Electives

The Art Exploration course will introduce students to a wide variety of art techniques. The elements of art, principles of design, and two and three-dimensional projects. Such projects will include paintings, printmaking techniques, and a variety of mixed media. Students will be introduced to different Art history periods and will research and report on artists from various cultures. Students will maintain an Art journal that will include thoughts, ideas, sketches, notes from class lectures, and any photographs or art objects that are of interest to the student. All students will be encouraged to work individually and participate in class discussions. Safety and proper clean-up techniques will be emphasized.

In Botany class, students learn basic botanical concepts, which are used in plant identification, such as botanical structural features used in phylogeny and taxonomy of plants. Also included are plant classification and the study of plant diseases and interactions with the environment. In addition to this, students will get an overview of the ecological and economic aspects specific to urban botany.

The Computer Art Studio elective provides students with a comprehensive introduction into the world of digital design. Working in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, students will learn how to use each of the design tools in these two programs to develop skills to help them create a variety of different digital art projects. These projects will be showcased not only in the classroom but also in each student's individual design portfolio.

In our Coding electives, students explore the world of computer science through block-based and text-based programming, robotics, and physical computing. They work with Python, Scratch, and Code.org, create mobile apps and websites with HTML and CSS, and program using micro:bits, VEX, and Hummingbird robotics kits. Students also bring their ideas to life with Tinkercad and our 3D printer. These courses combine creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on projects to build real-world coding skills.

The two levels of Drama classes at CHS are hands-on courses that introduce students to the theatre arts through various activities like acting, improvising, drama games, analyzing scripts, and learning about the history of theater. Students develop communication and collaborative skills, voice and movement techniques, character development, and an understanding of technical theater elements such as lighting, set design, and costumes. The advanced class culminates in a performance, fostering their creativity and talent. This class is offered to all students.

For our Drone Launch elective, students gain hands-on experience with drone technology while learning the fundamentals of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The course covers everything from industry applications and flight fundamentals to regulations, weather effects, airspace navigation, and safety procedures. Students practice both basic and advanced flight exercises and prepare for the FAA Part 107 certification exam. By the end of the course, students have the opportunity to earn their drone license — opening doors to exciting career pathways in the rapidly growing UAS industry.

The Family & Consumer Management elective offered for our seniors provides students with essential life skills that support independence at home, school, and in the community. Students explore topics such as cooking and nutrition, money management, travel planning, shopping skills, child care, knitting, and sewing. This hands-on course emphasizes communication, teamwork, and problem-solving while preparing students for success in everyday life and future opportunities.

Our Film Study elective teaches students to critically analyze films as an art form and cultural product, focusing on film history, techniques, acting, directing, and genres. Students develop media literacy and critical thinking skills by watching, discussing, and writing about movies. The curriculum often examines film's influence on society and historical relevance. It is usually offered to seniors only.

Our Forensic Science course can be defined as the application of science to matters of the law. Principles of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science govern the interpretation of evidence from a crime scene. As computer programming and -forensic laboratory techniques have become more accessible and reliable, their use in interpreting and analyzing crime scene evidence has increased. Society now expects science and technology to assist in crime-solving. The primary goal of this course is to use forensic science as a vehicle for teaching science in a meaningful context and developing scientific literacy. Students will be engaged in the learning process through the use of inquiry-based tasks and authentic forensic laboratory techniques. These tasks will further develop student's observation, analytical, and problem-solving skills as well as demonstrate me nature of science. Habits of mind and scientific principles will be taught in a meaningful manner, such as in the collection, processing, and analysis of evidence, and students will learn to draw authentic conclusions from the evidence. Case studies will be used to supplement lectures and laboratory activities.

The Community High School Graphics course guides gather students to learn about and experience a wide variety of art and craft techniques.  The principles of color, along with the elements of design, pattern, balance, composition, line, and form, are explored through two and three-dimensional projects:  drawing, painting, etc.  Three-dimensional work will be expressed through papier-mache, clay work, and other sculptural techniques.  Art history will be introduced, focusing on the Paleolithic era through the Eighteenth century.  All students will be encouraged to work individually and participate in class discussions.  Safety and proper clean-up techniques will be emphasized.

Multimedia Production is an engaging, project-based course that introduces students to the fundamentals of digital media creation. Students explore a wide range of tools and techniques used in video production, audio recording, photography, and graphic design. Through hands-on projects like short films, podcasts, music videos, and digital advertisements, students learn the entire production process—from concept development and scriptwriting to filming, editing, and publishing. The course emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and communication, while also helping students build technical skills in industry-standard software. Whether you're interested in media as a career or just want to express your ideas in new ways, Multimedia Production offers a fun and practical foundation.

Music class gives students the opportunity and resources to explore popular musical styles in an authentic, real-world learning environment. Students who take Music learn the basics of modern band instruments including: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals, Keyboards, as well as various computer programs which are used for music recording and production. Learning to read tablature and playing chords from lead sheets are emphasized as groups work collaboratively towards a final goal. Performance opportunities happen frequently throughout the duration of the year and consist of cover songs as well as originals. The ultimate goal is to have a positive musical experience while learning to play, perform, improvise, compose, and produce music that is relevant to the students.

