By Teresa A. Luis

To be the best urban school district in New Jersey, PHS will need to offer rigorous classes to challenge students. New for this year new classes are being offered, more difficult classes have been initiated and easier access to AP classes has been

This year Passaic High School opened up new classes for students to take, many of which are advanced placement. Students can get college credit for taking a course here at the high school.

In the sciences new classes were added in zoology, (or animal biology), which is the branch of biology that relates to the animal kingdom, including the structure, embryology, evolution, classification, habits, and distribution of all animals, both living and extinct. Also related to biology is a new class in genetics, which is the study of genes, heredity and variation in living organisms.

Finally, and also a biology class is biochemistry which is sometimes called biological chemistry, and it is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. So far student interest in these new offerings has been high, so more classes should be added soon.

The greatest additions have been in more offerings and expanded acceptance to advanced placement courses. These classes will help PHS students broaden their learning horizons and help them in their future as they plan for college. Some of the benefits of taking advanced placement is that the curriculum is nationally recognized. It is college level so it will help students prepare for the rigorous work load of college courses. Also, if a student can pass the standardized test for the course then they will receive nationally recognized college course credit.

Guidance counselor, Mr. Gilbert encourages students to sign up for any opportunity PHS has to offer. “There are many new and exciting opportunities here at PHS this year. All students should contact their guidance counselor and organize their plan for PHS and beyond. We are all here to help,” said Mr. Gilbert.

Honors and advanced placement are great opportunities, but some students still need to make up a class from past years. If coursework needs to be made up, then there are opportunities to get missed credit as well. Back On Track is a Saturday and after school program for online classes.

There are four cycles allowing four opportunities to take class for credit per year. The first cycle started November 12 and ended by Christmas break; the second cycle begins January 2 (the first day back to school) and goes through February 3; the third cycle begins February 10 and ends March 19; and the fourth and last cycle runs March 20 through May 6.There are many courses and opportunities to make up any missed credits, so that students can still graduate on time, even if they have failed a class in the past.

There is also after school tutoring being offered for math and English classes. Running from 2:40 to 3:40 each subject has its own room. For Algebra I go to room M327, Algebra II room M324, Geometry room M326, Bilingual Math M229, ESL/English/SRA room M57. These is no excuse to fall behind and lose credit.

PHS students now have all the tools they need to pass classes this year, make up credit from past years, and make plans for all their future goals.