Students will have some new classes to choose from for next year. Almost every department has a new offering.
In Social Studies there will be two new courses added: Military History and AP American Government.  Teachers surveyed students about what new courses they might be interested in and  Military History seemed to be a favorite, so that was added as well as the challenge of another AP course.
Mr. Henderson, from the music department, is offering a new percussion course. Students have been drumming in music theory class and Mr. Henderson noticed there was an interest in taking a new percussion course, thus the addition here.
Ms. O’Connell from the language department is starting French VI, which is a study of business French and Francophone Humanitarian organizations, which will allow students to continue with French throughout high school.
The Science department has a few new courses as well. There will be a Science research semester as well as new Anatomy and Physiology and Upper Valley Geology courses. There will no longer be a Contemporary Physics class, the research semester will replace it.
The English department has restructured courses as well. Freshman classes will remain the same, but Sophomores will now take a new course, European Literature rather than American Literature. American Literature will be moved to the Junior year. Next year’s Juniors will have the choice of World Literature or AP English. Senior electives remain for now but in the future there will be a Multi-Cultural Literature Course.
It will soon be time to pick courses you might want to check out one of the new offerings.

This winter season, many new groups and clubs have been introduced to WUHS, including the climbing team. This group was started when the Green Mountain Cimbing Center (GMCC) opened in November.
“GMCC wanted to bring together groups of students for competing.They offered a reduced rate and allowed the group to climb weekly then compete,” says supervisor, Mrs. Stainton. The team practices once a week, every Thursday after school at GMCC.
Mrs. Stainton is the group supervisor, taking charge with much help from team member, Luke Aspell. The group is not considered a school sport or school run. It was formed with a similar interest and cooperation among various students to meet weekly.
“I would say I have climbing experience. I taught rock climbing for four years, while traveling around the world with students. I also climbed in some of the world’s most beautiful rock climbing destinations. My favorites are El Potrero Chico in Mexico and Reilay Beach in Thailand,” Mrs. Stainton explains.
Many students have really enjoyed being a part of the group so far and are hoping the group is continued through their years in high school.
“I joined the climbing team because I have been climbing since I was little, and when I heard it re-opened, I just had to climb!” says Molly Jacobs, “I enjoy the thrill of accomplishing something that was challenging and feeling my body become stronger with every climb.”
Members explained why they enjoy being a part of the climbing team and what the team offers to them. “I joined the climbing team because I don’t play a winter sport, but it sounded like fun and it is great cross training for other sports. The atmosphere of the gym is really unique and it is really fun with the young people and camaraderie. Anytime you’re working on a climb and you need help, someone will come over and help you,” explains Oliver Kaija, “We commiserate over climbs that we can’t get and we share in each others’ successes. I plan to climb all winter for the next two years, regardless of whether or not there’s a climbing team, although I really hope there is.”
The team so far has been a success in attracting members. They have been competing and doing well. “The group is very enthusiastic and they are competing against themselves, so they push themselves to do better,” says Mrs. Stainton.
Although climbing is not supported by the school as a school sport, there is hope in the future. With many students showing interest in the team, maybe there will be a school team in the future. “For those thinking that we are just a club and not a real sport, I would like to say that climbing involves incredible overall strength. I would like to see people try before they put climbing in the category of not a “real sport,” says Oliver Kaija.
The group is looking forward to a competition and success filled winter season.