Last week of winter term 2.15.10

I had fun coming out to school on Saturday morning to capture the snow before it melted. The entire campus looked like a winter wonderland. Here, you can see the big steps with our "Hello Friends" sign on the old log cabin building. Below, you can see the view from my office window and the beautiful cafe patio, which was built by our senior service class.

Members of the Head Teacher Committee bring a Valentine's Day surprise to the 6th period classes on Friday. Can you see Jamie in the above picture attempting to teach his Modern European History class? I'm pretty sure he has a smile on his face.

Director Shane Burbage is shooting a scene for our Hitchcock class with assistant Will and actors Jeron and Maddee. The film is nearing completion. Shane assures me that we will be able to include it on this blog. More to come about that...

Jonathan McGovern's Weight Training class is hard at work. Here's Maddee again, working on her abs! Below, Kelsey is timing Neal and Joe as they hold this painful (?) position.

I was able to visit Annie's Modern Dance class this week as the dancers shared their final choreography with the class. They each chose a specific piece of music, developed an intention, and choreographed a solo dance. This week, they will trade music to see how their choreographic choices look when paired with different types of music.

Sydney, Jessica, and Kyle

Ella and Dan Annie and Samantha

EXPERIENCIAL ANATOMY FOR DANCERS & ATHLETES

Annie will offer this new 7th period class during the spring term. In this dance class, students will learn about the body with the goal of being able to sense basic information about the body and its parts. Think bones, skin, eyes, and breath. Understanding the body deepens our capacity to be present on stage, on the field or court, and in day to day life. A final project will enable students to share their anatomical knowledge in a creative performance. There is still room for students to join this exciting new opportunity.

BAGEL TUESDAYS

Yes, it's that time, once again. Order forms have been mailed home. They are also available on Willy's counter. The cost is $30 for bagels and hot drinks, $20 for bagels only, and $10 for hot drinks. Checks should be written to CFS. Bagel Tuesdays continue to be a favorite of our students. A bagel and a hot drink seems to put everyone in a very good mood!

ORAL DEFENSE PANELS

Senior Seminar was designed to create a challenging, advanced-level social studies elective for motivated seniors. This year's theme is freedom and responsibility. There is a special emphasis on the works of Plato, Kant, Hegel, Marx, and Nietzche. The class culminates in an Oral Defense where students submit a final paper to a panel of four adults and spend one hour defending their work. We are presently in the midst of Oral Defense panels. These seniors are defending their ideas with thoughtful, substantive arguments that demonstrate a deep understanding of a wide variety of philosophical ideas. Quite impressive!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK. IS SPRING AROUND THE CORNER?