Tag Archives: Yearlong

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

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.

HS Sex Ed – H&F (amy)

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

The third term of this yearlong high school course on sexual education is designed to provide students with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed choices about their bodies and relationships. This term we will cover essential topics such as birth control, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy, and the foundational understanding of what sex is. This class will continue emphasizing the importance of aligning personal values with decision-making. Through open discussions and relatable examples, students will become empowered to make choices that reflect their values and promote healthy, respectful interactions.

*Mature themes apply to this class.

Outside work: Occasional throughout the term
Mature themes:
Minimum students: 3
Sessions per week: 2

MS Sex Ed – H&F (amy)

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

In the final term of this yearlong middle school course, students will continue to explore essential topics in sexual education, empowering them to make informed choices that align with their personal values. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of birth control methods, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the complexities of pregnancy. The curriculum will also address sexual orientation, fostering an inclusive environment where all students can feel respected and understood. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need, this class aims to promote healthy relationships, enhance self-awareness, and encourage responsible decision-making as they navigate their formative years.