By Emily Carroll – News Editor

Jonathan Law has introduced several new classes for the 2015-2016 school year.

New courses include AP Human Geography, Model U.N., Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Advance Photography 2, Digital Drawing, iPads & Music, American Popular Music, Vocal Performance Technology for Musical Theater, and Computers, Electronics, and Programming.

“The new classes that Jonathan Law is offering this year will not only provide students more options when choosing classes, but will allow for more opportunities for students to investigate potential career options,” guidance counselor Mrs. Dunnuck said.

AP Human Geography, taught by Mr. Dooley and Mr. Roumeles, helps students develop critical thinking skills through the understanding, application, and analysis of the fundamental concepts of geography. This course also gives students the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school.

“I like how Mr. Roumeles makes the class interesting and fun by connecting what we learn to what is going on in today’s world,” senior Kaitlyn Lynch said.

Model U.N. is a new history class taught by Mr. Evanko. In the class, students discuss and debate current international issues from various nations’ perceptions.

“I am hoping that students get an understanding of their nations’ perceptions through the class and gain a sense of empathy for other people around the world,” said Evanko.

Computers, Electronics, and Programming, taught by Miss Martinich, allows students to complete desired tasks using Arduino and Raspberry Pi electronics platforms. Students will build microcontroller boards and then program things with the boards using coding.

“I want them (the students) to see that computer science is a field where they can be greatly successful from the day they graduate and on,” said Martinich.

iPads and Music, taught by Mr. Giampietro, allows students to compose and perform music on various iPad apps. Students will also learn how to apply their new music-making skills in other media, such as projects and presentations for other classes.

“I love teaching it because I feel I am helping students unlock their ability to express themselves,” Giampietro said.

American Popular Music, also taught by Mr. Giampietro, is an overview of the historical events that have shaped shaped music in this country. Students should be able to connect music they know and love to its social context from this class.

“I look forward to teaching this course because I have a diverse interest in music,” Giampietro said.

Mrs. Murphy will be teaching Digital Drawing starting next semester. In this class, students will create original works of art using drawing tablets and various programs such as Adobe Photoshop, CZ6, and Adobe Illustrator.

“I’m looking for students to think about traditional drawing versus digital drawing using the two new tools,” Murphy said.

Advanced Photography 2 is a new full-year course that will have students concentrate on the more complex aspects of photography and will refine the aesthetic and technical aspects of their work. This course is taught by Mrs. Romanowski.

A new half-year music course that is for all grades is Vocal Performance Techniques for Musical Theater. In this class, taught by Mrs. Rizzotti, students will learn unique skills for singing in a musical production.

Introduction to Early Childhood Education is a new full-year family and consumer science course that provides a study of historical, philosophical, and social perspectives of early care and education.

“We are working on an interactive bulletin board so the kids can learn social and emotional skills,” senior Isabel Cortez said.