Algebra 2 

Tuesdays, 9:30am - 12:00pm, and Friday mornings, TBA
 

Students use Saxon Algebra 2, 4th Edition, to learn traditional second-year algebra topics: what are functions and how they behave, negative exponents, quadratic equations, logarithms and advanced factoring. Supplemental curriculum is used to dive deeper into topics important for the SAT. In a typical week, the class time encompasses instruction and application of principles through sample problems worked on the board. To provide the best opportunity for student success, this class is scheduled for 2 days a week, Tuesdays and Fridays. Math-related projects are assigned with students presenting their findings to the class. When appropriate, examples of algebra in action from science and engineering are shared. Each week students are assigned problems sets from the lessons. Quizzes and tests are given periodically. Placement test required.

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Instructor: Rani Walter

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Immersive Spanish (6th - 12th graders)

Tuesdays, 9:30am - 12:00pm

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We will be using Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish, a popular language learning book by Margarita Madrigal, that teaches Spanish quickly and easily by leveraging English knowledge, avoiding rote memorization, and using a unique, proven method with original illustrations by Andy Warhol. Boring drills will be avoided, instead focusing on using English to quickly learn Spanish. This program enables learners to speak, read, and write Spanish in a few short weeks. Its content helps users instantly convert English to Spanish, form sentences from the first lesson, and identify thousands of words quickly. It includes a pronunciation key for developing perfect pronunciation.

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This class will still review Destinos for returning students. Repetition is key for learning. The videos will be viewed at home and on occasion in the classroom when necessary to enhance the lesson.

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Destinos, although a college program, can be used for high school to give high school credit. Additionally, the curriculum will be tailored for younger members of the class, focusing on vocabulary memorization. Another focus of the class will be speaking and correct pronunciation. The uniqueness of this program is that it is geared to an immersive way of learning. There are video episodes that students will watch. The video series is like a mystery that needs to be solved. But in it they will include the basic Spanish for beginners and normal fluent Spanish. Students are not expected to know fluent Spanish. It would be similar to the way a person who moved to a foreign country learns by picking up on clues and body language from the speaker. The textbook follows along with each video episode. Other aids for learning will depend on the student’s age and level. Video homework will be assigned to the class for practice at home. 

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I will work to meet with each student or as a group through WhatsApp or Zoom. In addition, each student will be assigned another student to practice with during the week. Students will need access to WhatsApp or some other means of communication. But the idea is immersion. The goal is to then take the students into settings that are solely Spanish.

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I encourage students who are currently enrolled to continue next year with the Destinos program. For 3rd year students, we will focus on reading excerpts in a book on history and culture, written in Spanish. We will use Madrigal's Spanish in addition to Destinos which will immerse them in conversation. I am currently working with two other Spanish teachers in the homeschool community to develop a program that involves the students having a pen pal with native Spanish speakers and occasional meet ups. This will include students that are their age but speak Spanish; basically a penpal exchange.

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For all newcomers: do not be intimidated by those who have had a year of Spanish using the Destinos program. I will work with you separately. We will use WhatsApp or another app to do a separate class from home and fast track you through the Destinos program. I look forward to speaking Spanish with everyone next year. ¡Muchas gracias!

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Instructor: Leslie Rosa

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​Creative Writing (9th - 12th graders)

Tuesdays, 12:45pm - 3:15pm

 

Students will learn the process of creative writing. Through this process they will learn skills like letter writing, short stories, poetry styles, articles, humor pieces, blog posts and finally short novel writing. This class also enhances vocabulary using Wordly Wise 11 or 12 (TBD) and a grammar program (TBD).

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As always, my hope is to foster a love of reading and writing. I will continue to teach and use the tools that we have learned through IEW, EIW and other tools from curriculums that I value such as Lost Tools of Writing and Cover Story by Clearwater Press. Students will learn to take notes, retell narrative stories, summarize, and rewrite stories in their own words. The class will explore journaling as a means to organize thoughts into structured writing. We will also use journaling as a means to practice expressive writing and analysis of the literature being read. They will practice analytical, thinking and discussion of stories being read.

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Literature: This class will explore different genres of literature as a means to expand their knowledge and skills in writing from classic American literature to English literature, short stories and historical documents, speeches and letters.

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Public Speaking Skills: Classroom presentation of student writings and mock podcasts will be used to learn public speaking. We will practice interviewing and being interviewed which are all great life skills. They will practice good posture while speaking, eye contact and engaging fellow students as they read their writings aloud.

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I look forward to going on this adventure with your children. Thank you for allowing me to teach them!
 

​Instructor: Leslie Rosa

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Studio Art (9th to 12th graders)

Wednesdays, 9:30am - 12:00pm

This class builds on students’ prior art knowledge from intermediate-level art classes. Students who have a solid foundation in drawing techniques will be encouraged to take those skills to a higher level by being urged to transform the familiar into the unfamiliar. Students will learn the principles and concepts of design, developing the student’s knowledge of composition in two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. These elements and principles of design are the building blocks of art that will not only improve the student’s artwork but also be used in all art careers. Students will learn the “why” and “how” of art techniques, which will enable them to develop the skills needed to become independent in creating their own artwork. We will examine different artists’ artworks, seeking to evaluate and recognize art techniques and concepts in action. Students will explore, experiment, and solve problems as they create their own original art works. Please note: the projects are new every year so students repeating this class will explore new techniques. 

 

Instructor: Patricia Storey

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​​​​​High School Physics with Lab (9th to 12th graders)

Wednesdays, 12:45pm - 3:15pm, plus 1-hour online session

 

Students will explore high school physics through exposure to key themes and regularly engaging in problems targeted to understanding important concepts. These topics include forces in motion, forces at a distance, energy, waves, electromagnetic radiation, and nuclear physics. The class will include issues with real-world relevance, scientific inquiry, laboratory experiments, and liberal class discussion of homework, problem sets, and laboratories. Math prerequisites: Algebra 2 taken concurrently is acceptable. Basic understanding of right-triangle trigonometry will be required. Text: Under consideration.

 

Instructor: Craig Hoppe

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Geometry

Thursdays, 9:30am - 12:00pm, plus 1-hour online session

Students use the Saxon Geometry text to explore topics in high school geometry. This is a stand-alone class for high school students filling a one-year geometry requirement. The course will cover triangle congruence, postulates and theorems, surface area and volume, two-column proofs, vector addition, and slopes and equations of lines. In addition to the in-person class, a second hour will be scheduled online for further instruction and homework help. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or placement test.

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Geometry Course Details and Overview

Instructor: Terry-Ann Gilleland

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World History: The Modern World: 

(1800-Present) (8th to 12th graders)

Thursdays, 12:45pm - 3:15pm

 

The Industrial Revolution affected more than the way people worked and lived, it changed the landscape of the world. Join us as we study the economic developments brought about by the industrial revolution as well as its consequences in social and cultural life. We will study the development and consequences of World War I, II, and the Cold War, as well as the globalization of the world and the development of capitalism of the present day.

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Instructor(s): Lindsei Luciano​​​​​​