'New' Course At Stonington High School Explores Stonington's Past

As students scramble to choose their courses for the fall by the end of this week at , two new electives highlight the selection.

The first is a Local/Regional Study of New England with a focus on Connecticut. What makes this course a stand out is that it “involves a collaboration of expertise between Stonington High School teachers and expertise of members of the historical society,” said Lea Kennedy who heads course selection for the humanities. 

It’s focus: Stonington, an in-depth study, including Pawcatuck and Stonington Borough. President of the , Meredith Brown and member Evelynn Lyons, both history buffs, will volunteer their time to help educate students with history lessons, artifacts and walking tours as well as giving the students an understanding of the function of local government agencies and positions. The course will include a history of New England including the regions “geography, religious and social movements and architecture to determine how these factors impacted the development of Connecticut.”

The second course is recommended for grades 11 and 12 and involves a school-based spprenticeship in the classroom. 

According to Kennedy, the course is primarily for those interested in teaching. “It is only one section but can accommodate individual schedules and interests,” she said. 

Students will work alongside instructor’s, teaching in a subject of their choice, responsibilities will include all teacher tasks including lesson design and class management. It will provide first hand exposure to teaching as well as an experience of actual teaching not unlike student teaching. It will include reflections on the time spent creating lessons and teaching classes.

“It gives students an opportunity to work with other teachers, now it is high school but it could branch out,” Kennedy said. 

Other highlights are Conversational French and Spanish offered at Level V Honors. These classes are hands on allowing students total immersion in their chosen language. As well as  an impressive level of conversation they will cook, watch news programs and teach lessons in their chosen language. 

Popular electives include a self-reflective art class which includes a trip to MOMA in New York City as well as instruction from local artist Pamela Pike Gordinier who also teaches at the .

Journalism, Karate, Environmental Science and Advanced Health and Wellness  are other offerings. Students in Advanced Health and Wellness will collaborating with middle school physical education teachers creating lesson plans as well as teaching.