EAGLEBROOK SUMMER SEMESTER 2014 COURSE OF STUDY

EAGLEBROOK
SUMMER SEMESTER
2014
COURSE OF STUDY
To help us establish what our course offerings will be this summer, we ask that you read
the following course selections and, in conversation with your child, decide which classes, in
order of preference, you would most like your child to take. These courses are offered during the
four main “morning block” periods and will constitute your child’s primary academic program.
Additional tutorials in either basic or advanced skills can be arranged at a later date, and many of
the art and recreational classes can be pursued in a more informal way at other times during the
week, particularly on a weekend.
We expect each student to take two classes from the academic group and two classes
from the elective group. This will give the student a good balance of solid academic instruction
and opportunities to explore creative outlets and new interests, some of which they might not be
able to explore anywhere else. Because of the limitations created by the four period schedule
and the number of teachers available, it is unlikely that we can accommodate alterations to the
basic outline of this program. Additionally course offerings are subject to change if enrollment
for a given class is limited. Obviously our main concern is to meet your child’s specific needs,
so if you have concerns that you would like to see addressed, please feel free to contact us.
All academic classes will assign limited homework (35-40 minutes per course) on a daily
basis, and all students will be asked to participate in a regular reading program in addition to
their classwork.
On the accompanying form we ask that you number your choices 1 through 3 in order of
preference for each block. We will do everything possible to place your child in his or her
primary choices.
Please keep this booklet for your own reference and feel free to call me at (413) 774-7411
if you have any questions.
Michael Doubleday
Director of Studies
Academic Classes
All classes in this section assign a limited amount of homework (approximately 35-40
minutes per class) on a daily basis that is to be completed during evening study hall. Please let
us know if your child has any specific academic accommodations.
English and Reading
Writing Workshop - This class is designed for students who seek to strengthen and
reinforce basic writing skills such as sentence and paragraph structure as well as grammar and
usage. The workshop allows students a chance to strengthen their skills under the close guidance
of their instructor.
Creative Writing - This class is for students who have a good understanding of basic
grammar and usage and who want to advance in other aspects of writing. This class is an
excellent opportunity to practice writing personal essays, short stories, narratives and poetry.
Each student is encouraged to be creative and to develop a personal style.
Literature - In this course, students will be introduced to the basic skills of literary
analysis. Students can expect to read works from several authors, both classics and some
modern work. Students will examine literature and learn to use critical thinking skills to look
beyond the literal meaning of the text.
English Writing, Grammar and Vocabulary - This class is designed for non-native
English speakers who need to work on the basic formal structure of writing, including using
proper grammar and increasing vocabulary recognition and utilization.
Writing for the SSAT - The Essay section on the SSAT measures your writing skill. In
this course you will become familiar with the types of topics that you will be asked to write on,
learn outlining strategies to help you organize your essay and learn the format for writing
expository essays.
Note: A writing sample will be taken on the first day of classes to assure appropriate
placement.
Languages
Beginning French – This course covers introduction to the French language and culture.
Study includes verbs and conjugation, vocabulary having to do with travel, family, houses, time
and food. There is a reading and writing component.
Advanced French – In this course you will learn to describe daily routine, recounting
events in the past, making comparisons, giving commands, asking questions, discussing travel
options.
(OVER, PLEASE)
Academic Classes (continued)
Mathematics
Arithmetic - This class will focus on developing the student’s basic computational skills
and understanding of essential mathematical concepts. Attention to mastery of whole number
operations will be given as well as an introduction or review (depending on the student’s
background) of fractions, decimals and percents. Strategies for solving word problems will also
be offered.
Beginning Algebra - For students who will enter Algebra I in the fall. Basic algebraic
concepts and applications are introduced. These include properties of equality, solving equations
and inequalities, algebraic expressions and square roots.
Algebra I - This class is for students who have taken Algebra I and who desire to enrich
their backgrounds or to brush up on specific concepts that they may need to review. The fourweek course reviews a number of major concepts while gradually elevating the level of
sophistication of the problems.
Note: Students in all mathematics classes will take a placement test on the first day of
classes to insure appropriate sectioning.
Study Skills
Academic Development – The Academic Development class is designed to support
students learning through the instruction of basic study skills. The skills acquired help students
navigate fundamental academic experience, and supports the emergence of independent learners.
Organizational Skills – The Organizational Skills class is designed to develop and
encourage each student’s own active role in their education. The goal of Organizational Skills is
to help students identify and use strategies to systematically develop and carry out a plan to
actively learn in an efficient manner. These skills are also essential for meeting responsibilities
in a timely manner.
English as a Second Language
Introduction to ESL - A basic introduction to the English language, integrating the skills
of reading, writing, listening and speaking along with grammar and culture. Students will
develop the skills they will need to function in an academic environment here in the United
States.
Advanced ESL - This course focuses on refining conversational skills and improving
writing skills. Students in the high to intermediate range of English competency are eligible for
this course of study. As above, the advanced course allows students to learn critical ways of
thinking and interacting in American schools.
