ENGLISH IS THE NEW MATH

by Kailyn Groves staff writer

For as long as I can remember, I have found Science and English to be my favorite classes to take in school. They always made sense to me and lit a lightbulb for new ideas. Not only was it the understanding of the subjects that I liked, but it was also the learning aspect and freedom to stretch my thinking. There was not a class, however, that combined my two academic interests until this year, and this new class is now part of the Sci-Ma-Tech program.

Based on student and teacher feedback, the Sci-Ma-Tech teachers have been figuring out how to combine multiple subjects into two class periods for the last few years, with varying results. “Last year…towards the end of second semester, we had four classes in two hours,” Arthur LijewskiLee ‘26 recalls. The Sci-Ma-Tech program integrated math into these daily block schedules at first, but this soon became problematic due to everyone’s varying math levels. As a result, the teacher team decided to simplify things to help with the workload. “We typically split it up between two set hours,” says English teacher Gina Houdek. “[Sometimes,] students spend first hour with Ms. Laing doing chemistry, and then they

[come] to me for English.” The class typically has a varying schedule when it comes to the subjects covered in the block. “[On some days,] they’re going to be spending an hour with Mr. Baran and Mr. Forton. The following day, it could be Chemistry and Technology,” Houdek mentions. “It really changes week by week.” By having students take three classes across the block, it frees up time for electives they wouldn’t necessarily have, which was a main concern raised at the end of last year for the future of the program.

In class, students will work individually and together for projects, essays, or labs, which are all run by a team of teachers that teach different subjects. “Right now, we have three classes in a two hour block: Chemistry with Laing, English with Houdek, and Engineering with Baran,” explains Lijewski-Lee.

Still, it’s too early in the year to know exactly how people are doing with the program’s shift in academic values. It’s the first time that Sci-MaTech has decided to incorporate English into its curriculum. So far, things seem to be going well. “We’re kinda early on, so nothing major has changed. But from what I’ve heard, they’re going to be doing a better job of not cramming so much in,” Lijewski-Lee mentions.

Because of the different set up this year, the classes feel better than last year. “I enjoy everything. I like the stuff we do, [specifically what] we do in engineering, that stuff I really like; it’s fun,” Lijewski-Lee elaborates. Last year, students struggled with homework and extensive assignments. They were given homework by each teacher for most of the school year while also having other classes to be present in and keep up with. “There are pluses and minuses. It’s annoying to have to, every single day, figure out where you’re going,” admits Lijewski-Lee. “Sometimes, you have to rush across the building. But honestly, it’s kind of fun to have a variety [of classes and teachers].”

Despite the challenges of starting something new, Houdek is looking forward to the adventures ahead. “This is a new program for this year. I’m really excited for it. I think there are a lot of possibilities for this to become an engaging, exciting class,” shares Houdek. “If you’re someone who likes science, technology, engineering, [or] English, and you want to see how that is woven together, definitely come and check out the Sci-Ma-Tech program next year.” //