PCHS 9TH Grade Dolphin Pods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pod?

In the same way dolphins organize into cooperative "pods", our 9th grade class is divided into smaller communities.  Each pod shares a common Elective, English class, Special Education teacher, and Counselor.  Pods are a way to make our big school feel like a small community, help new students make friends, focus on high interest curriculum, and protect one another.  

9th graders will usually take:

Course:

English There is no honors 9th grade English class

Math This will be determined by 8th grade math courses

Science This will be determined by 8th grade math courses

P.E. Required regardless of participation in team sports

Pod CTE elective (Year long) Varies by pod

World Language World Language requires a B or higher in 8th grade English unless you are enrolling in a native speaker class;

other students may take an elective or a support class

Periods 0 and 7 These are optional classes that usually require auditions or tryouts such as sports, choir, band, or orchestra.

What pods are available to choose from?

PCHS is proud to offer pods that focus on art, computer technology, culinary arts, digital media, entrepreneurship, film, law and social justice, makerspace technology, music, and performance.

Is every 9th grader programmed into their first pod choice?

Every effort is made to program 9th graders into one of their three top choices.  However, we cannot guarantee placement into your first choice.

What is CTE?

Career Technical Education brings specialized instructors into pods and offers industry-specific courses. Students benefit from an intimate understanding of what it is like to work in that industry sector. Studies show that students who participate in CTE programs have greater academic motivation, academic engagement, higher grades, college aspirations and employability skills.

How do I know that my application was received?

After submitting your online application you will receive a time-stamped receipt.  

When will I know which pod I am part of?

Pods will be assigned after all the forms are filled out and submitted schoolwide.  You will be notified when your schedule is issued during freshman orientation.  

What happens at the freshman orientation?

You will receive your schedule, books, locker, and student ID.  We also provide a tour of the campus.

What if I don’t like my schedule?

Counselors are available to change your schedule by request between orientation and the first week of school.  Changes will only be made if your schedule is not accurate.  

Can I take a summer math class to get ahead?

No.  Your math class is part of your foundational skills and must be taken at PCHS.

Do I need to bring my own device?

We are currently a BYOD school (bring your own device).  We expect all students to be good digital citizens and support the PCHS Responsible Use of Technology Policy. Only students who do not have their own device may then check out a PCHS loaner device from the school. Families with the financial means to purchase a device for their students are strongly encouraged to do so in order to help preserve the equity loaner pool of available student devices for families that may experience financial hardship.

How do I try out for sports?

Visit the athletic department’s page for information about sports.  All 9th graders must take P.E. regardless of team sports.

Here is a description of each PCHS Pod, in alphabetical order:

Art Pod

We are the home for 9th graders who value color, light, and image making.  We use the art process to practice creativity, visual learning, confident decision making, perseverance, concentration, collaboration, and accountability!  These core traits spill over into all of your classes and result in improved academic performance.  Our dedicated teachers will create a small community that will help you meet new people and make lasting relationships with your classmates.

Computer Science Discoveries Pod

Interested in learning how to code basic HTML to create a website? What about how to create an animation using simple sprites and backgrounds? Do you want to experience what coding is all about? Get a preview with the Computer Science Discoveries Pod course. This will open up a pathway for you, whether you want to continue learning how to create websites taking a Graphic Designs, Video Game Design, or even AP Computer Science A. This year long course is part of the Computer Science Pod where we focus on different skills to create artifacts using our computer. 

Culinary Arts Pod

This is your opportunity to educate and empower yourself to make nourishing food choices!  Culinary arts pod students will understand the importance of food and food preparation skills, practice meal management and safety and sanitation, master food science principles, receive a California Food Handler card, and explore career opportunities in the field.

Digital Media Pod

Graphic artists and web designers produce ideas and experiences with visual and textural content. The form of the communication can be physical (print) or screen-based (digital), and many include images, words, and graphic forms. The work can be logos, stationary, brochures, posters, and advertising, but also digital based using motion graphics, websites, and many other types of electronic media. If you’re interested in designing graphics, webpages, digital photo enhancing and editing, digital video creation and editing, and creating animations and effects, then these are the classes for you!

