Sonora High School has introduced an exciting lineup of new courses this year, enhancing both academic and career-readiness opportunities for students. These courses—AP Environmental Science, Health Careers, Digital Media, and Construction—are designed to engage students in hands-on, practical learning while preparing them for future career paths and higher education.

AP Environmental Science

This year, Sonora High added AP Environmental Science, a course that Principal Karen Sells describes as a valuable addition for juniors and seniors interested in environmental studies. Approved by the site council two years ago, the course now has enough student interest to run, fulfilling a longstanding need for advanced science classes at Sonora. “We have many students who will benefit from an upper-level science class as they plan their next steps,” Sells shares. “This course provides an excellent opportunity for many students to benefit from a 4th year lab science class and prepare students for a lab science class in college. This course integrates knowledge from Earth Science, Biology, and Chemistry to relate to real world concepts, teacher Cooper shares. The success of these courses has led to interest in adding more AP classes in the future.

Health Careers: A Real-World Introduction to Medical Professions

One of the standout additions this year is the Health Careers course, held in Sonora High’s newly equipped Health Science Labs. Through the Paxton/Patterson curriculum, students explore 17 distinct healthcare career pathways, including Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), nursing, biotechnology, clinical lab practices, and sports medicine. The lab features realistic simulators and authentic medical equipment, offering students exposure to practical skills like phlebotomy, CPR, and vital signs monitoring.

Instructor Taylor Fuchs notes that students work in pairs and rotate through modules such as medical imaging, biomedical engineering, and mental health, gaining experience that simulates real-world healthcare settings. Partnerships with local medical providers, like Adventist Health, further enhance the program by providing guest speakers and clinical opportunities. "The hands-on nature of this class has ignited a new level of interest and engagement among students," Fuchs says, "and it's a great pathway to careers in the medical field."

Digital Media: Bridging Creativity and Technology

The Digital Media course introduces students to digital photography, graphic design, video production, and multimedia marketing. Using industry-standard software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, students complete projects that mirror real-world applications, equipping them with essential skills for careers in digital media, film, and communications. The course emphasizes creativity and critical thinking, with projects designed to help students build a portfolio that demonstrates a blend of technical skills and artistic expression.  “Students start by learning photography, then expand into editing and marketing, applying creative and technical skills,” Principal Sells explains.

Construction: Hands-On Learning for the Skilled Trades

Reintroduced this year, the Construction course offers students valuable skills for the skilled trades. The curriculum, also provided by Paxton/Patterson, includes foundational lessons in carpentry, tool safety, and project planning. Students engage in projects like framing and basic carpentry, applying what they learn in a lab environment designed to simulate construction industry standards. The course also benefits from local industry partnerships, with guest speakers from construction firms and unions planned for the semester. This connection between classroom learning and real-world industry experience offers students insights into future career opportunities in construction and the trades.

Sonora High's Commitment to Career and College Readiness

Sonora High School's new course offerings reflect its mission to equip students with the academic knowledge and practical skills needed for both college and career success. As Principal Sells explains, "These programs open doors for students, whether they pursue higher education or enter directly into the workforce." With a blend of rigorous academic options and career-focused training, Sonora High is committed to preparing students for a successful future in an ever-evolving job market.

Images:

Top left: Students in Sonora High School's Construction course measure and prepare wood for a hands-on carpentry project, gaining valuable skills in tool safety, project planning, and industry practices. This course offers a strong foundation for careers in the skilled trades.

Top right: A Health Careers student engages in hands-on activities, such as mock medical scenarios, to learn critical healthcare skills in Sonora High School’s new Health Science Labs.

Bottom left: A student in the Health Careers course practices phlebotomy techniques on a medical simulator in Sonora High School’s state-of-the-art Health Science Labs, gaining real-world skills for future careers in healthcare.

Bottom right: Students collaborate on a carpentry project in the Construction course, where they develop practical skills and real-world knowledge that prepare them for opportunities in the trades.