Reading, writing, mathematics and science are still core subjects at Cordova Jr./Sr. High School, but new course options range from audio engineering and emergency medicine to net mending and deckhand skills.
Beginning at the start of the 2018/19 school year, Wednesday classes shifted from the typical math, science, English and history classes to electives aimed at teaching real-life and Cordova-centered skills.
“Largely, the idea came from students during our strategic planning conversations last spring,” said CHS principal Kate Williams. “Students were seeking non-traditional classes that were engaging, high-interest and connected to real-life learning.”
Classes include audio engineering, visual arts, 3D design and printing, backcountry and boat cooking, auto repair, yoga, Alaska Emergency Trauma Technician certification class, taught in partnership with the Cordova Volunteer Fire Department, JH Theater Arts, artistic embroidery, net mending/deckhand, hiking/skiing/snowboarding, sketching, outdoor skills, beginning coding and Japanese I.
“It’s pretty neat to walk down the halls and see kids mixing their own original compositions in audio engineering or learning how to mend nets or creating beautiful pieces of artwork,” Williams said. “And then to walk outside and see a group of AK ETT students gathered around the ambulance with a CVFD instructor and another group heading off to the reservoir for a hike and yet another heading over to the boardwalk in front of the hospital to do yoga. It makes for an interesting but exhausting day!”
On the afternoon of Dec. 12, students in Hans Werner’s net mending/deckhand class worked meticulously to repair a large teal gillnet.
Along with net mending, Werner has covered splicing and knot tying. He had a skipper come to talk to students about deckhand expectations.
Werner, a high school math teacher, also teaches an introduction to calculus and weightlifting classes on Wednesdays.
“I really like it, I think it’s useful for Cordova kids,” he said. “My biggest concern right now is finding enough new things that we can do in class and keeping it interesting.”
Although Werner finds the classes educational, he rocks back and forth on its scheduling and wondering if giving up essentially 20 percent of his teaching time is worth the experience for the students.
He also notes that on weeks where holidays fall on a Monday, he is then giving up two days of teaching algebra.
“If nothing else, it’s been interesting,” Werner said.
Implementation of these classes did not alter the school’s budget and Williams can already see its benefits on the students.
“They’re making connections regarding learning and understanding that it doesn’t just happen within the four walls of a school building,” she said. “Content learning (math, science, English) has real-world applications and students are able to see that application of knowledge in different ways.”
As with many new programs, feedback from its participants and stakeholders are necessary and being sought to make future adjustments to the Wednesday classes.
“I predict there will be quite a few more net menders on the docks this summer because of Mr. Werner’s class, and you’ll have some new ETT’s serving the community as a result of their Wednesday class with Mr. Thorne,” Williams said. “These are skills they can put to use right away, for their own benefit and for the benefit of Cordova.”
