Winter Term 2017

 

Scotland and England Trip

Scotland and England Trip

“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.

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St. John’s Island National Park Trip

St. John’s Island National Park Trip

This Caribbean trip will expose our students to the natural beauty of the islands and the historical seaways of colonization and trade. Students will explore living reefs and sea life, indigenous music and art, the amalgamation of multiple cultures. There will be plenty of opportunity to observe and experience the flora and fauna of this tropical paradise. Students will live in glamorous camping accommodations with opportunities to cook as well as occasionally dine out. Students will delight in typical Caribbean cuisine offered in the Tree Lizards Restaurant located on the campground. Upon satisfactory completion of course requirements, students can earn a ½ credit in science and another ½ credit in social sciences.

Instructors: Mr. Blondia, Science and Mr. Ivankovich, Dean of Students

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Winter Snow Sports Travel to Colorado 

Winter Snow Sports Travel to Colorado 

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

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Global Citizenship in the 21st Century

Global Citizenship in the 21st Century

What about the world inspires you enough to want to take action? If you care about events that are happening in the world, this is the opportunity for you! Never before have teenagers had so much access to understanding, influencing, and participating in global citizenship. In this class, we will consider what it means to be global citizens by thinking and caring about the events and people around the world. We will learn through film, social media, news sources, speakers, exhibitions, and one another. Then, you will select an interesting and inspiring issue to research and, through a multimedia project, you will teach our community about the issue. Even if you do not yet know what global citizenship means to you, this class will give you the chance to learn more about the world and how you can get involved.
A ½ credit in History can be earned.

Instructor: Mrs. Dymond, Director of Learning Commons

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Reading for Pleasure 

Reading for Pleasure 

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

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Real-World Communication

Real-World Communication

This course is designed for the hidden writer, for the student who has grown tired of trying to add meaning and metaphor to an essay or paragraph. Beginning with a historical perspective, this class will explore how writing technologies (from paper and quill to blogs and wikis) have changed what it means to be a writer. From there, we will take on a series of writing projects: Holley Portraits, newsletters, blogs, directions, cookbooks, emails, presentations for senior projects. This list of writing continues that all students and professionals complete daily, often in more than one medium. Like a scientist testing out hypotheses, we will observe, construct, research, and combine our efforts towards a final project. The creation of a self-selected project is just the beginning of this real-world communication course over winter term.

Course Website: http://realworldcommunication.weebly.com/

A ½ credit inEnglish can be earned.

Instructors: Ms. Firestone, English and Mrs. Dymond, Director of Learning Commons

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Math Support

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

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Mindstorms EV3 & NXT 

Mindstorms EV3 & NXT 

During this course, students will create operational technological devices that will involve some entry level writing of computer code as well as the building of some robotics. Students are led through this experience by an instructor but will be allowed to progress at their individual rates of expertise and levels of interest. Initially, students will begin their work in pairs as they learn the basic skills needed to move forward in this area of study.
Students may be charged an additional fee if their progress accelerates to addressing a personal project. Families would be consulted in advance of a purchase if this is needed.
A ½ credit in either a Math or Science can be earned.

Instructors: Mr. Cal Meyers, Math Department Chair and Mr. Jay Meyers, Math

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Winter Ecology

Winter Ecology

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

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“How to….” Practical Skills for Life

“How to….” Practical Skills for Life

This class will be filled with daily experiential activities to build a student’s skills for daily living as well as the future. Topics will include everything from changing a tire on a car to folding a fitted sheet. The majority of activities will be learning by doing. Each day will have a theme. Some themes included are: basic car maintenance, meal preparation, home repair, sewing skills, taking care of your belongings, basic budgeting, and other themes suggested by students. Each student will also be teaching a skill that they can share others. The possibilities are endless! In addition to activities on campus, students will have several local field trips where they can experience “real life situations” in which they will need to practice their new skills (ex. How much do you tip at a restaurant?, etc.) A ½ credit in wellness can be earned.

Instructors: Mrs. Speicher and Mr. Pina

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Advanced Digital Photography and Imaging

Advanced Digital Photography and Imaging

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

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Needles and Thread

Needles and Thread

Looking for a class to explore your creativity? Pick from a variety of sewing and knitting projects or create one of your own. Have fun making something for yourself, such as cozy fleece pants, a quilt to cuddle up in, or perhaps knit a scarf. Why not take a class this winter that will improve your needle skills and allow you to express your creative side? In the end, you will have something to show for it!
A ½ credit in Art can be earned.

Instructor: Mrs. Zyren

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Instrument Exploration 

Instrument Exploration 

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

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Paving your Path to a Career

Paving your Path to a Career

This is a great class for any seriously minded students interested in examining their interests, passions, and how to best prepare for them while in high school. Well known books such as What Color is Your Parachute, Strengths, etc. will be examined as well as participating in interest inventories. Students will gain experience by perhaps job shadowing a local professional in a field of their interest.
A ½ credit in Health can be earned.

Instructor: Mr. Peschel

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Short Film Making: Lights, Camera, Action

Short Film Making: Lights, Camera, Action

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

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Recent Winter Term Classes