fall 2018 Ninth - Twelfth Grades
2:00-3:00pm
SU 50 Hawaiian History
Students will explore the development of Hawaii, including migrations from the Marquesas Islands and Tahiti, unification of the islands by Kamehameha the Great, the Hawaiian Monarchy, the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and the days of the Republic of Hawaii, Territory of Hawaii and State of Hawaii. Significant events and persons will illustrate dramatic changes in Hawaii and address issues of modern importance to state residents.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Ms. Catherine Votovich is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College majoring in Secondary Education with a concentration in History. She has had many experiences with children, including volunteer work through her parish where she has been both a station and group leader for Vacation Bible School and spending her breaks observing educators in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Ms. Votovich was most recently a counselor at the annual Saint Vincent Nike Girls Lacrosse Camp for girls ranging from second grade to twelfth grade. Her favorite experience from camp was coaching a small group of 15 beginner lacrosse players and watching them improve every day and apply the skills they learned on and off the field. In her free time, Ms. Votovich can be found spending time with her family and friends and exploring on and off campus.
SU 51 The Physics of Amusement Parks
This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the physics used to design their favorite amusement park rides, including rollercoasters, the pitfall and more! Through instruction, investigation and hands on activities, students will study topics including but not limited to gravity, energy, force, and centripetal motion. This course will help students practice connecting math and science to their own lives.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Ms. Lauren Bittner is a senior at Saint Vincent College majoring in Physics with a minor in Secondary Education. She has had many experiences with youth of a large range of age through mission volunteer work and leadership rules in activities such as vacation bible schools and after school programs. Lauren volunteers through clubs on campus including the Physics Club, Education Club, and Campus Ministry. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and in the future plans to be a high school physics or mathematics teacher.
Mr. Nathan Porter is a junior at Saint Vincent College, majoring in Secondary Physics Education. He has had many opportunities to engage with middle and high school level students through various programs provided by the Education Department at Saint Vincent and through Ridgway Area High School in his hometown, where he has been employed in maintenance for several years. Mr. Porter is also involved in Saint Vincent’s Collaborative Learning Program (CLP) where he engages in a leadership position in organized study sessions, assisting students seeking extra help in General Physics. In his free time, he enjoys listening to Americana music, spending time outdoors, and watching baseball.
SU 52 The Elusive Edgar Allan Poe
From the musical prose of “The Raven” to the chilling imagery in “Annabelle Lee”, the works of Edgar Allan Poe are a staple in any American Literature curriculum. This course serves to explain, in detail, the complex enigma that Poe was. The course will begin with a background on The Romantic Era that Poe lived in, where we will explore his anti-romanticism and his contribution to the creation of the “gothic” genre. Advanced writing concepts such as Neo-Platonism and juxtaposition will be introduced to students in the form of a writing project where students will produce their own romantic or anti-romantic poem. If you are interested in scary stories, Gothic themes, or Poe, this course is perfect for you!
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Miss Kate Bell is a junior at Saint Vincent College with a major in English and a minor in Education with a concentration in Secondary (high school) Education. She also has a vocational degree in Computer Information Systems, competed in state public speaking competitions, and recently tutored adults pursuing their GED's. Miss Kate recently spent six months abroad in England, where she studied her specialty: British Literature. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors. Miss Kate has recently finished writing a poetry book, and looks forward to sharing her love of literature with her students.
SU 53 Impressionism: The First Modern Art Movement
Students will take a look at the first modern art movement, Impressionism. For the majority of the class they will learn about the cultural and technological aspects of 19th century Europe, which gave way for the movement, as well as its influence on later artists. The students will focus on specific works of art to determine particular characteristics of impressionist paintings, as well as the differences between each artist’s styles. The final few classes will be dedicated to their final project, in which students will choose a specific work of art to research and give a presentation.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Ms. Brenna Barsic is a graduate student at Saint Vincent College, currently working to obtain a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction along with a Certification in Secondary History. She has previously received two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in history and the other in art, from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ms. Barsic spent the 2018-19 school year working through AmeriCorps, at one of the Greater Latrobe School District’s elementary schools. There, she provided math support to the 6th grade students and taught literacy skill groups in both the 5th and 6th grades. Before starting her term with AmeriCorps, Ms. Barsic held an overnight childcare position at the crisis nursery Jeremiah’s Place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In her rare free time, Ms. Barsic enjoys painting as well as reading fiction novels.
