Possibly one of the more prominent controversies in the
Aromas-San Juan community, Anzar High has become a complex,
multifaceted entity. Part of Anzar’s complexity comes from the
multiple perspectives the school is seen with.
Much of the community associates Anzar with graduation
exhibitions, Service Learning requirements, the infamous EPERRs and
little more.
Possibly one of the more prominent controversies in the Aromas-San Juan community, Anzar High has become a complex, multifaceted entity. Part of Anzar’s complexity comes from the multiple perspectives the school is seen with.
Much of the community associates Anzar with graduation exhibitions, Service Learning requirements, the infamous EPERRs and little more.
To most parents, the school provides a rigorous education for their children. To the faculty, the school is a delicious soup of new and innovative ideas blended with conservative doses of the time – evading traditional high school experiences. Between individuals, thoughts will vary, but it is indisputable that Anzar is either looked at through eyes of strong opinion or eyes of unawareness.
Anzar is a unique experience, relative to those at other high schools. For some, it is a blessing and for others it is a curse. But either way, whether the students can see it now or will see it in later years, they will come to realize the inescapable gift of Anzar.
Since Anzar’s birth in 1994, the school has never exceeded 341 students, which it currently has enrolled as of Dec. 1. One side of the coin is why aren’t there more students at a school that has been around for nearly a decade? But that’s a broad philosophical issue, and though it certainly impacts students, I have found there is something much deeper affecting students.
The smallness of this community, combined with the small student body, creates a relationship between the students and staff, as well as between students. Having a small student body makes it inevitable to bond with a fellow student.
Anzar is privileged to have the merit of small class sizes, which creates prime conditions for students to establish relationships with their teachers. Having a rapport with teachers makes class less stressful. It creates an ease which encourages students to take more risks and allows them to feel comfortable with making mistakes.
On average, Anzar teachers are fairly new and young, which is another plus for students. Having teachers that understand what you are going through as a high school student creates a deeper connection which makes class less intimidating.
Also, teachers have a strong influence on their pupils as role models. Seeing these “cool” adults, enthusiastic about teaching and the pursuit of knowledge, instills motivation in the students. When teachers are passionate about their subject, it encourages the students to take an interest in the curriculum.
Passionate teachers who are in touch with the student’s lives, combined with small class sizes and a small student body, creates an intimate learning environment. The rapport creates a thick atmosphere, since each and every student and staff member alike is known individually.
Anzar is an intimate, friendly little place where you can’t help but be close with everyone, faculty included. It’s survival; there isn’t much else out there. It’s like being on an island – we all have to get along and work together. It is only us, so if we want something done we have to do it ourselves, which only adds to the ties that bond us. It gives students a chance to do more than just study.
Brittany Conrad is a junior at Anzar High School.
