New teachers, redesigned Knights, and a whole bunch of classes . . .  a lot of changes are coming to Knoch for the 2019/20 school year.  One that will have a significant impact on future students are the two new required courses: Freshman seminar and Computer Applications.

Starting next year with the class of Class of 2023, one period of all freshman’s eight period schedule will be comprised on these new day 1, day 2 classes.

Computer Apps includes Microsoft certification as well as some other tech skills, but many people have questions about the Seminar.

Freshman Seminar is an introductory course required of all 9th grade students. It is designed to help 9th grade students acclimate to the high school setting. Students will develop skills that will allow them to be successful throughout their high school careers by working to develop social, emotional, and academic proficiencies that will build toward lifelong achievement. The classes will be working towards the PA Career Education and Work Standards.

The new class will be taught by Mrs. Sandorf. She believes it is a good addition to the curriculum. It will be helpful and useful to students.

“Students will learn and practice communication skills, conflict resolution skills, how to research effectively, leadership skills, career exploration, note taking skills, study skills, managing stress, finances, and balancing school, sports, and fun,” said Mrs. Sandorf.

Students have high expectations for the class. Eighth grader Jessica McCalip said, “I expect this class to teach new skills to those who do not possess them already.”

Reilly Huff, another eighth grader, said, “I hope that the projects for this class will be individualized so students can achieve personal growth.”

Huff hopes this class will benefit her and her peers.

“I want to gain a deeper knowledge of the careers for my grade’s generation and how to successful apply to and get a job,” she said. “Plus, explore more careers instead of focusing on skills students are already proficient in.”

For as many pros as there are, there are still some cons from a student viewpoint.

“The freshman Seminar truly sounds like a remediation course. Many students are already proficient in the skills listed above due to advanced middle school classes. The course keeps many incoming freshman from taking classes they would actually like to,” said Huff.

Students are also worried they will have to give up things like art and music to be able to balance the classes, work, and extracurricular activities.

“Some students are being forced to drop electives to take these new classes,” said McCalip.

“The course is forcing students to drop their arts/language electives (classes that colleges value) in order to take a study-hall to stay caught up on school work,” said Huff.

Though the pros and cons are laid out, no one will truly know until one has been through it. Although some are pessimistic, Mrs. Sandorf is optimistic.

“The transition from middle school to high school can be challenging in many aspects. My hope is that students will find the transition a smooth one both academically and socially by using the tools and resources from Freshman Seminar,” said Sandorf.