Author Archives: Valerie Diaz Leroy

Integrated Algebra 1 (Michael J. Coffey)

A continuation of fall term’s Integrated Algebra 1, continuing to use the Numerimurgy system so that everyone can be working at the right level of challenge.  (Newcomers or students below level 19 of Numerimurgy should consider taking this course rather than IA2, but either can work if there are scheduling conflicts.)

This class will cover all four of areas of skills and concepts of pre-college mathematics with an emphasis on algebra, but also drawing from number systems, measurement, and geometric thinking.  The course has a lot of ideas about relationships between numbers, and learning the special language of math.  That includes things like:

  • learning how to convert real-world problems and situations into mathematical descriptions of what’s going on, like using an equation to describe the relationship between two things that influence each other such as price of a product and how many get sold
  • looking at different ways of representing and manipulating numbers, even when you don’t know specifically what number you’re working with (variables, exponents, roots)
  • new functions and equations–and what can be done with them
  • graphing and estimation skills
  • some techniques for analyzing and comparing different data sets
  • practice thinking in specific ways in order to solve problems (rather than guessing or experimenting)

We will discuss in class what your math goals are.  However, keep in mind that most high school math classes meet 5 days a week and we will only meet for 2 days each week.  If your academic goals are to learn the equivalent of a public high school’s amount of math, you will have to do a significant amount of work on your own.

Will happen in one of the two Monday/Tuesday morning slots.

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term

Integrated Algebra 2 (Michael J. Coffey)

A continuation of fall term’s Integrated Algebra 2, continuing to use the Numerimurgy system so that everyone can be working at the right level of challenge.  (Experienced students at or above level 19 of Numerimurgy should consider taking this course rather than IA1, but either can work if there are scheduling conflicts.)

This class will cover all four of areas of skills and concepts of pre-college mathematics with an emphasis on algebra, but also drawing from number systems, measurement, and geometric thinking.  The course has a lot of ideas about relationships between numbers, and learning the special language of math.  That includes things like:

  • learning how to convert real-world problems and situations into mathematical descriptions of what’s going on, like using an equation to describe the relationship between two things that influence each other such as price of a product and how many get sold
  • looking at different ways of representing and manipulating numbers, even when you don’t know specifically what number you’re working with (variables, exponents, roots)
  • new functions and equations–and what can be done with them
  • graphing and estimation skills
  • some techniques for analyzing and comparing different data sets
  • practice thinking in specific ways in order to solve problems (rather than guessing or experimenting)

We will discuss in class what your math goals are.  However, keep in mind that most high school math classes meet 5 days a week and we will only meet for 2 days each week.  If your academic goals are to learn the equivalent of a public high school’s amount of math, you will have to do a significant amount of work on your own.

Will happen in one of the two Monday/Tuesday morning slots.

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term

Old Time Radio (Dan Gillmore)

After the printing press, radio was the next great revelation of communication. One of radio’s best uses was sharing stories, presented by actors and talented producers of sound and editing.
In this class we will occasionally read a source text before class, and in class we will create art while we listen to a performance from the golden age of radio. Written/and or digital copies of each story will be provided to the students to read before each class.
  • Sponsor: Dan Gillmore

Twilight Zone (Dan Gillmore)

We will watch a selection of episodes from the classic anthology series from 1959 and beyond, followed by a conversation about the themes and deeper meanings behind each episode. The show often features stories that fall into genre categories such as sci-fi, western, and horror.

Play Production (Maggie)

Are you interested in putting on a play this fall? Sign up and we’ll plan a production based on who’s interested. To be performed on stage this year.

BeatCraft (Brandon Bermudez)

This class is focused on learning and applying music theory ideas, including reading and writing, analysis, and production. Students in this class will get a better understanding of how harmony, rhythm, and melody work together to create songs. This term’s iteration of this class will have a heavier focus on rhythm. Open to all grades. Computer and headphones required. Some homework will be required.

Third Unnamed Band (Brandon Bermudez)

This was a request from Ollie to start a new, beginner-friendly performance band. If you’ve spoken with Ollie about this project, please sign up!

Basaso (Brandon Bermudez)

Intermediate performance band.

If you’re not currently in this band and are interested in joining, please talk to Brandon before signing up.

Casual Ghost Party (Brandon Bermudez)

Advanced performance band.

 

Closed band.

Life Skillzz (Ollie)

Note: This class is open to high school students only.

Do you want to improve your life skillzz to a point where you are prepared to be self-sufficient while living on your own (or with others!)? Well this is the class for you!

I’m teaching class this because my mom was taught these things at a super young age and now I know a lot of life skills and hacks. I want to pass the knowledge that I am grateful to have on to other students. 

In this class we’re going to learn how to sew, do laundry, cook HEALTHY meals and how to eat what your body wants you to eat. We will learn to do taxes, how to track our wellbeing in a positive and organized way, how to use nails and screws, weird life hacks that you obviously need but didn’t know, and how to have fun while doing household chores!

If you are a high schooler (junior, senior) please consider taking this class, seeing as you are closer to going out and living on your own. The things I am teaching in this class are important skills that you will need to know and if you already understand the basics, it’s always good to know more. Ultimately, this class is a high school only class but if you are a middle schooler, come talk to me!

This will be a mostly onsite class but there will present multiple opportunities to learn outside the classroom.

It is not solely going to be me teaching home ec. There will be guest teachers – deeply rooted past community members, fellow students, and current teachers!

This will be a minimal to no homework class but there will still be high expectations.

  • Minimum students: 3
  • Sessions per week: 2
  • Sponsor: Valerie

Duolingo (Valerie)

Break down communication barriers by learning a world language. Which communities do YOU want to interact with a little more? Choose a language in the free Duolingo app, work at your own pace to earn your language credit, and report your weekly progress to Val!

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term

Hindi Language & South Asian Culture (Wasfee Vazir)

Did you know that Hindi is the third most spoken language in the world? It is amongst the fastest growing languages spoken in America and around the world. 

Through this fun and interactive course, students will learn conversational Hindi. South Asian music, art, dance, and theatre will serve as a backdrop for this course ensuring high energy.  

Salient topics:  

  • Learn to write your name and age: Introduction to written Hindi using the Devanagari script. Students will be introduced to the alphabet and numbers in Hindi with the goal that they are able to write their names and age in Hindi! 
  • Tour South Asian cultures: Immersive walkthrough of the various festivals, holidays, and cultural etiquette specific to the South Asian culture. 
  • Welcome Spring! Use this period of transition from winter into Spring to learn about expressing the surroundings in this season. 

Course Experience: 

  • Use of arts and craft: South Asian art and craft themed activities including Warli Art, Indian block printing, clay pottery art and Rangoli designs allowing students to express words, characters, phrases, or simple sentences in Hindi. 
  • Theater and drama: We will also work on a Spring celebration play for the students to participate and speak in Hindi language while learning about the Spring festival of colors from South Asia called Holi.
  • Dance and Music: There will also be a Bollywood dance workshop to experience how this language is used in Indian cinema now famous around the world. • Contextual relevance: We leverage books in Hindi written by South Asian authors – many of them based in the US. Some of these will also have English transliterated Hindi to give the student’s independence to read in Hindi using English script.
  • Digital learning support: The course will also utilize interactive apps in Hindi like Shoonya Kids and Duolingo to facilitate continuous learning for children at different levels of proficiency. 

This course will enable PSCS students to reach novice level proficiency across communications,  culture, connections, comparisons and communities.