As a graduating senior at WJ, I can safely say that I would not mind staying back another year if it meant that I would be able to take majority of the new classes available to students next year.

Some of these classes were introduced this year. For example, African American History is taught by Social Studies teacher Mike Williams.

“I let people know that African American History will not only enrich their understanding of American History, but provide different perspectives that they have probably never encountered,” said Williams.

The class teaches students about the forces and events that led to the experiences of African American individuals in the United States. There is an emphasis placed the impact of major events impacting the lives of African Americans.

“I like to approach things in a non-traditional way,” said Williams. “I infuse art, music, science, film, sports, poetry, literature and many other genres to help bring the history to life and help students understand that history is not simply made by a few unique and talented individuals, but that ordinary, everyday people like all of us actively create and take part in history.”

By having students learn about the history from the African American perspective, it allows them to fully understand how far our nation has come concerning tolerance and acceptance of others.

Latin American History will be newly offered to sophomores, juniors and seniors as well. With Spanish slowly working its way to becoming the second dominant language of the United States, knowing the development of Latin American nations and their positions in the world today could come in handy for those kids seeking a career in politics.

Also making its debut in the Fall, East Asian History, offered to grade 10 and up. Students will be able to learn the ways of the samurai as well as the power embedded within the Chinese emperor.

Students showing interest in the latest trends or aspiring to be the next winner of Project Runway have the opportunity to sign up for Fashion and Merchandise Illustration class that is being taught now by art teacher Liz Stafford.

“Because this is a one semester course, for students who take health, this fits their interests,” said Stafford. The class is offered to 10th through 12th graders and a prerequisite art class is recommended before students sign up for the course. However, no prior drawing experience is required.

The class’s main objective is for students to understand the basic proportions of the human figure and incorporate what they know into merchandise illustration. This art elective is incredibly useful for building a portfolio for students who are interested in studying fashion in college. In addition, the class integrates concepts from the three major art departments, 2D Studio Art, Photography and 3D Sculpture, into the world of fashion.

One other brand new class offered within the art department is AP Art History. This year has actually been the only year the course was not offered due to the lack of students registering for it. In order for any new classes to be added, at least 15 students must register for the course.