Students bring big enthusiasm and curiosity to annual WVHS Electives Fair

Warwick Valley High School held its annual Electives Fair this week, an event that gives students in grades eight through 11 a preview of the electives they can enroll in for next year! Tables representing elective courses in all study areas were set up in the old gym, each one staffed by student representatives who expertly extolled the highlights and benefits of their time in each class.

The high school offers students electives that introduce them to deeper levels of detail in study areas including Agricultural Technology, Art, Careers & Technology, English, Math, Music, PE, Science, Social Studies and World Languages, as well as Independent Study options.

Senior Mia Sciortino avails herself of the electives offered in our outstanding art program.

“Fashion Design is an amazing class, even if you’re not interested in fashion,” said Mia. “You get to do an amazing performance in the fashion show, and you learn so many amazing things you wouldn’t learn in any other class! And you meet a lot of people; it’s a way to be part of the community.”

Fostering community is a well-known benefit of elective courses. They bring together students from different backgrounds around a common interest, which also promotes collaboration and mutual respect. All together, this contributes to the inclusive learning environment and positive school culture we value and enjoy here in Warwick.

There were numerous tables representing classes in technology and engineering-related areas, including one for students interested in Introduction to Engineering, Advanced AutoCAD and Engineering 101.

“[Engineering] was a great class; one of my favorite classes, personally,” said student Aaron Rosin, who shared that even though he intends to pursue a career in marketing, he loved the subject matter of the class and took a lot of practical, universally applicable lessons away from it as well. “Oh, yeah! You learn how to work well with others, because you’re bouncing ideas off each other.”

Many electives, particularly those included in our Careers & Technology department (classes such as Video Production, Cosmetology and Criminal Justice), are fantastic opportunities for students to identify and focus on potential career paths. Much of the practical skills and knowledge they provide (not to mention certain professional certifications) can be directly applied in future jobs, giving students a head start on their careers.

Other electives include very specific college preparatory knowledge and guidance. One of those is the art department’s Portfolio & Art Careers class, which is specifically for students intending to proceed from Warwick to art school and into a career in the broad arts field — whether in creation, curation or education.

“Portfolio is great and very valuable because the class helps to build your resume and your portfolio for applying to colleges,” said senior Sara Ventor. “Each year, we go to a portfolio review day where we can share our portfolios with different colleges. It’s just a great learning experience for those who want to go into art careers and art school.”

Electives help Warwick students develop the central traits of our district’s Portrait of a Graduate, by contributing to their development as well-rounded individuals. We believe that studying a wide array of courses across varied subjects helps promote creativity, critical thinking and emotional intelligence, which are all invaluable skills toward achieving fulfillment and success in both personal and professional life. Warwick’s investment in our elective courses is an investment in the future of our students and the community.

Student turnout was incredible!

And, in talking about student choice, it’s worth the reminder that Warwick Valley High School also “…offers more than 40 clubs and co-curricular activities that give students opportunities to discover and explore their interests with their peers…” These are showcased annually in the high school’s Club & Activity Fair in October!