Category Archives: Elective

Twilight Zone – ELECTIVE (Dan Gilmore)

PSCS alum and longtime volunteer, Dan Gillmore, will share a different episode of the classic television phenomenon each week. Students and Dan will discuss the genre and explore themes as well. Elective credit will be offered via attendance and participation.

Criminal Minds: Truth & Fiction – ELECTIVE (Cherrise Smith)

In the course, students will dive into real-world criminal cases, analyzing the evidence, motives, and investigative techniques used to crack each case. However that’s not all–students will also take on the role of detective, judge, attorney, prosecutor, and jury solving faux crime cases. Get ready to investigate… one clue at a time.

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.

Complicated Dogs – ELECTIVE (Jaylee)

Complicated Dogs’ last dance of the year. This once a week class is a continuation of the past two terms. We’ll be playing music and wearing dog ears and stuff, y’know the drill.

Make sure to communicate/audition with Jaylee before signing up. Spots for new members are not guaranteed.

Note: All animals are complicated dogs.

First You Draw a Circle (Art Class) – ELECTIVE (Jaylee)

In this once a week class, we will take time to learn and practice skills in art (mainly drawing, but perhaps photography as well if people are interested). This will consist of games, studies, short video lectures/tutorials, maybe even the occasional field trip, or just drawing time with music in the background. It’ll be a go-with-the-flow class and the days will in-part be decided by what students want to do.

As you may be able to tell by my drawing above, I am NOT a beacon of skill and knowledge when it comes to making art. This class mainly serves a purpose of giving myself and other practicing artists dedicated time to improve, learn, and exchange tips and ideas with one another.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oXfpfbHZJU

Intro to Dungeons & Dragons – ELECTIVE (Nat Provitt)

Have YOU ever been BUMMED OUT that Nat’s DnD class is invite only????? WELL GET EXCITED, this term I will be hosting a fully open Dungeons and Dragons class (as long as you have mature themes.) that will be TWICE this term! We will be going on a wild adventure written by yours truly in the wonderful world of Toril. However, unfortunately due to the nature of the game I will only be able to accept a maximum of 4-5 people so sticker wisely!

This class will accept everyone from proficient dungeoneers to level one newbies, in the first few weeks we will go over the components of character building, the basic rules, we will also all make our characters together, AND THEN YOU SAVE THE WORLD!!!!!!! But don’t think this class will just be messing around, every week (or session as i call it) I will expect 1 short paragraph (3-5 sentences) of reflection, session notes, noticing, or in-character writing about the recents events, etc etc.

**This class may be once per week pending how scheduled mapping goes**

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons – ELECTIVE (Nat Provitt)

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

In this class we will go over a TWICE a week 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.

IF I HAVE NOT SPOKEN TO YOU ABOUT BEING A PART OF THIS CLASS, THEN YOU SHOULD NOT STICKER IT, STICKER THE OTHER ONE THOUGH IT’LL BE AWESOME.

**This class may be once per week pending how scheduled mapping goes**

Art & Aesthetics – Arts (Sam)

Arts Credit

This class will explores the fundamental concepts of art and aesthetics, examining how artistic expression and aesthetic experience shape human culture and perception. Students will engage with key philosophical theories of beauty, taste, and artistic interpretation while analyzing various forms of visual, literary, and performing arts. The course covers historical and contemporary perspectives on art, its social and cultural significance, and the role of aesthetics in everyday life. Through discussions, critical analyses, and creative projects, students will develop a deeper appreciation for artistic expression and the principles of aesthetics.

Objectives:

  • Understand major aesthetic theories and their historical development.
  • Analyze and interpret works of art across different media.
  • Explore the relationship between art, culture, and society.
  • Develop critical thinking skills in evaluating artistic and aesthetic experiences.
  • Engage in creative projects that apply aesthetic principles.

This class is suitable for students interested in art history, philosophy, literature, and cultural studies. No prior artistic experience is required.

Note: To receive credit for this class, you must complete all assigned readings , vocally participate in class discussions, turn in all notes, complete complete small and large art projects.

Comic Books: Heroes v Villains – LA (Sam)

Language Arts Credit

This class will meet once a week.

Welcome to an exciting journey into the world of comic books! In this class, students will explore the art, storytelling, and history of comics, from classic superheroes to modern graphic novels. Through reading, discussion, and creative activities, students will learn how comics combine words and visuals to tell powerful stories.

We will analyze different genres, study character development, and even experiment with creating our own short comics. Whether you’re a longtime comic book fan or just curious about the medium, this class will help you develop a deeper appreciation for this unique form of storytelling.

Get ready to read, discuss, and immerse yourself in the colorful and creative world of comics!

 

Note: To receive credit for this class, you must complete all assigned readings , participate in group discussions, and all other related classwork.

Express Yourself: The Communication Workshop w/Amy and Brandon – SEL Elective (amy and brandon)

This class will meet once a week to embark on a journey that will lift your communication skills to new heights. This engaging workshop is designed to help you become a better listener and share your thoughts with confidence. Through practical exercises and real-world scenarios, you’ll learn to navigate those awkward interactions we all dread, turning them into opportunities for connection. Whether you’re looking to build lasting friendships or simply express yourself more openly, this workshop offers a supportive and fun environment to practice and grow.