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PBealo
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Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 112
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 Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 9:47 am Post subject: Summer Opportunities at TRSD??? |
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I just "returned" from the Londonderry HS site - you know them, the #1 HS in NH that coincidentally rejected the notion of BS...
They've got a pretty interesting set of summer enrichment classes listed. See: http://www.londonderry.org/assets/documents/common/SumEnrichBroch.pdf
AND
http://www.londonderry.org/assets/documents/common/computer_camp.pdf
I reviewed TRHS offerings at: http://www.timberlanehs.com/summer.htm
and found them wanting...no mention of any programs.
I do know TRSD has band camp, guitar camp, strongly supports SYMS music school at UNH and runs the NE Ambassadors of Music program taking band/chorus/orchestra kids on a performing tour of Europe - but that's the PAC, TMA and music dept doing that, not the HS or SAU Admin. I guess only the Music Dept. believes learning is a year-round concept...
While at the Londonderry site I ran into this interesting pretty comprehensive report: http://www.londonderry.org/assets/documents/common/accent.zip
Does Timberlane have anything like this???
Then, I happened upon: http://www.londonderry.org/lhs/guidance.cfm
Look at the "articulation agreements" on the bottom-right of the page. Gee - while several look to be pretty fluffy, some others have specific "discounts" given to Londerry kids if they meet specific grade/test targets and apply to these schools. Wow - can anyone tell me why Timberlane doesn't have and publicize similar arrangements??? doesn't seem like rocket science - especially since its been done before.
Peter Bealo |
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lnason
Joined: 14 May 2008
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 7:21 pm Post subject: |
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There is summer school for kids who need to get their grades up to a D to continue on core subjects.
There are also a few classes which kids can take over the summer. Things like wellness and computer apps. There is not a big selection I think most of the classes are there to help band students take required classes for graduation. |
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PBealo
Site Admin
Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 112
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| Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 10:45 pm Post subject: |
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| It would be good if they told us about them before summer plans were made... |
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therents
Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 67
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| Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 6:47 am Post subject: |
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These are the same courses offered every year at the same time.
Since elementary school, I've always tried to befriend people with kids in higher grades to be able to give the scoop of how things work. |
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chockaholics4
Joined: 02 Jun 2008
Posts: 6
Location: Atkinson
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| Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 11:53 pm Post subject: Londonderry Links |
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| I just looked at all the Londerry links and I was impressed. The 'accent' link was great, and the guidance piece on college preparation was wonderful. I'm really impressed by the summer enrichment program. There's no reason our district couldn't do the same thing. We need to put the pressure on. |
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PBealo
Site Admin
Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 112
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| Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 6:18 am Post subject: |
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I agree - I'll make some calls to Londonderry today to see if their summer program pays for itself. If it does, I don't know why we shouldn't do the same thing...
BTW - Greetings to our 1st Atkinson member!! How do we get more of you folks reading this??
Peter Bealo |
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chockaholics4
Joined: 02 Jun 2008
Posts: 6
Location: Atkinson
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| Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 10:32 am Post subject: Atkinson parents |
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I will send along this link to my Atkinson friends. There are many who are concerned about academics at the HS. I've been working on the strategic planning committee (cast of thousands, I'm on the HS subgroup) as a parent designee. If I can figure out how to do it, I'll post the results of our recent parent survey. The response was mostly Atkinson parents of accelerated kids, but it's probably somewhat representative of the district. It was conducted by e-mail by a few of us lowly volunteers with no budget and a little experience. Not scientific by any means, but it has some interesting messages.
I'm new to this internet forum stuff, but I see its value and enjoy the exchanges. Keep it going, and thank you! |
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PBealo
Site Admin
Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 112
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| Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 3:51 pm Post subject: |
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Chockaholics4, et al,
I just spoke at length with Mark Blount, Asst. Superintendant of the Londonderry School District. he was a wealth of information (and enthusiasm!!) regarding their summer programs.
Mark came to Londonderry from Michigan 5 years ago, his last post was coordinating evening and summer ed. for a Michigan school district.
Last year Mark proposed the summer enrichment program to Admin and School Board. It was warmly received. His goal was to offer courses, taught by the present teachers, that were unique, above and beyond the curriculum and aimed at kids of all ages.
Mark surveys his district teachers in winter regarding what, if anything, they'd be interested in teaching in summer. He winnows the list down to 20 or so and then offers them to the students. The program is designed to TOTALLY PAY FOR ITSELF. Per-student charges are based on the real expenses of running each class for the minimum number of kids listed.
Last year ~ 20 classes were offered, but only 4 had enough applicants to make it worthwhile holding. This year, with 1 week to go in registration, 12 of 23 classes offered are guaranteed to go forward with enough kids.
Mark said that one factor making it easier for him to gain acceptance for the program was their Computer Camp, run for some years by the school library. they operate in a similar manner to the enrichment program - it pays its own way. no taxpayer money required.
In the future, Mark is considering opening up the range of classes by inviting people outside the schools to teach topics they know - much like the Cambridge Center for Continuing Education in Massachusetts.
On a related topic - Mark stated that 5 years ago the HS dropout rate was ~3%. It is now <1%. This drop was accomplished primarily through offering innovative summer and evening classes, offering in-school help (elementary and middle school) and offering accelerated/advanced academic classes in summer (I did not find these on their website).
Now why can't we do common sense programs like this before we resort to radical steps like BS??
How can we get the SAU interested in such programs??
Peter Bealo |
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alfredtwo
Joined: 02 May 2008
Posts: 62
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| Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:55 pm Post subject: |
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| The secret behind most programs like this is having someone step forward who really wants to run it, has the personality to attract teachers, and the management skills to make it all work. Sounds like Londonderry has such a person. Good for them. This is not as easy to do as people may think. |
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