by Geoff Fox
When students at Hancock High School head back to school on August 26, they’ll find a few new electives they can take during their school year.
Principal Jennifer Ruppenthal said the school is thrilled to announce the 10 new electives for students this upcoming school year.
“These courses are designed to offer students expanded learning opportunities, help them explore new interests, and provide a head start on their college education and career readiness,” Ruppenthal said.
The new electives for the upcoming school year, which are open to students in grades 9 to 12, include Public Speaking where students will develop effective communication skills and confidence in public speaking; Honors Human Geography where students explore the complexities of human societies and their environments; World History Since 1500 with students dive into global historical events and trends from 1500 to the present; Advanced Greenhouse 1 where students gain hands-on experience in advanced greenhouse management, including plant propagation and sustainable practices; Business Computer Applications 1 where students learn essential computer applications for business, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software; College Preparation which is designed to prepare students for the college application process, including writing personal statements, preparing for interviews, and more; Exploring Computer Science and Robotics where students will learn the fundamentals of computer science and delve into the exciting world of robotics and programming; Industrial Maintenance 1 (Virtual Welding) where students learn the basics of industrial maintenance with a focus on virtual welding technology, an innovative approach to training in a safe, virtual environment; Wildlife Management 1 where students will study wildlife ecology and management practices, focusing on conservation and the responsible stewardship of natural resources; and Family Skills which will help develop essential life skills, including cooking, budgeting, and basic home maintenance, to prepare for independent living.
Ruppenthal said the Public Speaking, Honors Human Geography, and World History Since 1500 are dual credit courses where students earn both high school and college credit.
“We are particularly excited to offer three dual credit courses that will allow students to earn both high school and college credit,” she said.
There had been discussion about a partnership with the DNR and Hancock Middle-Senior High School last school year, Ruppenthal said the Wildlife Management could develop the program or connect to it.
“Nothing is determined for sure as we are in the exploratory stages,” Ruppenthal said about the DNR program.
Family Skills, for a more accurate description, would help develop skills to possibly quality care for young children and learn how to interact with children through various ages and development stages that a parent would experience, Ruppenthal said.
Those courses provide students a unique opportunity to get a head start on their college education while still in high school, she added.
School officials believe these new electives will enrich their students’ academic experience and help them discover new passions and potential career paths.
They also encourage all students to take advantage of these exciting new opportunities.
“We look forward to a wonderful new school year and can’t wait to see the amazing things our students will accomplish!” Ruppenthal said.