4 Classes You Should Take Before Graduation

Are you struggling to find a class to take here at CHS? Have you taken most of the required classes here and are looking for a fun one? Sometimes, students feel like most of the classes they take aren’t all that enjoyable. Here are five of the classes that fellow students have suggested for those looking to add some excitement to their schedule. 

The first class suggested by a fellow student is Veterinary Science. This is a hands-on science elective where students will explore the veterinary science industry with studies in animal roles in society, animal science principles, and management of food. Applications of biology, chemistry, and physics will also be demonstrated through this course with labs and class projects, making it ideal for college preparedness as well as personal pleasure. An in-depth analysis of the anatomy and physiology of animal species will be the primary focus of the course. Topics will include medical terminology, comparative anatomy, physiology, clinical procedures, disease, and parasitology. The vocabulary may seem difficult to grasp, but many students claim that the hands-on approach led them to more deeply understand and appreciate concepts surrounding medical procedures for animals.

The second class that is suggested by many is Future Farmers of America (FFA). FFA is a class where students can develop personal leadership skills and learn how to contribute to the community as active members of the Caledonia FFA chapter. Instruction will emphasize an experiential approach toward the application of leadership and scientific principles in an agricultural context. Students will be involved with a minimum of one outside class FFA activity each semester (this is a two-semester course). These activities will complement concepts in communication, leadership, group dynamics, career success, and personal development. The first semester of this course will focus on leadership and service through FFA. The second semester of this course focuses on preparing students for public speaking, parliamentary procedure, and team presentation competition through FFA. It will also focus on careers in agriculture and natural resources with student competitions at Michigan State University. FFA member Sierra Tague (10) said “The most I got out of this class is knowledge on things I didn’t think I would ever learn about in high school, and I also met a lot of new fun, like-minded people. A good memory I have is when I found that I was able to go with the team and support other teammates at regionals.”

The third class suggested is Student Council. This class is designed for students to learn and practice leadership skills including collaboration and school appreciation. This class uses Experiential Learning techniques (learning by doing) that require students to be highly motivated and willing to learn in a non-traditional environment. Students will be responsible to report all activities, projects, athletics, etc. to the Board of Education. Student Council’s primary focus is school events including Homecoming, staff appreciation, Winterfest, and other school and community projects as planned by the class and approved by the administration. This class includes time commitments outside of the normal school day; however, the invaluable leadership will include the fundamentals of leadership, relationships, goal setting, organization, ethics and leadership, self-awareness, problem-solving, and personal growth. To qualify for Student Council, you must have responsible behavior, as well as a willingness to work and learn in a group setting. Macey Douma (11) said “The most important thing I have gotten out of Student Council is how to be a leader while still being myself: not changing for other people. My favorite memory from Student Council is when my team won Jeopardy in our final project.”

The fourth class that is often emphasized by students is Choir. There are many different types of CHS choirs that students can participate in or audition for. First of all, there is the Women’s Choir, which is open to all females grades 9  through 12who are interested in learning more about vocal techniques and singing in a non-auditioned ensemble. Students perform a variety of music literature, learn basic music theory, and develop sight-reading and ear training skills. Members of the Women’s Choir are required to participate in four concerts, as well as the MSVMA District Choral Festival. Men’s Ensemble is another type of choir open to all males in grades 9 through 12. The focus of this course is similar to Women’s Choir, but for lower vocal ranges instead. On the other hand, members of the advanced choir known as the Choralaires must have a minimum of one year of experience in the Women’s Choir or Men’s Ensemble. This is open to students in 11 to 12 grade through audition only, but occasionally 10th graders through audition and special permission from the choir instructor. This course is designed for experienced singers who desire a challenge. Members must have the freedom to make performances outside of the regular school day. Importance will be focused on vocal technique, singing a variety of music literature, performance, advanced level sight-reading, ear training, and music theory. Choralaires will also participate in four concerts and the MSVMA District Choral Festival. Students are required to be enrolled in both semesters. The final choir ensemble is Advanced Treble Chorus. This class is open to women in grades 10through 12 by audition only. Emphasis will be placed on vocal technique, singing a variety of music literature, intermediate level of sightseeing and ear training, and music theory. Students will perform four concerts, as well as the MSVMA District Choral Festival. Students must be enrolled in both semesters and have at least one year of experience in the Women’s Choir. Emilee Diemer (10) said, “A good memory I have in choir is laughing and messing around, but also the feeling of being overjoyed on a song that you sang perfectly.”