Rebel Roundup- New Classes
It’s hard to believe we are already wrapping up the first quarter here at the high school! We have had a great start to the school year. In this week’s Rebel Roundup, I would like to share about some of the new classes we are offering at MCC this year. These new classes include Community Service and Volunteerism, Leadership and Respect, JH Art Elective, Current Events, Theater Communications, and an AI Tools for Life. These classes help us continue to maintain a rich offering of electives while providing exposure for our students to explore different areas of interest.
During the first portion of the semester, Mr. Lucas Freeman reports that students enrolled in Community Service and Volunteerism have been actively engaging in a variety of weekly service assignments that support both the school and the wider community. These assignments include assisting in elementary classrooms, helping with the community backpack program, washing athletic uniforms, collecting recycling, painting in the weight room, and helping clean and wash local ambulance trucks. Students are also responsible for completing fifteen hours of community service outside of the school day, and many have already made significant progress toward fulfilling this requirement. In addition, the class has begun organizing a collaborative service project to further contribute to community needs.
In Current Events, (also taught by Mr. Freeman) students have been building civic awareness and media literacy by regularly reading local newspapers, exploring international news topics on a weekly basis, and viewing a short daily news broadcast. These activities are designed to help students stay informed about issues impacting their community, country, and world by developing thoughtful engagement with current affairs
Our Leadership and Respect class is a rebuild of a class we offered several years ago- with an updated curriculum and new teacher! Mr. Wajer is teaching the class this year. It is a course designed for students in grades 9-12 to develop essential skills in leading with integrity and fostering respect in all environments. Through interactive activities, group discussions, and real-world scenarios, students explore the principles of effective communication, collaboration, empathy, and conflict resolution. The course emphasizes building self-awareness, understanding different perspectives, and cultivating a positive influence on peers and the community. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to lead with confidence and foster meaningful, respectful relationships in school, work, and beyond.
Our Theater Communications class taught by Mr. Harms, is a dynamic course that builds confidence and skill in public speaking, performance, and expression. Students explore various forms of speech, including monologues, storytelling, and persuasive speaking, while developing vocal and physical presence. The course culminates in a one-act play, allowing students to apply their skills in a live performance setting. Through interactive activities, scene work, and ensemble collaboration, students gain valuable communication skills and confidence that are applicable for making any career path successful.
Our JH Art Elective class taught by Mr. Reker, is designed for students to explore and experience creative expression, critical evaluation, and a greater appreciation for the Visual Arts. While learning about the elements and principles of design, students develop their drawing, painting, sculpting, and printmaking skills. A variety of famous artists and their styles throughout history are also studied and reviewed.
A new tech elective called AI Tools for Life provides 11th and 12th-grade students with the opportunity to use AI as a real-world tool. In this class taught by Mrs. Johnson, students gain skills, knowledge, and ethical awareness through hands-on projects. They learn AI basics, ethics, and real-world uses based on their interests and career goals.
We are excited to offer these new opportunities for our students this year! Murray County Central remains committed to providing access to challenging course programing that promotes career and college readiness. Thank you for your unending support!
Jake Scandrett- HS Principal