SCHS Parent Night

Last night was parent night at Santa Clara High School. I was able to meet each of Dream's teachers.






1) Biotechnology. The teacher created this fantastic new program last year. The students will spend 80% of the time performing lab experiments. It offers hands on experience that benefits both those seeking to be lab technicians for the many bio-tech companies in the area as well as those wanting to go into science or medicine. Dream hopes to gain experience and confidence in the lab.

2) English. Dream's English teacher is young and was herself a graduate of Santa Clara High. About 50% of the students speak English as a second language. She placed Dream next to another super nice girl so they can help each other through the class.

3) Video Production. This small class (only 20 students) is amazing. The 13 beginning students work in small groups to plan and create their own short movies. They utilize digital video recorders and cameras along with i-movie software. The 7 advanced students use professional tools and often assist the beginning students. This course will be a real challenge for Dream yet will also be highly rewarding.

4) Chemistry. Her teacher is a lot of fun. A few years back he changed careers and decided he would be happiest teaching chemistry. He is quite creative and it seems they have a lot of fun. Baking cookies for homework... it doesn't get any better!

5) PE. Dream is currently taking badminton. Good choice for her as the other option was flag football.

6) Algebra 2. This class is fairly difficult compared to the other courses. They move quickly yet strive to have fun. Like her Chemistry teacher, her math teacher also changed careers and decided to teach. She enjoys math and is very good at explaining concepts. About half the class speaks English as a second language so she diagrams many of the word problems for them.

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So, for the record, the only classes I had an impact on her selecting were biotechnology and video production. She picked chemistry and algebra 2 on her own!

The biotechnology class offers her a unique opportunity to learn lab techniques, processes and skills in high school. Few high schools offer such an opportunity. When she starts taking lab classes in college she will already be far ahead of the other students. Dream loves this class. It is perhaps her favorite class. This week they are making cheese! She has flasks of various combinations of milk and buttermilk and such that she carries around with her. She records her observations as each slowly changes / thickens into cheese. How fun!

Dream didn't enjoy US history and wanted a change. The best options were cooking, intro to art and video production. The video production class is highly creative and unique. It is something that does not exist in Thai high schools. This small class offers an opportunity to make close friends as well. The students are highly focused so it will be challenging, especially since Dream is uncomfortable with computers. I hope once the hard part of learning the basics is over it will rapidly become an extremely fun course for her. Expect to see a lot more videos on our youtube channel!

Dream with her Chemistry teacher.