In the midst of tests and exams, classes ranging from fine arts to English classes still engage students through hands-on learning

experiences to allow them to grasp content in untraditional ways.

Fine arts classes including jazz band and art ensure that students are able to be creative while also learning about the fundamental units in the courses.

Senior Bryce Goodloe expresses herself through her art while also learning about different forms of art.

“Right now we’re learning about sustained investigations which is art that responds to a prompt,” Goodloe said. “I’ve been taking art for two years and assignments like this help me to find a love for art which has doubled as an amazing outlet for me.”

Additionally, the jazz band has been preparing for Artistry in the Rock, a showcase that displays student talents within the district. Apart from that, the class allows students to explore other forms of band.

“Jazz band has exposed us to different styles of music and it’s important to know that there are other types of bands than just marching bands.” Sophomore Colby Outlaw said. “It also gives us more opportunities for scholarships.”

Scholarships aren’t the only benefits to hands-on learning offered by the classes in terms of college preparedness. Former Sociology professor Dr. Terry Richard visited sociology students to teach the class in a way similar to what they would experience in college classes. Students were to survive in a simulated nuclear war while still applying their sociological knowledge.

“Many of my students are seniors and I want them to have hands-on experiences that are similar to college,” sociology teacher Joanna Newkirk said. “Professor Richard brought the students some activities that his own college students love.”

The class itself prepares students for critical thinking in the real world.

“There are so many problems in today’s society that we didn’t have to worry about before,” Richard said. “Being able to think with

a sociological perspective can be very beneficial to anyone who is willing to do so.”

As students begin to prepare for AP tests, AP Lang has shifted into a unit over synthesis and satire. Students wrote their own satirical articles which gave the students a chance to collaborate and practice the satirical tactics that they learned.

“My partner and I just threw ideas around and some of mine were pretty bad,” junior Sameer Walajahi said. “But being able to work together helped us do the best that we can and helped us understand.”