ENROLLMENT IN POMPERAUG HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE ELECTIVES INCREASES

   Enrollment in science classes at Pomperaug High School has substantially risen in the five years since Region 15 has expanded its science elective program. 

   In 1999-2000, the Pomperaug Regional School District 15 recognized the need to reach those academic-level students who wanted expanded college-prep science programs. To meet that need, the District added such science electives as Forensic Science, Environmental Science, and Marine Science to the high school program five years ago.

   In the Forensic Science class, students are examining hair samples, creating fingerprint cards similar to those law enforcement uses, and taking cheek swabs to learn about DNA. According to Southbury junior Brittnay Hebert, “It’s fun to move around the science classroom and do real-life experiments and measurements.”

   Down the hallway in the Environmental Science room, students this year are learning about pesticides, waste management, alternative fuels, and energy sources. The students also take samples and test the water at Eight Mile River and Pomperaug River.

   Five years ago, 71 percent of the high school students went on to take at least one additional science course beyond the required three. One-third of the students did not take a fourth science. This year, 83 percent of the senior class take a fourth science class.

   During the 2004-05 school year, Pomperaug High School has 125 students enrolled in Forensics, 85 students in Environmental Science, and 86 students in Marine Science. The high school continues to offer Advanced Placement Biology, Advanced Placement Chemistry, and Advanced Placement Physics.  The scores on these exams are very competitive with the best schools in the state. 

   “Participation in science at PHS is up substantially,” said Jose Martinez, chairman of the math and science departments. “A lot of students take a fifth and sixth science course and, this year, the senior class will finish with 4.11 science credits per student.”

   The participation and interest in the high school science program have increased steadily over the last five years.  Some students have said that they want to go to a college that has a major in Criminal Justice because they really like the Forensics course at Pomperaug High School.

    “Interest in these classes continues to grow as students share their experiences with their friends about the instructor or the unique activities that they do in class or on a field trip,” said Mr. Martinez. “The word is out that these science electives are fun and different for all types of students. I’m very happy that we can continue to offer these types of classes.”