Students in Ms. Allison’s Honors Biology class are studying  Genetic Disorders. Students will work with teacher volunteers to assume the role of a genetic counselor by researching a specific genetic disorder and then sharing the results in a counseling meeting with the adult. The “real life” experience allows students to gain an understanding both of the risks of various genetic abnormalities and the importance of a kind and considerate bedside manner. 

Students in Mr. Clausen and Mr. Hultgren’s Honors Humanities classes visited the National Gallery for the “Beauty” unit they are studying. This week students spent the morning in the West Building, looking at classical art. Students had the freedom to explore the collection. In afternoon, Ms. Smith met them in the East Building (modern) and led a discussion of abstract art, rooted in the Barnett Newman series “Stations of the Cross” in the East Building tower. Then, students were free to explore more on their own. At the end of the unit, students will write a paper focused on one work of art from the Gallery. They must discuss the artist, the work, their reaction to the work, and then whether and why they find the work beautiful.  In preparation for the trip, students read an excerpt from James Joyce’s “Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” and “Very Short Introduction: Beauty” by Roger Scruton.

Students in the Chinese class participated in a frosty morning volunteer work last week, setting up and taking down tables and chairs at a food bank. They helped with setting up and taking down the tables and chairs, managing the lines, registration, and distributing food, carrying boxes and putting them on the participants’ carts/bags. The volunteer opportunity was organized by Chinese teachers Xiaoming Han and Lawrence Liu.