THE PULSE
Pikes Peak Early College, December Edition
A Note from the Principal
Sincerely,
Mr. Knoche
Student Interest
By: Alexa Hulmes
Books give amazing detail that allows you to create your own movie in your head. They allow you to use your imagination to see things the way you envision it. My favorite book series is Escape from Furnace, which are five sci-fi novels by Alexander Gordon Smith. This series follows a teenage boy named Alex Sawyer as he is framed for murder and sent to the most secure and brutal prison in the world. The underground London prison Furnace Penitentiary for young offenders is full of terrifying mysteries that are yet to be discovered. Alex soon learns that the vicious gangs are the least of his problems. From the inhuman creatures in gas masks that snatch kids away in the night to the deformed beasts that will tear the juveniles apart to the giants in black suits without any mercy, Alex has to learn to survive and possibly escape, even though escape seems impossible. This series had me hooked from the first sentence and didn’t let go. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The writing is amazing and very descriptive. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi and action packed books.
Student Spotlight
Say “Hello” to Christian Wiser
By: Faith Parker
Today, I sat down with Christian Wiser and asked him about his life. Christian is a sophomore who has been to 8 different schools and has lived in Texas and Colorado. He doesn’t know exactly what he wants to do when he's older, but he is keeping his options open. He does know he wants to go to college and he thinks psychology is interesting. Someday, he wants to visit Hawaii and Scotland. His favorite class is theater because he says “it's nice to be around people who have the same interest as you.” Some of his dreams are to own a 1967 Chevy Impala and go white water rafting. Christian is a fun and inspiring person to hang around, and he loves school (and school loves him).
Student Interest
Art
By: Vickie Merkle
My name is Vickie Merkle and my main interest is drawing. When I draw I can escape to my own world and create whatever I wish. I draw because there really is no limitation, only your imagination. Now, some people believe that they don’t have any artistic skills at all; I know many people who can’t even draw a stick figure, so instead they play music or write poetry. There are multiple different forms of art, which include animation to jewelry to writing. You just have to find the one that suits you."Preparing Every Student"
Tech/Electives: During November we participated in a virtual video chat with Sphero Engineers to learn about the skills, experience, and education needed to become an engineer in a startup company. Students were able to ask questions and truly get a better understanding of all the different aspects of working for a technology company. After our chat we used programming skills to race our Sphero droids in the classroom. During December all PPEC students will be going through 3D design tutorials to create their own 3D print from scratch. Checkout our new maker-space website.
Science: During November chemistry students experimented with different types of chemical reactions, balanced chemical equations and observed precipitation reactions. Biology students extracted their own DNA from their cells and preserved it in a vial to wear as a necklace; FUNctional and fashionable! Biology students then designed a human model demonstration of DNA replication. Students assigned parts, practiced and performed their demonstration; we videotaped their final performance and one of our biology students edited the final video. Check it out! https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B50c-DHsLtSOMWFpdVFobXVwbnM/view?usp=sharing
English: US History: In English 1, students just finished reading The Lord of the Flies and are teaching each other components of grammar. English 2 students just completed some grammar review and are working on expanding their vocabularies. Gothic Literature is finishing up with a unit on Edgar Allan Poe (the master of Gothic literature). US History students are completing their Research Projects and we will have a Museum Gallery Walk in the Butler Building to display their projects.
Math: Students have been working hard in the Aleks program and applying what they’re learning to assignments through Peak. Some students have even worked so hard they’re already in 2nd semester, and 2 other students have fully completed 1 year’s worth of math already! It’s really exciting to watch students achieve when no limits are placed on them! On Dec. 14, we will be having Secureset Academy come down from Denver to do a presentation with the students on cybersecurity. They will also have some hands-on activities so the students can start exploring and find out why the cybersecurity field is such an important one.
Counselors Corner
Did you know that College in Colorado is one stop shopping for answers to almost all of your questions? All PPEC students already have accounts and can begin searching today!
Culinary Club
Our next meeting is December 14th. We will have a Holiday theme!
Tech Tip
Are you prepared for the SAT?! Do you want FREE access to help you study for the SAT? Khan Academy offers free SAT prep for all students. Click Here for access to Khan Academy.
Google Challenge November 28th - January 16th
Help us at the end of the day
Upcoming Events
December 7th - ACT Aspire Testing for all 9th and 10th grade
December 19th - January 3rd - Winter Break
10th Annual Educating Children of Color Summit
Cost: Free to students and parents; $35 for professionals. 75% of registration fees will be returned to youth as scholarships and educational gifts for post-secondary education. To date they have awarded in excess of $120,000 in scholarships and given away over 120 laptops.