Prep’s AP Biology teacher, Diane Catron, recently led an all-day workshop at the AP Annual Conference in Seattle for teachers new to the advanced placement biology program.

Catron was chosen from a field of high school AP biology teachers from across the nation, and spent the day helping teachers learn the tricks for running a successful AP program.

“It was such an honor to be chosen to lead this national-level workshop, particularly considering all the exceptional AP bio teachers that they had to choose from,” said Catron.  “It was also a lot of fun to share the tricks and techniques I’ve developed over the years with teachers just starting out in the AP program.”

Santa Fe’s mayor, David Coss, paid a visit to Breakthrough Santa Fe students on Monday, providing a snapshot of the workings of our local government. His visit was part of a government elective class designed by Breakthrough teacher Paul Yen, a junior at Duke University.

In addition to their core classes in reading, writing, math, science and history, Breakthrough students also take electives created by their high school and college-age teachers.  This summer’s government class introduces students to our democratic republic.  Yen and six of the Breakthrough students wrote to state and local politicians, asking them to visit Breakthrough and speak about their roles in government and answer student questions.  City counselor Ron Trujillo also accepted the invitation, and spent time last week with the students, sharing anecdotes about serving his constituents.

Thirty-two photo voltaic panels were recently installed on the hill behind Prep’s LEED-certified library in a continuation of the School’s green initiative and sustainability programs.  The panels will produce 3.6 kilowatts of energy, enough to supply electricity for a mid-size family home, and tie directly into the City of Santa Fe’s electric utility grid.

The panels were a gift to the School from an anonymous donor.  Installation was a joint effort between members of the Prep community, local businesses and students enrolled in Santa Fe Community College’s solar energy certificate classes in the Continuing Education Program.