In Music Appreciation, students will listen to and examine music from different times, cultures, and genres.  From the dawn of music to modern pop, we will listen to examples of music that are prime examples of their genres and explore why the songs are “catchy,” “complex,” and if they stand the test of time.  We will also seek to see how certain types of music directly influenced later genres.  The impact of music on culture will be discussed as we look at monumental moments in music history.  Students will gain a better understanding and appreciation of music that they are less apt to listen to on their own.

Our Photography course is a beginner’s course designed to introduce digital imagery and computer technology as a medium. The content of this course will introduce students to the technical and creative aspects of digital photography. Students will examine the handling and operation of digital SLR cameras, including creative exposure, focus, and metering controls, and maintain a digital online portfolio. Digital Photography concepts as a means of communication and expression will be addressed through the historical, contemporary, and personal lens. 

Creatively, students will integrate an understanding of the elements and principles of art and design with content to photograph and interpret a visual image. Reflection and assessment will be accomplished through various forms of the critiquing process, including visual, vocabulary development, technical skill, and creative/aesthetic understanding of concepts.

The Advanced Photography course guides students in using the knowledge and techniques learned in Introduction to Digital Photography. The curriculum includes the inventive use of light and photographic equipment to create art and tell complex stories. With an emphasis on production, this course is designed to develop higher-level thinking, art-related technology skills, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics. Students are introduced to the technical and creative aspects of digital photography, digital online portfolios, and the handling and operation of digital SLR cameras that include creative exposure, focus, and metering controls.  

Digital Photography concepts as a means of communication and expression are addressed through the historical, contemporary and personal lens. It introduces basic usage of digital cameras and enhancement of photographs using computer software applications. Reflection and assessment are accomplished through various forms of the critiquing process, which include visual vocabulary development, technical skill, creative/aesthetic, and understanding of concepts.

Psychology is a fascinating field that helps us understand how our minds work and why we behave the way we do. In a basic psychology class, students will explore key concepts like memory (how we store and recall information), learning (the ways we acquire new knowledge and skills), and personality (what makes each person unique). They'll also learn about stress management, which is especially relevant during your high school years, and examine how humans develop from infancy through adolescence. This class will give you valuable insights into human behavior, emotions, and mental processes while helping you better understand yourself and others.

The Community High School School Service elective is designed to immerse students in basic maintenance and repair. Students will learn how to perform various maintenance tasks throughout the building while working with an experienced building and grounds supervisor. Students will also have the experience of shopping for and purchasing assorted materials to use for such repair and maintenance. Social skills will be developed while working on the school service team and students will establish marketable skills that will help them gain entry-level employment opportunities.

STEAM Workshop is a hands-on collaborative class that fosters creativity & curiosity.

It is a makerspace where students will learn to sharpen their critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.  Students will keep detailed notebooks of their projects, which will include their creative  ideas, steps to accomplish their goals for each project,  sketches and  positive or negative outcome. Critiques will also help students to accept suggestions and compliments on their projects. The class will be encouraged to “think outside the box” and be inquisitive as they find creative ways to accomplish what they set out to achieve. Weekly idea exchanges will be encouraged as the students give input for future projects. Various craft materials will be provided, along with some tools, sewing machine, hardware, mirrors, glue guns, fabric, and yarn.

The Community High School Study Skills elective introduces and develops the skills necessary to be successful in courses across the curriculum, including:

• Organization skills
• Time management skills
• Prioritization
• Self-advocacy skills 
• Punctuality
• Learning successful approaches to setting personal and academic goals
• Refining specific strategies that apply to various types of test questions (true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill-in, completion, short answer, and essay)
• Identifying methods of study suited to individual learning styles
• Refining note-taking and outlining skills
• Refining text comprehension skills
• Consistent homework completion
• Proper use of various reference materials
• Proper utilization of technology
• Creating/updating individual study schedules

Our Yearbook Publishing course is a hands-on, production-based course where students work together with the teachers to create the school's annual yearbook, developing skills in journalism, photography, graphic design, desktop publishing, fundraising, marketing, and project management to meet strict deadlines and produce a professional-quality publication. This process involves all aspects of creating a yearbook, from conceptualizing a theme to designing the content, offering real-world experience in a publishing environment. This class is offered to all students.

The Yoga and Mindfulness elective is designed to introduce students, safely and accessibly, to the basic postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation methods of yoga to achieve more out of their day-to-day lives. Students will begin to experience the benefits of stretching, moving, and breathing freely as they learn to manage stress and anxiety in their lives through guided yoga postures and specific mindfulness practices. They will study how to focus attention on the current moments, build skills in self-awareness, interpersonal communication skills, and develop an ability to establish a calm, confident, and mindful approach to their world.