3:00-4:00pm
SU 54 Public Speaking
Nearly seventy-five percent of the world’s population has some fear of public speaking, and it’s easy to see why. In this class, students will try their best to become part of the twenty-five percent as they turn a common fear into an important life skill. Students will learn skills, techniques, and real-world applications of public speaking, all leading up to a final project where, you guessed it, we speak publicly!
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Ms. Taylor Berardi is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College majoring in Mathematics with a Secondary Education minor. Before attending Saint Vincent, Taylor was a district champion and state finalist of informative speaking in the Laurel Highlands High School Speech League. She has also had several opportunities to observe high school classes, which have only increased her excitement for this career path. In her free time, Taylor can be found running all over campus as she is involved in student government, residence life, math club, musical theatre and much more. She is very excited to educate and get to know her students this semester!
SU 55 Native American Cultures
Students in this course will take a look at some different cultures found in the Americas from the times of Columbus to the onset of the American Revolution. The course will look at the Maya and Aztec culture, and will then focus on North American tribes, particularly those which have had a presence in our general region. They will discover the cultural/political differences between each tribe or alliance of tribes, and see how interaction with European powers affected these cultures. A Native American reenactor may come and give a better look into Native life, as well.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Mr. Levi Baum is a sophomore at St. Vincent College. He majors in History and is pursuing a secondary education certificate through his minor in Education. He has two years of experience working at Historic Hanna’s Town, a local historic site. There Mr. Baum worked as a tour guide for people of all ages, and assisted with school tours ranging from elementary to middle school grades. His hobbies include reading both fiction and non-fiction works, as well as listening to music and playing his alto saxophone. He hopes to acquire a teaching job at the high school level after graduating.
SU 56 Step Up with STEM
In this course we will focus mainly on the topics within Chemistry a few of which are Laboratory Safety, Stoichiometry & Chemical Equations, and Acids, Bases, and Reactions. Each of the lessons will allow students to expand on a variety of skills while working towards the final project. The final project will allow the students to implement their skills by working with their teammates to engineer a bottle car that will be powered by a chemical reaction. Don’t worry; it’s only vinegar and baking soda.
My goal is to introduce the students to the STEM fields and the endless possibilities that are out there. While doing this students will also be participating in hands on projects, mini experiments, and lessons that will further engage them in the various topics of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Ms. Morgan Pattison is a junior at Saint Vincent College majoring in Chemistry with a Secondary Education minor. Ms. Pattison has had many experiences working with children of all age groups, of which includes coaching a girls’ softball team. This is her first-year teaching Step-Up, but she looks forward to sharing her love of science while allowing students to engage in hands-on learning. Her hobbies include playing softball, painting, singing and spending time with friends and family.
SU 57 Political Science
This course will explore the discipline of political science, which studies systems of government and analyzes political activity and behavior. The class will begin with a focus on early types of political systems in the ancient world, and will pay special attention to the American political system and US Constitution. Modern day political theories and activities will be discussed in a non-partisan, unbiased environment. Lessons will include hands-on activities, mini lectures, group/partner work, brief video clips, primary and secondary source analyses, group discussions, and student-created campaign.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Mr. Jacob Diller is a continuing education student at Saint Vincent College having graduated with a degree in History with a minor/certification in Secondary Education. Mr. Diller works with children and adolescents on a regular basis, supervising children’s literacy programs through the Community Library of Allegheny Valley, as well as assisting with the instruction of children’s and adult karate classes several times per week. He has been an active volunteer in his community, serving as a captain for an American Cancer Society Relay for Life team as well a volunteer with a branch of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Mr. Diller enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, swimming, and practicing martial arts.
4:00 - 5:00pm
SU 58 How to be a Royal
In this course students will learn about the various types of monarchies and what it means to be a royal. Students will evaluate the mannerisms of royalty, how they function and operate as a distinct social class that fluctuates depending on location and customs. Additional focus will pertain to the history of royalty around the globe, those that have survived throughout time and those that met their political demise. Students will also explore the cultural and political differences among the various royalties and how they operate. For this course students will focus on the three types of political monarchies seen today, these being parliamentary, constitutional and absolute monarchies. Evaluation of these three political systems of monarchies will be the main focus of the class and include evaluations and comparisons among the varying types in the past and present. Upon completion of this course students will have an adept understanding of royal history and know how to be a royal.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Mr. Logan Seybold is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College in pursuit of a history major with a minor in secondary education. He has had many experiences within the education field, including being a camp counselor for Saint Vincent’s Challenge Program and a student worker for the McCarl Coverlet Gallery. His favorite experience was working Challenge Program and having the opportunity to assist teachers while observing how to operate a classroom. In his free time Mr. Seybold enjoys reading historical books, relaxing while watching Netflix and golfing.
