Jamestown High School officials are trying to make it easier for incoming freshmen to know how many classes the school offers.
Helping the new students narrow their choices is likely a different matter altogether.
The high school held its third curriculum showcase Wednesday in the old gymnasium at the school. According to Charlie McKenna, English teacher at the high school, the event was put together by the shared decision making committee, of which he is a part.
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Students and their families had the opportunity Wednesday night to attend a curriculum showcase at Jamestown High School, in order to learn about the variety of classes that are offered.
P-J photo by Liz Skoczylas
"In the past, we've had parent-teacher night and the showcase at the same time, so this is the first time we've separated the two," McKenna said.
The showcase is aimed at seventh- and eighth-grade students and their parents, as well as the current students at the high school. It is a chance for them to meet some of the faculty and administration of the high school, and get a taste of the courses and electives that the school has to offer.
"The first and most important thing that they need to know is what we offer. This gives us an opportunity to kind of do that public relations, to let people know, 'this is what the course is really about,' or 'this is what the department's really doing,'" McKenna said.
McKenna also noted that the high school also offers several elective courses that are unique to the school.
"We have videography, which is way beyond. We have all of our various music programs, the Youth Apprenticeship Program. The electives that we have in English are excellent, as well, as the seniors have the opportunity to choose the focus of their senior year English course," McKenna said.
He also noted that there are many art and business classes with "lots and lots of electives" to offer to students.
"We want to give the kids an opportunity, and the parents an opportunity, and the community an opportunity to see all the different things we offer. We want to let everyone know that we're working really hard to give their kids the best education we can as they go into the future," McKenna said.
Honor Society members were on-hand at the event to offer tours of the school, and teachers were stationed throughout the building to answer questions as well. Departments had the opportunity to display posters and discuss their classes with potential students.