Arrival and Modified Schedule
The high school was operating on a modified schedule today due to the Keystone Biology Exams. Students actively enrolled in a biology course - regardless of grade level - take this state exam at the end of the course. As we progressed through the day, we again saw the diverse set of courses available through the PRHS Program of Studies. Students have flexibility in course selections with the schedule. The diversity of courses occurs with different pathway options and with the number and type of elective opportunities.

Honors Chemistry with Lab
The students just finished a unit on titration and submitted an Inquiry Titration Lab report. As they entered Mr. Simko’s class, each student took a playing card(s). The class is now preparing for finals through a review of content and labs over the course of the second semester (e.g., chemical reaction labs such as combustion, single replacement and synthesis). Lab finals are designed to show growth with lab proficiency skills over the course of the year. To assist in the review, students reference class notes and lab materials. The playing cards were used to randomly select students to answer questions. Finally, a multiple-choice Cahoot was used as a final review opportunity.

Metal Craft
Students are crafting “spinner” rings. Mrs. Andreassi reviewed some of the key steps and sequence of design and fabrication. Examples of required skills and techniques include: sizing; cutting; forming; soldering; stamping; buffing; and polishing. Soldering is used to join two or more pieces of metal together. The propane torch is used to heat the metal and allow the low melting alloy to fuse together. The “spinner” portion of the ring construction allows part of the ring to actually move while the rest of the ring stays in place. There is a quiet and relaxed focus to this class.

Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
For extra credit, students had the opportunity to create a “brain hat” with all of the aspects of the brain anatomy mapped. Mrs. Billie explained that it is sensory week in this class with a focus on different sensory receptors (e.g., touch, sight, smell, etc.) with the learning goal to compare and contrast the structure-function of cells of the nervous system. Today’s two-point touch lab focused on mechanoreceptors and the parietal lobe of the brain.

Themes in World History
In Mrs. Owens’ class, students are studying the theme of genocide. Part of the learning activity is to compare and contrast Armenian Genocide from 1918 - 1919 and the Holocaust from 1936 - 1945. The class discussed the timeline of key events happening in the world and also in this region. Students will complete a self-directed end-of-unit project as the culminating activity and assessment for this unit.

Honors German 3
Frau Giuliano opened class with a large group warm-up of adjective endings. Different colors were used to activate prior knowledge to reinforce that endings are not added to words that end in “a.” Students then apply the grammar rule in a translation exercise. Students also watch a sample “class” film trailer related to the learning goal of developing skills to follow plot and ongoing action within authentic literature. As the student productions are produced and viewed, the red carpet will be rolled out and awards will be earned!

Honors Algebra 2
Similar to many courses at this time of year, students are finishing the last unit of instruction and preparing for the final examination. The current learning goal is focused on solving rational equations. In addition, Ms. Lang provided review materials that reflect the scope of content on the final exam and also give students the opportunity to practice multiple-choice test-taking strategies.

English 10
Students continue to study Julius Caesar by Shakespeare. In this co-taught class with Mrs. McRoberts and Mrs. McCarthy, students are reading various parts of the play. The next learning goal is to identify and apply thematic concepts to the text.

Closing Thoughts
In this sophomore year “Day in the Life” experience and especially at this time of the year, you could feel the academic rigor and requirements. Students (and teachers) are preparing for the final assessments of the 2021 - 2022 school year.