Summer Session 2008 - Grades 5-8
Download a Registration Form (PDF).
For students entering grades 5-8 (current 4th-7th graders), we are offering several courses, listed by session below. With the exception of the double-session Pre-Algebra Review, course fees are $150 each, plus materials fees as noted.
Four-Week Special Session: Pre-Algebra Review
Session 1A/2A: July 7-Aug 1, 9:00-10:20, $300
This four-week summer course will allow students to review mathematics skills in preparation for
entering Algebra in the fall. The course is intended to support students who need to enhance their
pre-algebra background. It will cover key pre-algebra topics including fractions, decimals, percents,
integers, rational numbers, proportions, arithmetic operations, problem solving skills, and applying
algebra to geometry. Mathematical competence without the use of calculators will be stressed.
Students who commit to the course are expected to attend all classes and complete short homework assignments.
The course does not allow credit or exemption from any mathematics course – it is offered solely as review and
reinforcement, and is not intended as enrichment for strong math students who feel confident in their math
background. Instructor: Mrs. Natalie Tachibana.
Session 1A: July 7-18, 9:00-10:20
- Creative Writing & Drama
Students will participate in group play-making activities, collaborating to develop characters, situations, and environments. They will explore their characters’ environments and actions through improvisation, working towards creating fully realized characters through written dialogue and actions. The class will culminate in a dinner party meeting of the characters where students will need to attend class as their character. Instructor: Ms. Katrina Schwerdt. Materials fee: $20. - Dream Vacation Planner + Keyboarding
Plan the vacation of your dreams! In Dream Vacation you do it all—from researching and choosing a destination, to creating a budget, an itinerary and an impressive proposal. Students will build technology and decision-making skills, in addition to dedicated keyboarding instruction and practice. Students will take home their completed projects, as well as certificates for meeting keyboarding goals. Instructor: Ms. Jessica Parsons/Computer Explorers - Spanish Conversation & Culture
We believe in breaking cultural barriers through second language acquisition so that our students may understand, communicate and appreciate the thoughts and cultural values of others. Students will learn the Spanish language in its cultural setting with immersion classes in: language, dance, music, cooking, history, and much more. Classes incorporate materials and activities that reflect real-life situations, role-playing, and dramatization. Instructor: Mrs. Maria Vazquez. Materials fee: $10.
Session 1B: July 7-18, 10:40-12:00
- Print, Press, Experiment
Experiment with color, design, and try many print-making techniques. We will use various materials during the class as well as make our own paper! Instructor: Mrs. Michelle Dzigurski. Materials fee: $20. - Basic Math Skills
Want to improve your computation, accuracy, and math maintenance skills? Take the Math Skills Review class offered to students in grades 5-8. Students will use a variety of methods to master basic math skills: manipulatives, pair/share, student teaching, create your own word problems, outdoor math activities, and more. Each student will take home a Math Tool Kit, as well as a personalized evaluation at the end of the session, documenting strengths and challenges. Instructor: Mrs. Laura Gremett. Materials fee: $10. - Physics of Sports
Students will learn Newton’s Laws and how they apply to basketball, baseball (with wiffle balls), and bocce ball. Students will also learn the laws of gravity, force, velocity, and motion to design their own roller coaster. Instructor: Mrs. Sarah DeCarlo. Materials fee: $20.
Session 2A: July 21-Aug 1, 9:00-10:20
- Creative Writing & Drama
See course description in Session 1B. Course content is repeated from previous session; however, interested students are welcome to repeat the class, taking on different characters and performances. Instructor: Ms. Katrina Schwerdt. Materials fee: $20. - Clay Animation
Student teams will develop a script and create a storyboard for production, then build their own sets and characters. Using state-of-the-art cameras, software, and computers, they will bring their ideas to life. Class will conclude with a "film festival" of student productions, and students will receive a DVD of their work after class. Instructor: Ms. Jessica Parsons/Computer Explorers. Materials fee: $10 - Spanish Conversation & Culture
See general course description in Session 1B. Course activities differ from previous session. Instructor: Mrs. Maria Vazquez. Materials fee: $10.
Session 2B: July 21-Aug 1, 10:40-12:00
- Sculpture and Painting
During our first week we will build using many materials. The second week will involve watercolor and tempera paints, and the many ways to use them. Instructor: Mrs. Michelle Dzigurski. Materials fee: $20. - Basic Math Skills
See course description in Session 1B. Course content is repeated from previous session. Instructor: Mrs. Natalie Tachibana. Materials fee: $10. - Biotechnology - Forensics
Students will learn laboratory skills, and use these skills to solve a “crime.” There will be 4 teams made up of a mixed group of students from grades 5-8 that will be given the task of solving a crime and finding out “Who done it.” Instructor: Mrs. Sarah DeCarlo. Materials fee: $20.