Del Campo High School - Decamhian Yearbook (Fair Oaks, CA)

Page 48 text:

M 'E ' . . . i l ' ixisb nEviEws The changes evoked both praise and criticism the minute the plans were announced. its creators la- bored months in its creation. But when the curtain opened on a dramatically different honors pro- gram, teachers and students were quick to give mixed reviews. ln ad- dition to new and different classes, less rigorous entrance requirements widened the accessibility of the honors program. Advanced Placement Calculus, Physics and U.S. History courses were added to better prepare students for the rigors of college life. Some AP students felt that they were able to discuss topics in more depth as a result of these new honors classes. The class does not necessarily move any faster, but it goes into more depth, said AP History student John Macias. In addition, these intensified cour- ses enabled teachers to give an even more appropriate level of instruction. There is more material covered at the appropriate level, both at the low end and at the high end, said Ken Hodges, the AP Physics teacher. Although these new levels of instruction were better, they were not without their problems. lt's created more work. l now have two different physics classes. l feel I am spread thinly, said Hodges. John Tratos, the AP History teacher, questioned the psychological effects of the honors class upon the student. l have the feeling that life is just too serious among honors students, said Tratos. With the termination of the English X program, many students were allowed to enter Honors English. Eligibility now relied on either re- ceiving an A in a regular English class, or a B in the class with a teacher recommendation. This change allowed more students who had previously been confined to regular English an opportunity to prove themselves. Last year I was just in a plain X class. l missed the test in the 8th grade, and l think it unfairly eliminated me, said junior Kelli Marsden. The changes in the honors English program were not received well by some former Honors English students. lt's still challenging, but not as challenging as it used to be. lt is not as mentally demanding as the 2XLHA class was, said Jeremy Fanucchi. Still, other students felt that the changes have compromised the quality of honors class ins- truction. l think it has changed. lt does not move as quickly. The main reason being the number of new students, said Jason Schaferf Another important change in the English Honors program was the addition of Mrs. Piper as a new AP English teacher. Her expertise in college English was considered to be a plus to the AP program. She treats the class more like college students, giving us more respon- sibility which helps to prepare us for college next year, said Per Nielsen. Unfortunately, the change did not please everyone. Some students were angered that teacher Wayne Geri was only teaching English 2 Honors and not AP. l had Mr. Geri freshman year for Honors English, and l really liked him. I felt l could learn more in his class even though it is no longer an honors class, said Janet Bertolucci. I F Houci-IT 4 Q ZX The tension mounts. David Stanek and other Honors English students study for alvocabulary test in Wayne Gen's sophomore English class.

Page 47 text:

When olo you study the most? .ZW Luunoih es Qgeomegoo 5:5:5f5f5i5j5?Zi'ffiigfgiffif 5 Z 0027 1 ee v vuuu u v A A A . . lr Wi 4 19 Wa J after efeo '500 students surveyed i ,rf MW ff , A u, u Solitary confinement, Anissa Yates finds the peace and quiet she needs to complete her geometry homework, studying alone in her bedroom. Talking through the problem, Tricia Zancanaro converses with her friend while distractedly finishing her World History assignment. Study Hablts My

Page 49 text:

v tnek and other r atvocabulary nglish class. In the Swing 0ffhf'7QS- Joe Evres and ,Debbie Up, up and away. Mrs. Piper's spirits soaras Flillllz Pfepaff? to Stall all AP PhYSl,CS GX- she receives a balloon bouquet and a singing penment that will measure the acceleration ofa telegram for her birthday from her AP English pendulum. dass. . . Vlfhy do you take honors classes? IN YOUR My freshman year I took it to see what it was like and because my parents wanted me to, but now I take it be- cause I like it and it pre- pares me for college. -Monica Young, 10 I like being in the classes be- cause of the people, and I real- ly enjoy the higher level of intel- ligence and conversation that they provide. ' -Troy Hampton, 1 1 A time to rhyme. Poet Regina Flamiriz visits Mrs. Piper's AP English class and discusses various poetic works with students. For the pun of it. Jennifer Demes laughs at one of Mr. Geri's puns during her sophomore Honors English class. Honors Classes