In preparation of the 2025-26 school year, students at Gables have received their subject selection form to decide on their classes for the upcoming year. In previous years, subject selection has been difficult for many, as the multitude of options to choose from coupled with a lack of information can make deciding burdensome. To alleviate some of these concerns, Gables counselors have collaborated with teachers to set up the Academic Elective fair, where students can have their doubts and questions acknowledged by their peers and teachers. The first ever Academic Election Fair was held in the gym on Jan. 29, students were welcomed to come in during their lunch period and visit the available elective-booths to learn more about the teachers and curriculum offered in Gables courses.
For many students, subject selection can seem overwhelming, often due to confusing choices and being uninformed about offered classes. Consequently, students choose the classes they are most familiar with, rather than those that would best fit their skills and interests. Gables staff have been trying to tackle this issue for years, previously with informational assemblies and small-scale department showcases.
The history and social studies department annually holds an exhibition of courses and advanced placement classes in the 9K Building. Classes ranging from psychology to European history are presented to students by upperclassmen. Although this peer-to-peer method proved effective, students were limited to information about classes only found in the social studies hallway, including AP World History, AP Psychology and AP Human Geography.
“I always thought that the history floor event they held gave some information about what each class involves, but most of those classes are required anyways making it mostly pointless. With the elective fair, we get information to choose elective classes that we are not as familiar with,” sophomore Angel Figueroa said.
Taking inspiration from the success of the history exhibition, Gables counselors were inspired to use the same peer-to-peer method on a larger scale. Additionally, they sought to introduce students to the teachers who would be guiding them in each course. By holding an academic elective fair, a wide variety of electives and classes can be shown off and students could have access to information on almost any class they choose to take.
In the days prior, staff worked tirelessly to make the event a reality. By setting up the booths in the gym in collaboration with each teacher, it was made sure of that every class was well-represented. Each elective booth was adorned with a decorated board, which included information about the class, as well as a sign up form for students interested in the class.
“I was the representative for AP English Language, and I had to speak at the booth to kids who asked me about the class. I really think the event made a difference because there were a ton of kids who asked me questions about the class and it was great to be able to tell them what to expect from it,” sophomore Melanie Verdura said.
When students entered the gym for the elective fair on Jan. 29 , they were welcomed with a complimentary raffle ticket for a chance at winning a gift card. After entering the raffle ticket at the booth in the middle, students were free to explore and inquire about any elective booth that caught their eye. On display was an assortment of core classes and optional electives, each of which had their own stand with information up, as well as representatives from each class.
Student and teacher representatives organized a booth of their respective course and advertised the benefits of taking their class. Well versed in the class’ curriculum, representatives were able to answer questions of inquiring students. Students that were particularly intrigued could sign interest forms to receive further details and pick up pamphlets to familiarize themselves with specific classes and their teachers.
“After talking to the students who run the booths, you really get a lot of information about what it’s like to take the class. All of them give a pretty authentic point of view because they’re also students like me,” sophomore Valentina Amador said.
In order to attract more students, as well as give insight to what the courses involved, a few booths chose to display samples of work from their class. The culinary arts elective offered free pasta to any student willing to sign their interest form, while the ceramics stand had their pottery pieces on display.
“A lot of kids didn’t know about classes like criminology or that cooking had dual enrollment, so it gave classes like those a lot of exposure. On top of that, they got to ask questions and talk to some of the kids that took the class who already know what it’s about,” Ms. Vazquezbello said.
Subject selection can often be difficult to navigate for students unfamiliar with the large selection of courses at Gables. However, by being given the opportunity to inform themselves on each class and inquire about any doubts they might have, lack of information is becoming the least of a students’ concern. With this new found information, daunting classes that once seemed like a leap of faith are now, not so scary. Students have the confidence to take on more challenging classes because they know what they are getting into. Through interacting with their peers and truly understanding what a class entails, students can ensure they have a schedule they enjoy.
