San Luis Obispo High Tigers Yearbook class is hard at work. Photo courtesy of slohs.slcusd.org

  The San Luis Obispo High Yearbook class is off to the publishing races with a fast pace, and Expressions can’t wait to see what the class and new SLOHS English teacher and Yearbook Adviser Ryan Mammarella will do with it.

Expressions: How are you feeling about SLOHS compared to MBHS, and are there big changes or is it more of the same when it comes to teaching here? 

SLOHS English teacher and Yearbook Adviser Ryan Mammarella: I’ve noticed some differences between the two schools which is expected. However, overall I’ve noticed that both MBHS and SLOHS are exceptional schools with dedicated staff and truly awesome students. I’m incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to teach in this district.

Expressions: Do you feel welcomed by students and staff on campus?

Mammarella: Very much so. The staff and admin have been supportive and helpful and the students are so polite, kind, and attentive. It’s a fabulous environment to work in each and everyday. I’m also thrilled to join an English Department that has such talented educators. I’m truly humbled by their intelligence and expertise and hope I can contribute positively to the culture they have created.

Expressions: How are your classes going?

Mammarella: From my point of view they are going great. First few weeks the energy in the classroom has been positive and the students have been willing to go on some adventurous journeys with me as I try new things in the curriculum. I hope the students feel the same.

Expressions: How is the yearbook coming along, what are your plans for the class this year?  What kind of design are you going to follow, closer to past SLOHS or MB past yearbooks or something totally new?

Mammarella: Yearbook is off and running. We have established editors and the book is starting to take shape. As to the design of the book – the great thing about yearbook is that it’s not up to me. As an advisor, my role is to support and help the class achieve their vision. However, something that I’m encouraging the editors to think about is how we can represent and include ALL students at SLOHS by thinking about groups, clubs, and populations on campus that maybe haven’t received as much coverage in past years. This is always the goal in yearbook, and will continue to be my goal as long as I am advisor.

Expressions: Do you think you’ll teach any classes outside of the yearbook or the English department in future years? 

Mammarella: I’d certainly love to. I plan to be at SLOHS for a long time, so I’m sure at some point my assignment will branch into different subjects, electives, and disciplines. I might even gravitate back into coaching at some point in the future. However, right now I have my hands full just trying to wrap my head around the new classes I’m already teaching! I love embracing new content and curriculum – but it can be a lot of work at the beginning. I hope I have a chance to teach these classes for a few years so I can really get into a rhythm.

  SLOHS has had some great yearbooks in the past, and we’re sure Mammarella and the yearbook class will make sure it’s even better this year. Make sure to pre order yearbooks now to remember high school life in the future.