MCS to Add Four Courses for Next Year

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh High School will be adding four courses for next year. School board members approved the new classes last Wednesday evening.

The four new courses are:

* Introduction to Podcasting, This would be a half-year course taught by librarian Jody DeJong. At last week's board meeting, high school Principal Matt Sloane noted that the course stems from a "push back" to the use of artificial intelligence, especially on the college level. Many college professors, he noted, have students do podcasts instead of writingwrite papers.

Students in grades nine-12 will learn the basics of podcasting and be able to produce a podcast on a topic of their choice using professional software in a three-part process focused on producing a quality podcast of no more than 15 minutes. Students will begin by learning how to record and edit their own voice, interviews, audio footage and sound effects using WeVideo through equipment provided by Middleburgh Central Schools as well as a subscription to the service. Students will also learn how to enunciate, control the tone and pitch of their speaking voice, and use their diaphragm to control their breath while speaking. Part two of the class will be focused on critiquing podcasts and discussing the specifics of things students felt went well, things they would do differently, and how to share information in an interesting way. Each week the class will listen to a podcast, critique it, and attempt to recreate it better. The final 5 weeks of class will be a culmination of all the skills students have learned. Each student will create an original podcast to share with their peers. Deadlines and project specifics will be decided by the class according to what they think are the most important components of a successful podcast.

* The H.O.P.E. classroom. H.O.P.E. stands for "Hold On Possibilities Exist." This would be a full-year course.

The H.O.P.E. Classroom is designed to ignite and empower students, giving students the ability to connect and the tools to give H.O.P.E. and Jump into Action, building a community of empathy and compassion in the school, the community, and the world. It is a dynamic approach to social-emotional well-being and leadership training. Rather than simply teaching socialization, the H.O.P.E. Classroom promotes active, purposeful connections and habits that enhance students’ social-emotional health. Designed to complement existing SEL programs, the H.O.P.E. Classroom offers a fresh perspective by reframing these abilities as Human Skills vital for success in every part of life.

* POTUS: The Modern Presidency. This social studies course would be for a half-year.

This course will take students on a journey through the American political system, especially focusing on the executive branch of the U.S. Government. They will explore how modern presidents make decisions during crises and compare their leadership styles. From Ronald Reagan to Donald J. Trump, they will dive into their foreign policy choices and how these impact issues like terrorism, war, the economy, and governance. Students will gain an insider's view of how significant events shape policies in the White House, both for foreign and domestic affairs. They will discuss America’s evolving role in a fast-paced world, highlighting how modern technology, the non-stop news cycle, and globalization influence the presidency. Additionally, we'll look into the important roles of key White House staff members and how their responsibilities have grown in the governing process. They will learn about the intricate details of staffing thousands of federal positions, including the U.S. Senate confirmation process, making this journey not only informative but also engaging and relevant for your understanding of today's political landscape.

* The Economics of War. This social studies course is also a half-year class.

Students will dive into an exciting exploration of how economics and war connect in intriguing ways. This course takes you on a journey through the use of economic strategies like aid, sanctions, "trade wars," and financial controls. Students will discover how these tools fit into a broader plan to reach important goals during conflicts. They will discuss the key players—like the US and other governments—who use economic methods to support military efforts. They will gain insight into how war impacts the economy of countries involved, such as Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, as well as the effects on U.S. government spending and the overall economy. In addition, we’ll examine the role of contractors and private military security companies, along with the challenges posed by corruption in wartime economics. While they will look at some historical examples, a lot of our focus will be on the economic strategies used in modern conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, and they will even think about what might happen in future wars.

The last two classes will be offered over distance learning.