By FRANCESCA COCCHI

News Editor

Update: Principal James Gleason released the results of a Junior Class survey Tuesday morning. The class was split exactly in half (39-39) on whether or not CHS should offer AP Calculus AB. Of that, 34 students said they would take the class, 39 said they would not, and five were unsure.The majority of the class supported AP Art, with 51 voting for it, and 27 against it. Of that, 23 students said they would take the class, 52 said they would not, and three were unsure.

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The AP buzz resurfaced Monday during a junior class meeting with Principal James Gleason during second period.

Gleason explained to the Class of 2013 that adjusting the schedule to fit AP courses next year is feasible. Gleason said the possible new courses are AP Art and AP Calculus AB, noting that nothing is set in stone yet.

If implemented, students taking calculus in their senior year could opt to continue the course a few days a week during the second half of their lunch and activity period to prepare for the AP exam in May. Interested students would either be accepted to or denied entrance into the course based on grades and teacher recommendations.

AP Art would function as a more rigorous design class, according to guidance counselor Carol Caruso. The full-year course would take up two electives for seniors admitted. Each student would submit a portfolio of drawings, 2-dimensional designs and 3-dimensional designs to the College Board for evaluation instead of taking an exam for the course. The prerequisite for admission is the junior level visual communications course.

Gleason opened the floor to questions and hands quickly shot up. He addressed a variety of concerns, including that AP Calculus would have little effect on mentorship and that opting out of AP Art in favor of different electives would probably not decrease the value of a student’s course selection. He also said the regular senior design course would still be available with or without the new course.

Before dismissing the juniors to lunch, the guidance counselors handed out surveys to determine who thought the new courses should be implemented and how many would take them if they were introduced in the fall. The sheets also had spaces for questions and comments.

Juniors weighed the pros and cons of adding the new courses during the lunch period. Students like junior Emily Marr of Millstone, however, said the possible changes would not affect them.

“It really doesn’t apply to me because I’m not eligible to take any of them,” said Marr. “But I’m afraid that colleges are going to hold it against me and think I wasn’t applying myself.”

Once a decision has been made, juniors can expect to receive official course selection sheets in the coming weeks.

By VALERIE SAEGER
Staff Writer

Among the 20 speakers presenting during 3rd and 4th periods are photographers, producers, businesspeople, and various other professionals. Junior and NTHS member Gia Reilly of Wall said many of the presenters were recommended by students and teachers.

According to senior and NTHS president Brian Murphy of West Long Branch, the event will feature freelance blogger and writer Molly Mulshine, ASAP Multimedia Productions director and producer Gerard Ascolese, photographer and owner Michael Kleinberg of Michael Kleinberg Photography, ESPN/ESPNU senior producer Amy Faas-Barber, Star Ledger photojournalist Aristide Economopoulos, graphic designer Su Brooks and many others.

“We also have Mrs. Sant coming, so we know everyone’s extremely excited,” said Reilly. Sant is one of CHS’s past faculty members who is also an independent public relations and communications professional.

Unlike last year’s set up, which allowed each group of students to attend every presentation, Murphy said there will be two separate tracks in which the students are divided to make the day go at a smoother pace.

“This year, it’s going to be a lot more fluid,” said Murphy. “The goal is to enable each of the speakers to have a longer time to speak to each student, which will be about 10 minutes.”

According to Murphy, “the goal was not to divide the students by interest, but to have a good spread to get more out of it.”

Reilly said this Career Day will be a success that will “hopefully step it up from last year.”

Blot photo by ASHLEY CHU

By Alex Taglieri and Alyssa Matlosz
Staff Writers

Despite a great deal of controversy, the Class of 2015 council decided to host a Game Night in lieu of a dance. The class of 2013 elected to do the same 2 years ago.

The freshman-only Game Night will consist of more than just board games. Call of Duty, Just Dance, Skyrim, and other video games will be available to play on numerous consoles including the Wii, Sony Play Station and Microsoft Xbox.

The event will be cost effective for the council to host. All of the games, consoles, and snacks will be provided by students to reduce the funds needed.

“We’ve already had two dances, and this will be more relaxed,” said freshman Olivia Whitaker of Oceanport, a supporter of the game night.

Other students, including freshmen Brooke Weber of Howell and Carolyn Stanton of Tinton Falls, said they had been looking forward to a dance.

Freshman Matt Recchia of West Long Branch also said the theme might deter some students from attending.

“I think a lot of boys will show up, but I don’t think girls are interested in Call of Duty and those games,” Recchia said, although he added that the girls would probably like to play Just Dance.

However, freshman Connor Albrecht of Wall predicted the night will be a success. He said the event will offer competitions and games that appeal to everyone.

“Competition is what gets the crowd going, and I’m most looking forward to some type of tournament on a game,” Albrecht said. “Game Night seems like a great idea and I think it will be really fun. The majority of freshman will go, and it will be a great bonding event for everyone,” he added.