Entrepreneurship Pod

Are you the next Oprah Winfrey or Bill Gates? This Pod may be just what you are looking for! Entrepreneurship is not just for billionaires and technology geniuses; it’s a kind of leadership that highlights perseverance, optimism, and strategy. In this Pod, future student entrepreneurs will participate in the development of a business by building a resume, learning about networking skills, and working on a business plan. Students can enjoy the freedom and creativity of being an innovator. We will learn about the stock market, write business proposals, discuss sound financial choices, learn how to take calculated risks, and much more. Future entrepreneurs also learn from interesting guest speakers. The Entrepreneurship Pod will enable you to walk away with real life skills and practical tools that you can use in your bright and successful future! This Pod might just fit the bill for you!

Film Pod

The Film Pod classes are some of the most interactive, innovative, and exciting Pod classes offered at Pali. These classes (English and Intro to Film) are all interconnected and revolve around each other. The skills learned in English tie directly to what is being taught in Film and vice versa. Intro to Film will focus on cinematography, screenwriting, and editing techniques to elevate your filmmaking knowledge and expertise. Through project-based learning, students will work collaboratively to produce a variety of short films. Students will be introduced to careers in the film and TV industry while practicing career readiness skills throughout the course. These concepts interconnect with English.  If you have a passion for filmmaking, technology, and communication, the Film Pod is the place for you.

Law and Social Justice Pod

In the Law and Social Justice Pod, students analyze the factors that shape society, and relate it to current problems or events going on in the world. Our teachers encourage students to question and re-think the world inside and outside their classrooms and community, build a more equitable, multicultural society, and become politically active citizens. What do students do in classes? Students read and write about topics that touch their own lives. We study people, what they do, and why they do it. We learn about inequality in schools and society, the influence of social media and video games on teenagers, and gender issues that affect young people. Students are encouraged to voice their opinions in class discussions and councils. Because our Pod is small, teachers and students get to know each other well. This Pod can open one’s eyes to see the world in a whole new way; while maintaining a fun, chill environment. Current events are constantly incorporated into our studies, enhancing the ability to contribute in world discussions and improving one’s knowledge of how the world works. The Law and Social Justice Pod will provide you with the best classes you will take at Pali, through phenomenal teachers and fascinating lessons.

Makerspace Technology Pod

Join the creation revolution! The Create & Construct Pod will empower you to be a “creator” of things. In our innovation lab you will invent, design, tinker and experiment with both traditional shop tools and cutting edge technologies, like a 3D printer, to bring your ideas to life. Potential design challenges include carving your own reusable cutlery set, engineering simple machines, and using design software and coding to develop a game or an app. Along with creating and constructing, you will learn about how technology has impacted our society and what it means for the future. While thinking of ways to improve local and global communities, you will be encouraged to embrace the maker mindset: to be creative, brave and persistent.

Music Pod

Hi future dolphin! If you have a passion for music, this Pod is for you!  Music Pod is for students who play, listen, sing, and appreciate all kinds of music. Our Pod shares three classes together: Music elective (with a vocal or instrumental focus), Sociology, and English. We have fun collaborating on projects that expose us to all styles of music. We develop our writing skills by comparing and contrasting musical styles. We not only learn about musical genres, we learn about the interesting people who contributed to music styles. Basic forms of music theory are incorporated into assignments, and we help those who are less familiar with written music. Music Pod is an amazing experience, and we hope that you choose to join us!

Performance Pod

Welcome to Pali! I am currently a freshman in the Performance Pod, and I am having an amazing experience. When I was in middle school, I was alone. Then I came to Pali and was placed in the Performance Pod, where I could not only perform but also learn how to express myself. We started the school year at Gilbert Hall for the drama elective class with our theatre teacher. I had such a great time in class. We learned about the structure of stories, improvisation, and how to write and produce a theater piece. You never have to be scared to speak your mind in this pod. This was one of my favorite classes of all time, because I discovered that I loved working both behind the scenes and in front of an audience. In our year-long English class, we write essays based on thematic statements and literary devices. I made many friends in this pod; the people are great. The pod inspired me to audition and join Pali’s Friday Night Live (a comedy show) and school musicals, which all make me very happy. Please consider joining the Performance Pod! See you next year!