For the first time since the start of the pandemic, rising 9th graders and their parents got the opportunity to learn more about the school’s electives in person at Electives Night on Jan. 30. The event had a turnout of nearly 600 rising 9th graders and their family members, 30 staff members and 300 current high school students.

According to head guidance counselor Brian Safine, Electives Night allows students to gain awareness about electives offered at the high school before course registration begins. Due to the pandemic, this event was done virtually for the past two years. 

“It’s one of the most energy-filled nights of the school year,” Safine said. “The night is intentionally held live because we really want students to experience the classes and the extracurricular activities.” 

Similar to previous years, the evening started with speeches and presentations from administrators like principal Greg Louie and athletic director Rick Ellis. Band, orchestra, drama and choir performed as well. The attendees then moved to the large gym for performances by winter percussion, winter guard and dance. 

For the final event of the night in the library, teachers and students presented their respective electives and answered questions for the 8th graders and their families. 

Courses showcased included the Media Arts Program (MAP), Intro to Digital Animation, Journalism 1, Leadership, Multimedia Journalism, STEM Lab, Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish, Art, Band, Ceramics, Choir, Drama, Orchestra, Stage Tech and Creative Writing. 

Talking to teachers and current high school students gave rising 9th graders a chance to explore what classes they might want to take during this lively event. 

“Doing this in person gave us a chance to remind ourselves as a school how much there is to offer and how involved our students are,” Safine said. “We’re fortunate to have so much buy-in from our current staff and students, as that becomes attractive to our rising students.”