By: Harper Halbardier '26
Happy New Year, Rams! As another year full of opportunity unfolds on the Mesa, academic lives only continue to change and evolve. With course registrations approaching, a wide range of options awaits exploration. Rising seniors…get excited because there are iconic new and old senior electives being taught by some of Cate’s most beloved teachers! From Toxicology with Mrs. Peterson to Haunted with Dr. Dahm, it is promised that senior year will be nothing short of spectacular. This has been confirmed by members of the class of 2025. Nico Huiner ‘25 mentioned that he has “really enjoyed getting to pick and take a variety of senior electives this year.” Not only has Nico enjoyed his choice of electives, but he believes this opportunity to be “a chance to take things you've never previously done or explore more of your possible interests.” This just goes to show the power of personal choice in course selection, especially as the curriculum gets increasingly harder, and students are posed with big questions, such as, “What do you want to study in college?”
So, what exactly does taking these courses entail? Kadeine Peterson offered insight into her Toxicology course, a lab offered to senior Rams. Mrs. Peterson states that, “This course is definitely biochemistry heavy.” Beyond its literal makeup, Mrs. Peterson added that, “This course allows students to see the relevance of certain things that will affect their lives hands-on.” Inquiry at its finest! Additionally, Mrs. Peterson remarks, “If you really enjoyed the lab aspect of biology, this course is similar in that way. Also, this course is super relevant in relation to the trend of healthy living today.” Her perspective provides valuable advice and insight for students considering their final science courses at Cate.
On the other end of the academic spectrum, Dr. Claire Dahm’s senior elective, Haunted, has been an incredible hit this year. Dr. Dahm reflected upon her class, saying, “One of the things I like most about teaching this course is that there’s no such thing as a typical day - it roams broadly from deciphering Haitian spiralist literature to pondering whether Get Out is a zombie movie, to reading Toni Morrison’s Beloved and listening to a student’s inquiry presentation on spirit photography.” It is apparent that Haunted has something for everyone. Dr. Dahm adds, “A lot of what we’re wrestling with is quite heavy (the ways in which people are haunted), but I’ve been so impressed by the way the students have dug into the material - they make the class.” If it sounds enticing to shape the dynamics of a class, this just might be a senior elective to consider.
In addition to a multitude of incredible course options, a new schedule is underway, generating mixed opinions. While initial impressions may suggest only minor changes, faculty members have designed the new schedule with intentionality and student feedback in mind. Dean of Academics Annalee Salcedo outlined the primary goals of these changes: “We wanted a schedule that addressed the sports absence piece, set up real predictability and consistency, and increased access time (time for community members to meet with one another).” Each of these elements plays a crucial role in enhancing the academic experience at Cate. For those curious about the new schedule, Andrew Sheshenoff ’27’s article provides a detailed breakdown of each change. With so many opportunities available, Cate continues to offer an academic environment where students can craft an educational experience that aligns with their interests and aspirations. Exploring new electives, seeking guidance from advisors, and staying informed will ensure that every student makes the most of the opportunities ahead!
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