Community School of Davidson Parent Information Session AGENDA - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Community School of Davidson Parent Information Session AGENDA Welcome State of the School High School Vision Staff Course Offerings Grades, Honors & AP My Path: Practicum, Health & Wellness, Advisory College
Parent Information Session
AGENDA
∗ Welcome ∗ State of the School ∗ High School Vision Staff Course Offerings Grades, Honors & AP My Path: Practicum, Health & Wellness, Advisory College Ready Students Sports Facility and Equipment ∗ Budget and Finance ∗ Pave the Way ∗ Capital Campaign
* CSD’s 10th Kindergarten class will begin in August, 2010 * Natural light in all elementary classrooms * Continued emphasis on Boyer’s foundation of math, language, & art literacy * Research-driven instruction & practices remain our foundation * Teachers seeking advanced degrees, serving as consultants, qualifying for
competitive programs such as UNCC’s Summer Writing program
* Classrooms participating in undergraduate & graduate research projects * Solid EOG results & academic gains for students
* 2009-2010 marks the first year of our complete MS (6-8) program * Algebra 1 differentiation a success * Introduction of traditional grades in 8th grade to prepare for HS * College planning introduced in 6th grade, expanded in 8th grade * 8th grade practicum a success with widespread community support * New, 14-seat activity bus * Record registration: 2000+ K-9 applicants, automated lottery process * Children’s House preschool to move to HS & free-up critical space in MS
OUR VISION IS TO:
* Ensure that the strength & integrity of relationships remain central * Nurture intrinsically motivated students * Use research-driven pedagogy, relevant, integrated curricula & meaningful
community engagement
* Pair students with advisors who serve as advocates & mentors * Emphasize the importance of diversity & individuality in our school, community, &
the world SO THAT OUR STUDENTS:
* Are happy and productive citizens of the world * Attend the colleges that fit them best . . . And, more importantly, are successful
“Beyond building community, and and restrictive.”
Susan Ban English 1 Matt Glass Algebra & Geometry Veronica Westendorff Biology 1 Valerie Byars World History Nancy Slagle Spanish 1 Kristin Ratnofsky, EC Michael Wolfe, Technology Melissa Ohlman- Roberge Drama Sharon Conner & Jessie Perkins Art Faith Mottershead, Dance Jim Dumser, Woodworking/Draf ting Chorus, Band, & Orchestra Lynn Hennighausen, Bobbi-Jo Carpenter, & Marc Sweet Fitness Jessica Smith Counselor April Whedbee Front Office Connie Wessner Academic Dean Ralph Pillsbury Principal
* Student-empowered as scientists, historians, writers, artists in their
daily activities
* High interest, relevant curricula * Scaffolded content and process * Innovative methods drive instruction, such as project- and problem-
based learning, inquiry
* Opportunities to conduct publishable research
Working with students to build thinking skills through writing, reading, & speaking ∗ Writing for Your Life: self-exploration through multi-genre writing and documentation ∗ Hero’s Journey: a study of the universal path from adolescent to adult ∗ Making Connections that Matter: partnerships with Davidson College in journalism, the arts, & media ∗ I-Search: original research, using and documenting sources, gaining interview & inquiry skills HONORS: Original writing projects with self-publishing opportunities
Student as writers * genre-based reading * discussion & debate * the writer’s process
Describing & translating among graphic, algebraic, numeric, tabular, & verbal representations of relations ∗ Operations with polynomials and matrices ∗ Creation and application of linear functions & relations ∗ Algebraic representations of geometric relationships ∗ Introduction to nonlinear functions HONORS: Independent, interdisciplinary, problem-based learning projects
Student as mathematician * appropriate technology * manipulatives * problem-solving
Using data analysis, probability, & geometric/algebraic properties of figures to solve problems & write proofs ∗ Highest & Best Use: cooperative projects with the Town of Davidson to
∗ Alternative Energy Explorations: design & construction of on-site windmill ∗ Local Architect Partnership: personal building design, discussions, and drafting ∗ Video Game Design: programming logic & algebraic/graphical relationships HONORS: Publishable, applied geometry projects
Student as mathematician * art of reason * location learning * student-led investigations
Understanding the physical, chemical and cellular basis of life, asking a central question: Is Life Sustainable?