SU 60 Physics in Motion
This class will be a general physics course which centers on kinematics. Isaac Newton’s 3 laws of motion will be an important staple to the class as well as other fundamental concepts to physics. Approximately half of the classes will consist of a lesson that previews and supplies important information for a lab which will be occurring the following week. No prior knowledge is necessary, though it would be helpful to have an understanding of some basic principles of algebra (manipulating equations, inverse functions, etc.).
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Mr. Ryan McElhinney is a physics major at Saint Vincent College. He is currently in his junior year and hopes to minor in mathematics. He wants to eventually teach either high school physics or math. His past experience with children has been limited yet valuable. Mr. McElhinney has helped with the games station at Vacation Bible School for 3 summers. Other volunteer work includes helping out at soup kitchens and food banks. In his free time, he loves to play sports with friends, especially basketball.
SU 59 Accessing ACCESS
This course is about a database language called Access. Every day we are flooded with information. Our smart phones can pull up information on just about any subject we desire. We start filling out an on-line form on a computer, and sometimes the computer magically fills in the rest of the data. If you are curious about how all this information is stored and accessed, then this is the course for you. Access allows you to enter data into a database using forms and Visual Basic functions, generate reports, issue SQL queries, and perform data mining to look for trends and patterns. Join this course to delve into this powerful database program.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 44
Mr. August Shotts is a post graduate at Saint Vincent College with a major in Computer Science. August is majoring in Middle Grade Education with a Math concentration. He has had many experiences working in the Information Technology field. Mr. August Shotts has also coached basketball for three years at Christ the Divine Teacher School in Latrobe. In addition, he also has experiences coaching in a youth special education baseball league at Red Devils Park in Greensburg. In his free time, August likes to do mechanic work on cars and watch the Steelers.
SU 50 Hawaiian History
Students will explore the development of Hawaii, including migrations from the Marquesas Islands and Tahiti, unification of the islands by Kamehameha the Great, the Hawaiian Monarchy, the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and the days of the Republic of Hawaii, Territory of Hawaii and State of Hawaii. Significant events and persons will illustrate dramatic changes in Hawaii and address issues of modern importance to state residents.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Ms. Catherine Votovich is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College majoring in Secondary Education with a concentration in History. She has had many experiences with children, including volunteer work through her parish where she has been both a station and group leader for Vacation Bible School and spending her breaks observing educators in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Ms. Votovich was most recently a counselor at the annual Saint Vincent Nike Girls Lacrosse Camp for girls ranging from second grade to twelfth grade. Her favorite experience from camp was coaching a small group of 15 beginner lacrosse players and watching them improve every day and apply the skills they learned on and off the field. In her free time, Ms. Votovich can be found spending time with her family and friends and exploring on and off campus.
SU 51 The Physics of Amusement Parks
This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the physics used to design their favorite amusement park rides, including rollercoasters, the pitfall and more! Through instruction, investigation and hands on activities, students will study topics including but not limited to gravity, energy, force, and centripetal motion. This course will help students practice connecting math and science to their own lives.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Ms. Lauren Bittner is a senior at Saint Vincent College majoring in Physics with a minor in Secondary Education. She has had many experiences with youth of a large range of age through mission volunteer work and leadership rules in activities such as vacation bible schools and after school programs. Lauren volunteers through clubs on campus including the Physics Club, Education Club, and Campus Ministry. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and in the future plans to be a high school physics or mathematics teacher.
Mr. Nathan Porter is a junior at Saint Vincent College, majoring in Secondary Physics Education. He has had many opportunities to engage with middle and high school level students through various programs provided by the Education Department at Saint Vincent and through Ridgway Area High School in his hometown, where he has been employed in maintenance for several years. Mr. Porter is also involved in Saint Vincent’s Collaborative Learning Program (CLP) where he engages in a leadership position in organized study sessions, assisting students seeking extra help in General Physics. In his free time, he enjoys listening to Americana music, spending time outdoors, and watching baseball.
