With a new school year comes a new schedule. Within the installment of a rotating block is a Pascack Period in which students have the ability to take enrichment classes of their choosing during one half or the other of an 88-minute period.

Today PV held its Pascack Fair, a period of the day where all PV students were able to see the choices of different classes they could take during those Pascack Period sessions. Teacher and student facilitators had tables, signs, and handouts explaining each course. Students were allotted 20 minutes to walk around the new gym getting a feel for classes that may be of interest to them.

Since the Pascack Period will be split into two sessions, students get to choose up to two different classes to take. Between classes like “BBQ & Smoking Foods” with Mr. Will Lynch, and “Rock of Ages,” a history of music course with Mr. Shawn Buchanan, there seems to be at least one class that appeals to everyone’s taste.

Classes like “Society and Sisterhood” and “College Application Readiness” seemed to be a big hit. Although many people signed up to take different interesting non-academic classes, many also decided to take a quiet study class as well.

History teacher Ms. Karen Kosch believes that the Pascack Period course offerings will “allow students to learn for learning’s sake” and she hopes that students will take advantage of this time and sign up for classes that really speak to their interests.

“If it’s study hall, extra help in chemistry, or pursuing an interest in photography or art…student ownership is really important,” Kosch said. “It offers more opportunities for individual learning and for students to use their time the way they see fit for them.”

A special addition to the Pascack Period is a senior specific selection where the class of 2015 can socialize and study together to lighten up the stressful parts of senior year. Senior Charlotte Moro said, “The idea of a Senior Café relaxation period is so important to our mental health.” Senior Mia Rossi also felt that “it keeps senior year fun.”

After the fair, most students rushed back to their classrooms in hopes that there would be registration space in their first choice class. Students seem excited for future Pascack Periods and can’t wait to experience these fun and useful classes.