∗ Fieldwork Expertise: Students become experts in specific outdoor species ∗ World in a Bottle: Living world is understood from microbiology to mammals,
surviving in a sealed bottle
∗ Applied Biology at the Bench: Students conduct research in the lab from bacteria to
macro-organisms
∗ Student-Constructed Biosphere: Unique research that showcase problem-based &
project-based learning opportunities HONORS: Work with published authors on scientific papers, research, & outreach
Student as scientist * relevant topics * proven methods * collaborative research
Discovering how people from the past attempted to solve problems and adapt ∗ Concurrent Themes: Humans & Other Humans, Humans & the Environment, & Humans & Ideas ∗ Contemporary Conflicts: in the Middle East, Darfur, Iran, and the former Soviet republics ∗ International Organizations: Invisible Children, Committee On Conscience, & UNICEF ∗ Genealogical Research HONORS: Socratic seminars & properly documented historical research culminating in analytical paper Student as historian * experiential learning * thematic approach * conflict resolution
∗ Spanish to reflect the changing demographics of our culture, both locally and nationally ∗ Mandarin to reflect our mission to provide an educational experience for students who will enter a world where Mandarin is recognized as a critical language for success in the fields of economics, science, technology, and fields that have not yet been named ∗ Sign Language—possible future elective ∗ Exploring international travel & service opportunities Student as world citizen * cultural literacy * travel opportunities * global context
Visual Arts
* Culminating Gallery Exhibit at end of semester * Demonstrations by Visiting Artists * Off-campus trips to Davidson College Visual Center,
Charlotte Museums
* Visual and Written Journals, Comprehensive Portfolio
Development
* Class development and creation of community art
projects
Dance
* Quality blend of technical training & artistic
exploration with an emphasis on technique
* Cecchetti and RAD Ballet Techniques * Modern Dance including Graham, Horton,
Cunningham, Weidman, Paxton, & Contemporary/Release techniques
* Technique & choreography of past & present dancers
& choreographers
* An assortment of styles including African,
Hip-Hop, Ballroom, Modern, Ballet, & Improv
* Basic body care, nutrition, & experiential anatomy
included.
* Collaboration with Dance Davidson as well as
exciting performance opportunities!
Drama
* Intensive Actor Training * Theatre through history and in different cultures * Classical, contemporary, world & original scripts * Freshman Showcase, Musical Theatre, and Original
Works presentations
* Off-campus trips to Davidson College, Charlotte
Museums
* Uta Hagen’s Nine Object Exercises, theatre games * Linklater spoken voice training * Movement for the actor & pantomime * Scene study, character development * Script writing & directing, as well as
scene, costume, make-up design
Music: Chorus, Band & Orchestra
* Music at the high school level builds on K-8 music experiences as a
comprehensive, sequential, & discipline-based program.
* Students continue to broaden their respect for and understanding of
music as an art form.
* Students examine the relationship of music to other content areas &
the role & meaning of music in various social, cultural, & historical contexts.
* Continued focus on Band & Chorus * Integration of technology into the music program to include MIDI
and songwriting
Woodworking/Drafting
* Advanced tools and techniques enable an array
* Comprehension and use of plans and
architectural drawings.
* Student-paced class work * Completed projects kept for a lifetime * Spring juried show of students’ best work
Computer Arts
Broadening students’ understanding of computers as tools for communication & problem-solving ∗ Principles of computer organization ∗ Computer networks & the Internet ∗ Web design & development ∗ Multimedia design & graphics ∗ Advanced programming opportunities ∗ A/V production Student as developer * technological literacy * hands-on experience * CS careers
R E Q U I R E D E L E C T I V E
English Math Science History Foreign Language English 1 English 2 English 3 English 4 Algebra 1 Geometry Algebra II/Trig PreCalculus Biology 1 Chemistry 1 Physics 1 Env./Earth Sci World History US History Civics & Econ Mandarin 1
Mandarin 2
AP English Lang. AP English Lit. Creative Writ.
Discrete Math
AP Calculus Biology 2/AP Chem 2/AP Physics 2/AP Earth & Environ 2/AP AP US History AP US Gov & Econ AP Psych AP World Hist Women’s Stud. Psychology Anthro/Soc Mandarin 3
Mandarin 4
Dance Theatre Arts Visual Arts Industrial Arts Music Ensemble Multicultural Dance Drama Ensemble Musical Theatre 2D Explore 3D Explore Woodworking Drafting Chorus Band Computer Arts Wellness Practicum Media Studies Computer Science Programming Multimedia Design & Graphics Cardio Strength Training Kick Boxing Speed & Agility Small Group Explorations Internships Research Methods A/V Production Media & Marketing
Grades
* To reflect state-wide, UNC-system standards, we will use a 7-point grading scale. (93-
100=A, 85-92=B, etc.)