SU 52 The Elusive Edgar Allan Poe
From the musical prose of “The Raven” to the chilling imagery in “Annabelle Lee”, the works of Edgar Allan Poe are a staple in any American Literature curriculum. This course serves to explain, in detail, the complex enigma that Poe was. The course will begin with a background on The Romantic Era that Poe lived in, where we will explore his anti-romanticism and his contribution to the creation of the “gothic” genre. Advanced writing concepts such as Neo-Platonism and juxtaposition will be introduced to students in the form of a writing project where students will produce their own romantic or anti-romantic poem. If you are interested in scary stories, Gothic themes, or Poe, this course is perfect for you!
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Miss Kate Bell is a junior at Saint Vincent College with a major in English and a minor in Education with a concentration in Secondary (high school) Education. She also has a vocational degree in Computer Information Systems, competed in state public speaking competitions, and recently tutored adults pursuing their GED's. Miss Kate recently spent six months abroad in England, where she studied her specialty: British Literature. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors. Miss Kate has recently finished writing a poetry book, and looks forward to sharing her love of literature with her students.
SU 53 Impressionism: The First Modern Art Movement
Students will take a look at the first modern art movement, Impressionism. For the majority of the class they will learn about the cultural and technological aspects of 19th century Europe, which gave way for the movement, as well as its influence on later artists. The students will focus on specific works of art to determine particular characteristics of impressionist paintings, as well as the differences between each artist’s styles. The final few classes will be dedicated to their final project, in which students will choose a specific work of art to research and give a presentation.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Ms. Brenna Barsic is a graduate student at Saint Vincent College, currently working to obtain a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction along with a Certification in Secondary History. She has previously received two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in history and the other in art, from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ms. Barsic spent the 2018-19 school year working through AmeriCorps, at one of the Greater Latrobe School District’s elementary schools. There, she provided math support to the 6th grade students and taught literacy skill groups in both the 5th and 6th grades. Before starting her term with AmeriCorps, Ms. Barsic held an overnight childcare position at the crisis nursery Jeremiah’s Place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In her rare free time, Ms. Barsic enjoys painting as well as reading fiction novels.
3:00-4:00pm
SU 54 Public Speaking
Nearly seventy-five percent of the world’s population has some fear of public speaking, and it’s easy to see why. In this class, students will try their best to become part of the twenty-five percent as they turn a common fear into an important life skill. Students will learn skills, techniques, and real-world applications of public speaking, all leading up to a final project where, you guessed it, we speak publicly!
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Ms. Taylor Berardi is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College majoring in Mathematics with a Secondary Education minor. Before attending Saint Vincent, Taylor was a district champion and state finalist of informative speaking in the Laurel Highlands High School Speech League. She has also had several opportunities to observe high school classes, which have only increased her excitement for this career path. In her free time, Taylor can be found running all over campus as she is involved in student government, residence life, math club, musical theatre and much more. She is very excited to educate and get to know her students this semester!
SU 55 Native American Cultures
Students in this course will take a look at some different cultures found in the Americas from the times of Columbus to the onset of the American Revolution. The course will look at the Maya and Aztec culture, and will then focus on North American tribes, particularly those which have had a presence in our general region. They will discover the cultural/political differences between each tribe or alliance of tribes, and see how interaction with European powers affected these cultures. A Native American reenactor may come and give a better look into Native life, as well.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Mr. Levi Baum is a sophomore at St. Vincent College. He majors in History and is pursuing a secondary education certificate through his minor in Education. He has two years of experience working at Historic Hanna’s Town, a local historic site. There Mr. Baum worked as a tour guide for people of all ages, and assisted with school tours ranging from elementary to middle school grades. His hobbies include reading both fiction and non-fiction works, as well as listening to music and playing his alto saxophone. He hopes to acquire a teaching job at the high school level after graduating.
SU 56 Step Up with STEM
In this course we will focus mainly on the topics within Chemistry a few of which are Laboratory Safety, Stoichiometry & Chemical Equations, and Acids, Bases, and Reactions. Each of the lessons will allow students to expand on a variety of skills while working towards the final project. The final project will allow the students to implement their skills by working with their teammates to engineer a bottle car that will be powered by a chemical reaction. Don’t worry; it’s only vinegar and baking soda.
