Each year during Interim Term, students have the opportunity to partake in elective courses aimed to broaden their horizons, sharpen current skills or interests, and provide fodder for new hobbies. 43 electives were offered this year, including skills-based courses like “How to Build Your Own Computer” and “Exploring Interior Design,” hobbyist classes like “Cycling 101” and “SEW much Fun,” with many other courses that incorporated elements of construction, writing, and film appreciation. There are many new offerings each year and, as always, the steadfast return of old favorites like Mr. Matthew’s “Romantic Comedy” movie-appreciation class and Mrs. Foster’s “So You Think You Can Doctor?” which puts students through mini-medical school exercises.
Some teachers chose to share life-long passions while others introduce students to newfound hobbies. Dance instructor, Ms. Blake, created her course, “Exploring Interior Design” because she says the study “holds a special place in my heart due to the countless hours I spent designing spaces with my mom. I hope these skills prove useful when it is time for students to move away from home!”
Other courses aimed to spark larger community interaction, like Art teacher Ms. Cunningham’s “Mosaic Madness” which had students creating their own mosaics and venturing into the city to look at mosaics and speak to artists. Her class toured Smither Park, a park on the west side of Houston covered in mosaics where students added their own pieces to the Memory Wall, joining the ranks of the 300+ people who have also contributed their art. Ms. Cunningham notes that one of the most rewarding parts of Interim Term is “the opportunity to have students interact with the Houston community.”
Students connect over the course of their electives as they collaborate on projects, performances, skill-sharpening, and more, forging new bonds and friendships. The success of Interim Term lasts long after it is over as our students start the spring semester with broadened perspective on community and often with a new hobby or two.
-Tennessee Sipe