Elective Classes
(No homework)
Introduction to Acting - Introduction to Acting is an energetic and fun class for students
who want to work on stage and in front of the camera. Class time is spent playing theatre games,
learning to project your voice, working on dance and other types of stage movement, and
performing for live audiences or acting in movies. At times there is extra work to be done for
this class in order to get ready for performances. Students who take this class should be
comfortable speaking in front of people, trusting their scene partners, and performing in front of
the entire school audience.
Speaker Building - The speaker building elective will involve selecting a type of speaker
system to build, building a cabinet to house it and installing components within the cabinet to
create your masterpiece. There will be significant online time, book time in class, and possible
some free time used in designing and constructing. You will also place an order for your
components when your design is approved. Possibilities include building sub-woofers,
ipod/computer speakers, or home theatre type speakers.
Stained Glass - Stained Glass strives to teach students basic skills of the craft such as
creative design planning, accurate glass cutting, copper foiling, and soldering procedures.
Accuracy, attention to detail, color design and completion of one’s projects are also stressed.
Chorus – Admit it, you like to sing. This course provides you an excellent opportunity
to experience singing with a group.
Painting and Printmaking - Students will learn a variety of introductory printmaking
techniques, including woodcut, linoleum cuts, dry-point etching and mono printing. Gaining
familiarity with the studio as well as learning to work from observation are key components of
this course. Basic concepts of value, color, scale and composition are focal points, and students
should expect to come away with a working knowledge of the tools and materials.
Painting and Drawing - Learn how to paint and draw, this course is for all skill levels,
beginners are welcome. Discover new ways to express yourself. We will spend time outside,
painting and drawing from nature. On rainy days we will create images from our imaginations
and unwind our minds in the colorful art studio.
Introductory Group Piano – This course is for students with no prior piano experience.
Students will be introduced to basic piano note reading and rhythms; technical skills will focus
on fingering, sight reading and keyboard theory. No previous piano instruction required.
Woodworking - Woodworking is a class to take if you like to work with your hands and
power tools, and you think that you may enjoy developing functional pieces from wood. It’s fine
if you don’t have any previous experience in a wood shop because you will have the opportunity
to learn the basics and more. Or, if you have had some experience, you will have the chance to
further develop your skills.
Computer Webpage Design - This is a class designed to teach the beginner how to
create his/her own webpage, learn the basics of HTML computer language, and to create the
computer art that will enhance their page using Photoshop and other resources. No previous
knowledge required. Each student will create a webpage and accompanying computer graphics
by the end of the course.
(OVER, PLEASE)
Drawing – Learn how to draw, this course is for all skill levels, and beginners are
welcome. Discover new ways to express yourself! Don’t be shy, you do not have to feel like
you are “good at art” to try this class. Art is fun, and this class is geared toward teaching you
how to feel comfortable with the materials and to create some artwork that you are proud of.
Fly-Tying - This class will learn the art of fly-tying and the life cycle of local insects and
fauna. Using a vice and assortment of tying materials, the students will build a stock of flies they
can then use to fish in our own stocked Whipple Pond.
Conditioning & Running for Fun - Get yourself ready for the Summer Olympics by
taking advantage of our state of the art Fitness Center as well as miles of beautiful cross country
trails.
Let the Games Begin - What would summer be without Capture-the-Flag? Students will
have the opportunity to play a variety of outdoor and indoor games to foster creative thinking,
self-esteem, teamwork and, of course, to have fun! Dodge ball is a favorite activity every
summer.
Relax and Read - A relaxed reading adventure to help students develop the habit of
reading.
Public Speaking - Is it “I” or “me” when addressing the public? Clean up those ums and
ahs by working on your public speaking skills. If you like to talk, this is the elective class for
you. Practice your delivery in a safe setting and gain confidence as a public speaker.
Environmental Exploration - This course will examine the ponds, streams, rocks, and
forest surrounding our campus through a scientific lens. Besides learning about our environment
itself, the class will also examine the complex relationship between human and the natural world.
Tennis - The tennis elective consists of recreational play on Eaglebrook’s eight new hard
surfaced courts, at the beginning and intermediate levels. Players must provide their own
racquets.
Cooking For Fun - In this class, students will learn the basic essentials of cooking,
measurement, working with dry and wet ingredients, using kitchen tools such as mixers,
measuring spoons, rolling pins and the oven. Students will learn to read and understand a recipe,
create a recipe and enjoy eating the finished product! They will experience a wide variety of
cultural cuisine, which will be a part of a class discussion when choosing a menu.
Music Appreciation – The aim of this course is to introduce concepts that can contribute
to a greater understanding and enjoyment of music. Organized chronologically, students will
listen to and discuss the characteristics of a wide range of music from the Renaissance, Classical
and 20th century period as well as jazz, musical theatre, film music, rock, and current popular
music.
Note: These elective offerings are preliminary and may change due to enrollment
and faculty available.