2016-2017
f ox c hapel a rea s chool d istrict s tate of the s chools
Other camps also gave students a glimpse of the use of real-world STEAM applications. One
involved students using Apple’s iMovie ® editing/production software to create videos. Another
session was Drones to the Rescue in which students built a large obstacle course and then
drove their drones through it. The students in the Fab Lab course made and designed things
such as fidget spinners and a handle to better carry grocery bags. Through the STEAM Camp
the students learned problem solving as well as scientific testing and checking, all in a fun
environment. Students also learned an important lesson that if the first attempt fails, they need
to revamp and rethink in order to attain success.
LAUNCH Program in Second Year
More than a third of the incoming ninth grade class spent a week of their summer
launching their high school careers. The unique program, entitled LAUNCH
(Learning And Understanding the Necessities of College and High school), helps
students be better prepared to start high school and was developed by district
teachers and administrators.
Incoming freshmen participated in a series of orientation activities and worked
to build strategies to improve academic performance, time management, and
organizational skills. The program also featured important messages from several
keynote speakers. Topics addressed included healthy relationships; the importance
of confidence, perseverance, and openness to new ideas; and keeping a positive
online and social media presence. A highlight for many of the students was a
keynote address about success and leadership by baseball broadcaster and former
Major League Baseball player Roberto Clemente Jr., son of baseball great Roberto
Clemente. He spoke with the students about his father‘s legacy of not just baseball,
but of his most important legacy – one of giving back to the community. He
also had the students look at their hands and talked about leaving only positive
fingerprints behind and the importance of helping others.
Additionally, every day featured classroom activities that focused on building
the incoming freshmen’s executive functioning strategies (goal-setting, time
management, organization, and problem solving) and learning skill sets
(reading comprehension, note taking, and analytical writing).
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