Freshman Academy Update
Week Ending October 16, 2015
Scoring and Reporting Out~
Some of our classes have more emphasis on out-of-class homework, while others may focus on participation, etc. All of the categories describe the "habits of the worker", which are the building blocks for academics. These habits undoubtedly transfer to all aspects of life and it is with this purpose that we include these scores in our Freshman Academy reporting system.
As adults, many of us know all too well that our "homework" (laundry, dishes, home repair, auto maintenance, study, etc.) outside of our primary occupation, is a vital spoke in the wheel of life. Working with our young adults to assist them in grasping the concept that our day doesn't end at a 2:15 bell assists them in gaining responsibility.
In addition to meeting set deadlines and raising the bar for quality of work, as they are now in high school, are also meant to instruct about real-life expectations. Participation is certainly not least- this area of the HOW scores shows that the student is able to participate in class activities and discussions as well as be in regular attendance and be on time to class. Life is about participation. Showing up and engaging in the world around us is crucial to success. It counts toward everything. Soccer players participate in practice so that they can perform well in games. Patients participate in experimental treatments to possibly find cures. Voters participate in our fine democracy to influence our government. Think of all the things that are done on a daily basis that do not necessarily "receive credit", but change and improve the world in which we live. We must encourage our students to participate more than ever before due to studies that show massive drop-offs in this area.
Summative assessments are reported by learning goal with the four point scale. Courses such as Algebra I, Algebra II, and Global Citizenship, meet for the full year for forty-three minutes per day and are therefore close to being 25% complete. Half year (semester long) courses such as Physical Science and English, that meet for eighty-six minutes each day, are close to being 50% completed. Therefore, there will be more summative assessments completed at this time for semester long courses.
If you or your child has questions that relate to HOW scores or the 4-point grading system, please do not hesitate to contact us! We are here to help and we want to clarify information as best we can!
CREW
In Expeditionary Learning schools…
Learning is active- Students are scientists, urban planners, historians, and activists, investigating real community problems and collaborating with peers to develop creative, actionable solutions.
Learning is challenging- Students at all levels are pushed and supported to do more than they think they can. Excellence is expected in the quality of their work and thinking.
Learning is meaningful- Students apply their skills and knowledge to real-world issues and problems and make positive change in their communities. They see the relevance of their learning and are motivated by understanding that learning has purpose.
Learning is public: Through formal structures of presentation, exhibition, critique, and data analysis, students and teachers build a shared vision of pathways to achievement.
Learning is collaborative- School leaders, teachers, students, and families share rigorous expectations for quality work, achievement, and behavior. Trust, respect, responsibility, and joy in learning permeate the school culture.The Having of Wonderful Ideas Teaching in Expeditionary Learning schools fosters curiosity about the world by creating learning situations that provide something important to think about, time to experiment, and time to make sense of what is observed. Discuss the idea that we all have or can have wonderful ideas, especially about ourselves-
Take the opportunity to view the clip we showed our students:
Taking Responsibility for Learning: Learning is both a personal process of discovery and a social activity. Everyone learns both individually and as part of a group. Every aspect of an Expeditionary Learning school encourages both children and adults to become increasingly responsible for directing their own personal and collective learning.
Check out this fascinating clip from Daniel Pink on what motivates us:
NH Aviation Museum
P51 Mustang
The Team
Aviation Education & Expeditionary Learning
We learned so many amazing facts about the role that NH has played in this nation's aviation, as well as in world events. For example, the jets that were patrolling over New York City's air space on 9/11 were refueled mid-air by planes that took off from Pease! We learned that Thaddeus S.C. Lowe, from Jefferson, NH led "Lincoln's Balloon Corps. during the American Civil War. This group of courageous men led the reconnaissance missions over Confederate territory to gain crucial information about troop movement. Alan Shepard, America's first astronaut, was from Derry, NH and used to bicycle to Manchester Airport to clean runways, sweep the hangars, and wash airplanes in exchange for flying lessons. Those flying lessons here in New Hampshire got him into space and to walk (even golf!) on the moon.
As the year progresses, our students will be engaging in incredible learning experiences that will span the subjects. It is with enthusiasm and passion, that we are confident in what our students will learn and demonstrate to you at our June Expo!
Educator's Corner~
Mr. McDonald's algebra 2 class is embarking on the study of the reality of imaginary numbers. Combining real numbers and imaginary numbers can be quite complex. They are used, for example, in electronic circuits
Mr. Clark's Physical Science has taken the learning goal of atoms stability to how they combine to become stable. We are on summative #2 for this goal, with lots of cool reactions (and the tinkle of glassware) going on :)
In Ms. Otten's algebra 1 classes, some classes began their first summative dealing with Ipods downloading song and videos. The next unit will be "Writing and Solving Linear Equations".
Remember that students can stay after for homework club every day in the library 2:15 - 3:30.
Mr. Hess's class is nearly finished its first essay and anonymous peer edit. They will finish out the unit with a project and oral presentation on personal heroes!
Cold & Flu Season
About Us
As always, please do not hesitate to contact any of the Freshman Academy educators. We would be more than happy to hear from you!
Belmont High School Main Office: 603.267.6525
Rick Acquilano: racqulano@sau80.org Ext. 1301 Admin.
David McDonald: dmcdonald@sau80.org Ext. 1114 Math
Linda Otten: lotten@sau80.org Ext. 1112 Math
Megg Lynch: mlynch@sau80.org Ext. 1216 Social Studies
Scott Hess: shess@sau80.org Ext. 1214 English
Scott Clark: sclark@sau80.org Ext. 1109 Science
Email: racquilano@sau80.org
Website: http://highschool.shaker.k12.nh.us/
Location: 255 Seavey Road, Belmont, NH, United States
Phone: 603-267-6525