My goal is to introduce the students to the STEM fields and the endless possibilities that are out there. While doing this students will also be participating in hands on projects, mini experiments, and lessons that will further engage them in the various topics of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Ms. Morgan Pattison is a junior at Saint Vincent College majoring in Chemistry with a Secondary Education minor. Ms. Pattison has had many experiences working with children of all age groups, of which includes coaching a girls’ softball team. This is her first-year teaching Step-Up, but she looks forward to sharing her love of science while allowing students to engage in hands-on learning. Her hobbies include playing softball, painting, singing and spending time with friends and family.
SU 57 Political Science
This course will explore the discipline of political science, which studies systems of government and analyzes political activity and behavior. The class will begin with a focus on early types of political systems in the ancient world, and will pay special attention to the American political system and US Constitution. Modern day political theories and activities will be discussed in a non-partisan, unbiased environment. Lessons will include hands-on activities, mini lectures, group/partner work, brief video clips, primary and secondary source analyses, group discussions, and student-created campaign.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Mr. Jacob Diller is a continuing education student at Saint Vincent College having graduated with a degree in History with a minor/certification in Secondary Education. Mr. Diller works with children and adolescents on a regular basis, supervising children’s literacy programs through the Community Library of Allegheny Valley, as well as assisting with the instruction of children’s and adult karate classes several times per week. He has been an active volunteer in his community, serving as a captain for an American Cancer Society Relay for Life team as well a volunteer with a branch of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Mr. Diller enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, swimming, and practicing martial arts.
4:00 - 5:00pm
SU 58 How to be a Royal
In this course students will learn about the various types of monarchies and what it means to be a royal. Students will evaluate the mannerisms of royalty, how they function and operate as a distinct social class that fluctuates depending on location and customs. Additional focus will pertain to the history of royalty around the globe, those that have survived throughout time and those that met their political demise. Students will also explore the cultural and political differences among the various royalties and how they operate. For this course students will focus on the three types of political monarchies seen today, these being parliamentary, constitutional and absolute monarchies. Evaluation of these three political systems of monarchies will be the main focus of the class and include evaluations and comparisons among the varying types in the past and present. Upon completion of this course students will have an adept understanding of royal history and know how to be a royal.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Mr. Logan Seybold is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College in pursuit of a history major with a minor in secondary education. He has had many experiences within the education field, including being a camp counselor for Saint Vincent’s Challenge Program and a student worker for the McCarl Coverlet Gallery. His favorite experience was working Challenge Program and having the opportunity to assist teachers while observing how to operate a classroom. In his free time Mr. Seybold enjoys reading historical books, relaxing while watching Netflix and golfing.
SU 60 Physics in Motion
This class will be a general physics course which centers on kinematics. Isaac Newton’s 3 laws of motion will be an important staple to the class as well as other fundamental concepts to physics. Approximately half of the classes will consist of a lesson that previews and supplies important information for a lab which will be occurring the following week. No prior knowledge is necessary, though it would be helpful to have an understanding of some basic principles of algebra (manipulating equations, inverse functions, etc.).
COST: $ 20 ROOM: To be determined
Mr. Ryan McElhinney is a physics major at Saint Vincent College. He is currently in his junior year and hopes to minor in mathematics. He wants to eventually teach either high school physics or math. His past experience with children has been limited yet valuable. Mr. McElhinney has helped with the games station at Vacation Bible School for 3 summers. Other volunteer work includes helping out at soup kitchens and food banks. In his free time, he loves to play sports with friends, especially basketball.
SU 59 Accessing ACCESS
This course is about a database language called Access. Every day we are flooded with information. Our smart phones can pull up information on just about any subject we desire. We start filling out an on-line form on a computer, and sometimes the computer magically fills in the rest of the data. If you are curious about how all this information is stored and accessed, then this is the course for you. Access allows you to enter data into a database using forms and Visual Basic functions, generate reports, issue SQL queries, and perform data mining to look for trends and patterns. Join this course to delve into this powerful database program.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 44
Mr. August Shotts is a post graduate at Saint Vincent College with a major in Computer Science. August is majoring in Middle Grade Education with a Math concentration. He has had many experiences working in the Information Technology field. Mr. August Shotts has also coached basketball for three years at Christ the Divine Teacher School in Latrobe. In addition, he also has experiences coaching in a youth special education baseball league at Red Devils Park in Greensburg. In his free time, August likes to do mechanic work on cars and watch the Steelers.
