Academics

The engineering and design program at Ramsey High School is one like no other. The highest level course, Design Drawing, is a great class to prepare students for the world of engineering and problem solving. Since the class is a level three course, Mr. Manzo strays from the typical lesson plans and gives us tasks that will really test our creativity and knowledge. A normal day in class isn’t just a lesson or lecture; we brainstorm, draw (on paper and in AutoCAD!), and build in order to come up with the best solutions. Mr. Manzo guides us and shows us tools that will lead us to success. He also invites guest evaluators on ‘Game Day!’ On this day, we present our projects to adults around the district. This is an opportunity to hone our public speaking abilities and gain more insight into our projects.

It is a very self-directed class that on many instances challenge us to become better thinkers. Some projects we’ve done this year include presentations on simple machines and the design process, along with a logo design project, and our current project titled ‘Let There Be Light”. This project has pushed my classmates and I to brainstorm constantly about how to creatively solve the simple task of turning on a light switch. While flicking on the lights isn’t that difficult, we received an extensive list of restrictions for a device that should turn a light switch on, leave it on for two to ten seconds, and then turn off by itself. The project is a great way to get us thinking in an engineering mindset to prepare us for our futures.

Engineering classes are a must for 21st Century education and Ramsey sets the standards high. As an aspiring engineer, Design Drawing is the class I have looked forward to since freshman year. Because of all the prerequisites, every student in the class is the best of the best when it comes to RHS students in STEM. Myself and four of my classmates even earned a second place trophy in the October Bergen County STEM League Competition. We scored the highest for the interview and lab portions! The small, ten-person class becomes personal and friendly with each other very quickly. We are constantly discussing our projects and collaborate, while also remaining competitive. This balance turns out amazing ideas that we never would think of without the strong communication we have with each other.

Design Drawing, along with Ramsey’s STEM and CAD classes, has made me sure of my career path in engineering. I find myself in everyday life problem solving and critically thinking to create solutions. The class perfectly embodies so many skills of the Profile of A Ramsey Graduate, like reflection, adaptability, responsibility, creativity, and so many more. Ramsey’s classes, specifically Design Drawing, are definitely preparing myself and others for college courses and future careers.

Dana Pupalaikis, Class of 2021