Winter Term 2017

“Creative Creatures: A Survey of Western Expression” is designed to investigate the many ways that humanity has exercised the practice of creativity in the western world. From creating civilizations to building architectural structures and monuments to writing, theater, and visual art, western peoples have constantly strived to not only exist in the world but to embellish the world around them.

Picture yourself riding the rails westward into the snow covered Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Classes begin back on campus with strength training, visits to Crystal Mountain, and studying background material in anatomy and health. The group will then travel by train out to Vail Colorado where plenty of great skiing and snowboarding awaits, but also certification in Avalanche Safety Training and Wilderness First Aid Training plus CPR. This Course requires an additional Travel Fee and lift ticket.
Upon Satisfactory completion of this course students will earn ½ credit in Physical Education and a ½ credit in Health.

Instructors: Mr. Bruce Hood and Mrs. Laura Hood

Do you have books on your bookshelf that you are dying to get to, but never seem to find the time? Your time has come!
You will read books that you have been wanting to read and share your experiences with others who are reading books they have chosen to read. All while discovering the many benefits to reading for pleasure. Aside from the sheer joy of exercising your imagination, evidence indicates reading for pleasure improves literacy, social skills, health, learning outcomes, and buildsreading stamina.
A ½ credit in English can be earned.

Instructor: Mrs. Zyren, Learning Specialist

Math Support will provide the opportunity to redo or reinforce skills in any of our math courses offered during the academic semesters. Students choosing to enroll in Math Support will co-create, an individualized plan including goals to be accomplished during Winter Term. Students in the Calculus class who would like to take the AP exams at the end of the school year are also welcome to enroll in this class.
A ½ credit in Math can be earned.

Instructor: Mr. Jay Meyers, Math

This class will cover a wide range of skills and knowledge. The main goal of the class is to learn as much about the physical science of cold and snow along with the adaptations of plants and animals to living in the highly variable environment of Northwest Michigan. In addition, we will be learning and practicing different modes of transportation including snowshoeing and cross country skiing with a chance to observe and learn about sled dog travel.
A ½ credit in Science can be earned for this class if all requirements are successfully completed.

Instructor: Mr. Cal Meyers, Math Department Chair

This is a class designed for students who have an understanding of digital photography but wish to become more proficient in the technical aspects of digital photography process and image output. The class will be a hands-on class where students apply advanced camera techniques in class and then go out in the field to apply these concepts and techniques to optimize as well as completely manipulate images they have selected for processing. They will attain a high level of proficiency in the understanding of all of the specific camera functions. Students will be using Adobe Photoshop. Students will study and perform in low light photography, action photography, portraiture, nature/wildlife photography, journalism photography, architecture/interior photography and finally macro photography. Students will be expected to produce a portfolio with images from the five content areas mastered during this course. Students will be asked to purchase their own cameras that meet specific requirements.
A ½ credit in Art can be earned.

Instructor: Mr. Pina

The objective of this class is not to become a professional at any one instrument, but rather to learn more and foster new growth in music by learning how to play various instruments. We will learn the history as well as proper technique and basic instrument care. We will learn 3-5 notes and a simple tune on each instrument as well as review basic music theory and notation, rhythm and music literacy. The course will culminate with a small instrument performance, when students get to play a new instrument they learned in the course, and teach the audience some of what they have learned as well. There is a $40 course fee to cover instrument rental. A ½ credit in Music can be earned.

Instructors: Ms. Stainkamp and Mr. Pidot

In Short Film Making, students will be introduced to the genre of short films by watching several shown at the Traverse City Film Festival. This studio-style class is designed for someone interested in learning both an appreciation for film as well as the “behind-the- scenes” construction for film-making. As we take a “bird’s eye” view on directors and actors when they reflect on our culture, we will engage in round table discussions. By exploring a variety of formats and film-making techniques, students will gain the opportunity to create a concept for a story/movie of their own. Storyboards to pre-planning activities and editing software will prepare students to shoot and produce a live film. (Students will not be required to purchase any sort of software.)
Requirements:
– A camera or a way to take videos
– The ability to transfer video files from your video device
– A laptop
– Editing software (Provided if you don’t have one)
– A can do attitude
A ½ credit in Art or English can be earned.

Instructors: Ms. Firestone and Mrs. Speicher