* Traditional grading system superimposed on a ―Mastery Grid‖ * Intervention plans for struggling students—failure is not an option at CSD * Weighted GPA—regular course = 4.0 scale, honors course = 5.0 scale, AP course = 6.0 scale
Honors
* Honors options available for all core course offerings. Expanded & advanced curriculum. * Arts concentration (4 hours per week) required
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
* We will continue to research best options for sophomores, juniors, & seniors
PATH: Practicum,
Advisory, & Wellness
∗ Small group format ∗ Intensive, off-campus study ∗ Service focus ∗ Applied research & portfolio-building opportunities
Elements retained from MS New for high school . . .
∗ Selective internship opportunities ∗ Half-day Friday course ∗ Common Read/Journaling activities integrate with Advisory activities and autobiography ∗ Rotation assignments fully integrated with core course themes and projects
PATH: 9th Grade Advisory
* 2-3 Advisory times/week, including Practicum Fridays. * Groups of <12, which stay together for at least 2 years * Study Skills Fall Webinars * Understanding grades, GPA, & transcripts * What is a 4-5 year plan? * Designing a digital portfolio * DUI & substance abuse seminars * Connections between schoolwork & careers * Myers Briggs self-assessments * College & career planning, including:
that Offer Them
∗ Basic disease risk factors & healthy eating concepts ∗ Class goal-setting for activities, such as 5K run ∗ PE credit that lasts a lifetime by focusing on activities and movement, designed for general fitness
Elements retained from MS New for high school . . .
∗ Individual measurement & goal-setting ∗ Exercise classes designed for sport specialties, cross training, flexibility, agility, & general fitness ∗ Weight training equipment & cardiovascular equipment ∗ Healthful lunch items, using true serving sizes
Our research tells us that colleges want students who show:
*Academic Ability *Intellectual Curiosity *Leadership *Initiative *Athleticism *Dedication *Responsibility to themselves & the community *Unique Qualities *Passion
CSD Graduates will develop all of these qualities and will be the students colleges want!
Readiness for college entrance, success in college, and the fulfillment of each student's future life and career path are our ultimate goals.
* Portfolio Management beginning Freshman Year * Beginning in 9th grade, students have an advisor & college counselor to help with the
college admissions process
* Students will be an instrumental part of showcasing our school to admissions officers * CSD campus visits for college admissions officers & local College Fairs * Parent/Student Workshops on topics such as:
∗Building a healthy lifestyle through partnerships
with the Wellness program: ―Physical fitness for life‖
∗Reinforcing our vision for education – ―Teamwork,
leadership, can be: ―Forging Character‖
∗Building school spirit – CSD Sports Boosters ∗Continue strong participation rates in varsity
sports
#1 Vision/ Philosoph y #2 Dedicated and talented coaches Student- Athletes who soar! #3 World class facilities
What does it take to have a successful sports program?
Cheerleading
and play mostly JV teams
Softball fields
have far to go to reach the summit of our boldest dreams…”
* High School project on schedule and within budget * Advanced technology infrastructure and equipment * Full science laboratories * Well-stocked classrooms (literature, media resources, art supplies/equipment) * Dedicated fitness area, weight room, and two gymnasiums * Natural light throughout and access to outside resources * 30,000 SF ―arts wing‖ – timeframe dependent upon fundraising
* State and county budget cuts in 2009-2010 resulted in pay cuts for all
CSD staff.
* Additional cuts expected for 2010-2011. * American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds helped to
cushion the fiscal impact.
* We have isolated our instructional programs from these cuts. * Our elementary school up-fit loan will be satisfied in 2014 which will
provide some budgetary relief.
AN AMAZING SUCCESS given the economic times! Our parents and community continue to support at unprecedented levels! Pave the Way Goal $350,000 General Donations $285,000 Golf Tournament $ 15,000 (in so far!) One-Time Parent Driven PTW Donations $210,000
TOTAL!!!! $510,000!
utur ure e is is Here!