Author Archives: Sieglinde Levery Nicholas

Feminist History & Writings—(possible) SS/ELA (Tara Hill (volunteer))

In this class we will explore what feminism is. This will be done through tracing history and influential thinkers and movements. We will deconstruct gender, like that feminism is not just about Women™. This broad exploration of feminist theories will take us through Indigenous Feminisms, Black Feminism, white feminism, carceral feminism, women of color feminisms, and more. We will examine how feminist theories have always been and will always be relevant, that’s including to us!, in fostering liberatory practices.
I love feminist theory! I was introduced to it in college and I’ve loved it since. For me, it’s the source of laughs, tears (of all emotions), and guidance for life. Through this class, I’d like to bring those ideas in and relate them to our lives.
Content Warning: violence, sexual violence, gendered violence

About the instructor:

Hi! My name’s Tara and I'm currently at UW in the UACT program to get a teaching credential. PSCS has given me the opportunity to volunteer in order for me to further practice teaching. About me: I enjoy spending time at home with my cats, knitting/crocheting, reading, going on walks and watching tv. I hope either of these class ideas sparks your interest and I'd love to get to know y'all!

  • Outside work: A small amount (e.g., <30 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: See content warning above
  • Minimum students: 2
  • Sessions per week: 2

History of the Vietnam War—(possible) SS credit (Tara Hill (volunteer))

In this twice weekly Spring Term class, we will examine the Vietnam War within the broader context of the Indochina Wars. We will analyze the roles of key countries that shaped the conflict, including China, France, Japan, the Soviet Union, and the United States. Through studying primary and Vietnamese sources, we will explore these events within the larger patterns of history. Given the intense violence associated with this topic, we will focus on resistance movements and everyday acts of resistance. This includes taking care of ourselves throughout the process.
Additionally, the course will address the question “What now?” and explore themes of hope beyond war. I enjoy learning about history through reading, podcasts and videos in my free time. It can often be a painful experience, but I also get to feel a lot of hope in the form of guidance for our future. I hope to bring in an angle that challenges hierarchy and strives for the well-being of all.
Content Warning: violence (extreme and persistant), torture, destruction, murder

About the instructor:

Hi! My name’s Tara and I'm currently at UW in the UACT program to get a teaching credential. PSCS has given me the opportunity to volunteer in order to further practice teaching. I enjoy spending time at home with my cats, knitting/crocheting, reading, going on walks and watching tv. I hope either of these class ideas sparks your interest and I'd love to get to know y'all.

  • Outside work: A small amount (e.g., <30 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: See content warning above
  • Minimum students: 2
  • Sessions per week: 2

Mandarin (con’t)—World Language (Jeremy Smith)

PSCS is the only school in Seattle offering Mandarin Language and Culture!

Students in Spring Term of this year-long Mandarin II class will continue to engage with the language at an intermediate level through the Comprehensible Input Method. Participants will remain focused on high-frequency Mandarin, connecting lessons with real experiences in Seattle’s Chinatown; and practiced ordering in restaurants, grocery shopping, and discussing movies and TV shows.

Students will also continue practicing how to find and use independent language learning resources effectively. Additionally, students participate in tea tastings and learn about Chinese cultural products, practices, and perspectives from Chinese-speaking communities around the world. Students who have taken this course have described their experience as being “simple but effective.”

Throughout the class, students set and measure growth goals in proficiency, progress, and performance—covering interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive communication, as well as intercultural competency. By the end of the school year, students who prioritize practice can expect to be more confident in using their language abilities to ask basic questions for comprehension and to circum-locate for better comprehension.

Outside class-work will include practicing what we cover in class in various ways.

Note: This class is approved for students who are continuing with their Mandarin studies. Please see the Director of Program if you wish to join.

About the instructor:

Jeremy Smith, or 史老師 Shi Laoshi as his students call him, is the Founder and Executive Director of the Communitea Project and its sponsor companies: Storied Journeys, The Village Teacher, and Communitea House.

Jeremy spent the last 15 years in traditional and experiential education, mentoring new teachers, in business development, and volunteering his time in service to non-profit work for communities in the United States and abroad. He has taught pre-school through University, Special Education, English Language Learners, History, and Mandarin Chinese. He has also worked for the last six years collaborating, planning, and leading experiential education trips in countries like Taiwan and China.

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term
  • Sessions per week: 3

Daily Show—Language Arts

Satirical Journalism

Language Arts or Social Studies Credit

The Daily Show is a long running satirical news show, that is both bitingly funny and on point as it covers important (and not so important) stories in news, politics, and pop culture. We’ll watch the most recent episode(s) together and discuss top news stories and guest interviews.

Student participants can also play and replay most episode’s through any podcast platform.

Social Studies credit will be offered for all students who participate meaningfully and respectfully. Students who choose to do so, may earn Language Arts credit for this course by preparing three drafts of a 5-page article on a social topic featured in an episode—to be determined by you and the facilitator—and submitting a final, edited, draft by end of the term.

Yearbook—Career & Technical – CTE

In this twice weekly, yearlong class, students design, lay out, edit, and print the 24-25 PSCS Yearbook. Over the course of three terms, students use community-process to decide on a theme to represent the school year, and collaborate to ensure representation of the student experience, student creativity, and to archive important local and global events.

In small and full group process, we’ll create a timeline, track deadlines, write copy, take pictures, solicit content, and organize pages using a fun, accessible, online cloud-based marketing platform (Canva!).  The final product will be professionally printed and shared with the community at the end of the school year,

Middle School students who register, commit to all three terms, as well as to participation, attendance, and respectful collaboration, will receive Elective Credit on your transcript.

High School students who register, commit to all three terms, as well as to participation, attendance, and respectful collaboration, will receive full Career & Technical OR Elective Credit based on your need.

If any student would like to join the class in Spring Term, please reach out to Sieglinde for permission. You’ll be eligible to receive partial credit (1/3) upon completion.