We all went to the assembly, we all laughed at our teachers for wearing dorky cowboy hats, but do we actually remember anything about the announcement about the upcoming “rodeos”? Probably not.

On Friday February 17, students will get to participate in some kind of class or activity that they will sign up for. The activities will be held in place of third block. A wide variety of activities will be offered, including a class centered around learning about therapy dogs, a screenwriting workshop, Jazzercise class, and a free reading period in the library.

The overall idea and purpose of the rodeos is to give students the opportunity to do something that they wouldn’t normally get to do in a classroom setting, as well as allowing them to do something that wouldn’t usually fit into their busy schedules.

“So often we’re taught to the test or to the exam, there’s so much that we can learn that we just don’t have time for,” said senior Anna DuBro, who has been helping organize and plan the rodeos along with other students and faculty.

Classes that connect with academics will also be included. Students will have the opportunity to test their knowledge with a Scholastic Bowl. There will also be session with IB experts that will give students insight on how IB diploma or credits can be helpful in the college application process.

“It will be a really great for [students] to have the opportunity to hear from somebody who has expertise in a particular area… to broaden their horizons,” said Spanish teacher Holly Garcia.

There will be classes offered that emphasize culture and diversity, including an activity where students learn about Australian culture in preparation for an Australian school visiting later this year.  Students can also participate in a refugee experience where they will go through a simulation similar to that of an actual refugee using virtual reality.

Principal Matt Hills hopes that students will take advantage of the unique concept of the rodeos, as they’re not something that other high schools normally get the opportunity to do.

“We want to create students that are prepared for the real world, not just students that excel in mind and are prepared for college and the academic offerings, but to have an open mind as well as an international mindedness,” Hills said.