Art, is expressed in so many mediums. In this class, I want to explore the idea of what makes something art. How do we look at different pieces and express the deeper meaning behind them? We will study the people who have had huge influence and current artists who are stretching the medium in many different directions. Let’s get into great conversations about the things we experience and do some creating of our own while pushing ourselves to build new skills!
Philosophy (hannah)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
Philosophy means “love of wisdom” in Greek, but this field has come a long way since ancient times. Philosophy is “the rational, abstract, and methodical consideration of reality as a whole or of fundamental dimensions of human existence and experience” (Britannica). People have always asked big questions across cultures, civilizations, time, and space. In this class, students will decolonize philosophy by not only studying diverse thinkers and perspectives, but by applying philosophical ideas to their own lived experiences and identities.
This class will require you to gather, analyze, and communicate insights creatively and critically; cultivate skills in close reading, critical thinking, and persuasive writing; and analysis of diverse philosophical perspectives, concepts, and ideas.
Discussion and deliberation happen frequently – participation is required for your success as a student. This class also includes opportunities to reflect on personal values; address prompts through written work and small group projects; and apply ideas in action. Topics this term include social and political philosophy; ethics and morals; and the origins of the universe.
Chinese 1 – Jeremy & Kathy (Jeremy & Kathy - The Village Teacher)
Chinese I is an introduction to Mandarin language and Chinese culture. The fundamentals of Mandarin 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 Mandarin. 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.
Fluoride (Brandon Bermudez)
A continuation of the beginner band. This term will focus on building skills on instruments and performance.
- Being a good band member means coming prepared. All band members are expected to practice parts and learn lyrics outside of scheduled rehearsals.
Chess Club (hannah)
Chess originated in India 1500 years ago, and people having been playing it since then because it is SO FUN.
This class is for all skill levels – beginners to experts. Folks will be paired according to skill level to learn, practice, and challenge their chess skills. Pairings will rotate with the goal that everyone eventually plays each other. The class will include intermittent lessons about skills and strategies, as well as some guest players throughout the term.
Duolingo (TSam) (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.
Mycology (hannah)
When we think of fungi, we probably think of mushrooms. But mushrooms are only fruiting bodies, analogous to apples on a tree. Most fungi live out of sight, yet make up a massively diverse kingdom of organisms that support and sustain nearly all living systems. The more we learn about fungi, the less makes sense without them. — Merlin Sheldrake
This class is about fungi, and what fungi can teach us about ourselves and our role in the world. This is a science class AND a literature class! Throughout the term, we will read the stellar book Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake to frame our study of fungi. This book addresses themes of ecology, neurology, human and non-human communication, and our conceptions of intelligence and individuality. You will be expected to read 40ish pages a week and come to class prepared to critically engage in discussion.
In the science portion of this class, we will learn about the classification, identification, and ecological function of mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest and set up a FERMENTATION STATION to experiment with fermentation processes, learn about yeasts, and hopefully result in some tasty yummies.
Danny Woo Community Garden (hannah)
Danny Woo Community Garden is a community-run urban garden and the largest green space in the C-ID. The garden creates a space for neighborhood connection, access to healthy food, and engaging directly with nature.
In this class, we will volunteer in the garden, doing tasks according to the season, including weeding, planting flowers, tending to the chickens, sorting compost, and helping with the infrastructure of the garden. This class is an awesome way to connect to the natural world and our wider C-ID community, and it’s really fun.
This class will count toward your community service hours for the year!
Soccer and Kick It (hannah)
Team Spain celebrates after winning the Women’s World Cup soccer final against England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Play fun, chill, games of soccer with a dash of competitive spirit. All ages and skill levels are welcome. This class happens once a week on Wednesday mornings. We will head up to Yesler Terrace together, do some warm ups and stretching, and play soccer!
Crochet (Amy) (Amy)
Whether you have been crocheting for years or you’ve never picked up a hook, this elective is for you.
In this class we will learn/review the basic stitches of crochet, how to read a crochet pattern, and how to choose the best yarn for our projects.
Students will get to create a project of their choosing based on skill and comfort level. Are you gearing up for winter and want to make a hat or scarf? Feeling ambitious and want to make an afghan? Or, maybe you want to create three-dimensional pieces like stuffed animals. This is the place to be for any of those goals.
I have crocheted for much of my life and find it extremely relaxing. Additionally, it allows me to be creative, and incorporate math in artistic ways. Join us to find what gets you “hooked” on crochet!
Required texts/materials: Materials may include desired yarn for projects, although yarn for practicing will be provided. Some crochet hooks will be available, but students may wish to purchase their own hook(s). Students will be responsible for obtaining their own texts/materials. Materials should be procured by: Not immediately - as needed through the term
Cultural Films (TSam)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
Learning about other cultures and their ways of understanding is one of the most inspiring parts of the human journey! While the average person cannot travel to every country and meet every cultural group, film, and media provide unique glimpses we might never get the chance to experience. We will take the opportunity to watch films/documentaries that cover various topics centered around culture. There will be time for discussion and further inquiry through essays and short-form projects.
B.A.R.S. (hannah and brandon)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
Born at a basement party in the Bronx, hip hop has come to influence and inspire music across genres and styles. Despite its many mutations, it remains grounded in a culture that includes specific language, lingo, references, rhythm, beats, legacy, heritage, style, swag, etc. There’s a lot to learn, explore, and have a boogie to.
BARS: Hannah and Brandon unite to facilitate a class on hip hop lyric analysis. This class will be structured by weekly student song selection, close listening practice, and analysis of the lyrics or BARS, as said in the world of hip hop.
This class is a practice in text analysis that will also include big learning about history, culture, evolution of language, and current events. You don’t need to be a hip hop head (like Hannah) to enjoy and learn from this class.
Self-Care and Stress Management (Amy) (Amy)
In this class, students will learn some of the brain science behind stress, as well as strategies for managing stress. Each week we will focus on a new strategy for self-care, and we will practice it in class.
Recognizing where stress and emotions live in our body can provide us a signal that we need to slow down. Reflective practices will be a part of this class, and will take the forms of journaling and sharing our thoughts with others.
AP African American Studies – HS [Two Terms](TSam)
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.
Look Both Ways (hannah)
Note: This class is open to middle school students only.
This story was going to begin like all the best stories. With a school bus falling from the sky. But no one saw it happen. They were all too busy—
Talking about boogers.
Stealing pocket change.
Skateboarding.
Wiping out.
Braving up.
Executing complicated handshakes.
Planning an escape.
Making jokes.
Lotioning up.
Finding comfort.
But mostly, too busy walking home.
Jason Reynolds conjures ten tales (one per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings, and brilliantly weaves them into one wickedly funny, piercingly poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home, and in life.
Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by Jason Reynolds is a set of 10 interconnected short stories set in the context of kids walking home from school. It doesn’t follow a conventional structure with a beginning, middle, and end. Each story can stand alone; together they add up to a bigger picture. In this class, we will read the book throughout the term, about 20 pages per week. We will engage in regular discussion, close-reading practice, writing lessons and prompts, and our own story-writing inspired by the style of the book.