Starting next fall, in the 2017-2018 school year, a new course in the Family-Consumer Science Department, Emergency Medical Science (EMS) will be offered for students interested in going into the medical field. It is expected to have a high interest among students, similar to the Anatomy & Physiology course that was added this year, according to Hall’s registrar, Linda King.

Ninety five students signed up for Anatomy & Physiology this year, creating four sections of the course. The demand has filled 3 of the 4 classes to the maximum of 24 students. This class, according to Mrs. Nicola Culmo, an Anatomy & Physiology teacher, have surprisingly high enrollment for a first year class, suggesting they are very popular.

The recent addition of Anatomy “provides a wonderful foundation for people going into any science related field”, said Mrs. Culmo.  

The foundation that Anatomy & Physiology allows students to apply the information to their lives ㅡ unlike courses students have previously taken, such as Chemistry or Physics. Anatomy gives students the ability to learn about what affects them.  

“I understand how my body works due to Anatomy & Physiology. With other classes like chemistry, I can’t apply that to my daily life like I can with this course”, stated current Anatomy student, Lauren Sosa.

Despite being in a different department, the Anatomy and Physiology teachers and Mrs. Jessica Brand, a teacher within the Family-Consumer Science Department “all agree that taking these two courses at the same time, or in back-to-back years is a great career pathway and will prepare students for future medical career goals”, stated Mrs. Brand.  With the completion of this course, students would be able to obtain an EMT certification.  

Regarding the expansion of the science department, Ms. Kristin Schwarz, a Chemistry teacher, said, “I think anytime you see growth in a department it’s a good thing.  It provides opportunities for students to explore more options and learn what they are passionate about.”