 | | | Photo provided
| | | | | | Teachers and student representatives served up some fun to Orinda Intermediate School eighth graders on Thursday afternoon, February 9. Staged in the cafeteria, the Fair was created to inform next year's incoming freshman about their elective choices. Of course, it was also an opportunity for staff to promote their favorite subjects and for current MHS students to explain their love of a specific elective. Which classes give the dreaded "homework" yet why might it be worth it? Do I already need to know about the subject or have a specific skill to enjoy the course? What college admissions requirement does it fulfill? Will I get to hang out with cool students if I take this class?
While these questions and many more were answered there seemed to be collateral benefits to the event. Some students attended with their parents (even though it was tough to be seen with them!) Others walked from OIS in clusters to campus, excited to get a preview of life as a Miramonte student. The quad was occupied by the cheerleaders for their regular practice, usually held in the cafeteria but ousted by the Fair. School spirit was a solid welcome for the impending freshmen.
Passports were issued listing all of the represented Electives. If students visited every table and had their passport "stamped" they were eligible to enter a drawing for choice Miramonte "swag" (logo hats and t-shirts.) There were seven diligent winners. Classrooms were open to tour for the following 30 minutes. The Drama Department performed in the theater and public speakers (Oral Interpretation) were on hand to demonstrate their skills. The Choral Department was busy sorting through their Choir Gram orders (songs for sale delivered on Valentine's Day to unsuspecting fellow MHS students.) World Languages (French, Mandarin, Latin and Spanish) had a big impact with music, sombreros, shields and more. Art, Digital Photo, Foods and Engineering Drawing were engaged throughout the Fair. Copies of the Journalism student newspaper "Mirador" were flying off the table.
The trial year for the Fair became a reality with an extended effort by the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Department Chair, Kristen Plant. Her energy is contagious and her vision to create a new tradition at Miramonte is commendable.
The Educational Foundation of Orinda funds most of these programs while state funding continues to diminish. A quote from Albert Einstein sort of sums it up: "Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will get you everywhere." Elective courses can be fun, challenging and lead students in new directions. As part of a well rounded student body, they are an essential educational component at Miramonte.
For more information:
Videos of Elective Courses offered at Miramonte
www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/Page/839
Funding by the Educational Foundation of Orinda
www.orindaefo.org
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA