The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.

Winter Term 2017-18 : course descriptions, policies, and procedures

Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search
Published by GDSMedia, 2017-11-20 10:26:57

2018 Winter Term Course Catalog, v.2

Winter Term 2017-18 : course descriptions, policies, and procedures

Upper School Winter Term
January 3 - 12, 2018

Greensboro Day School develops the
intellectual, ethical, and

interpersonal foundations students
need to become constructive
contributors to the world.

Greensboro Day School Winter Term
Table of Contents

Introduction Page 3
Page 4
Enrolling in Winter Term Page 4
Page 4
Course Credit and Grades Page 4
Page 5
Attendance Page 6
Page 7
Contact Information
Pages 8-11
Winter Term Daily Schedule Pages 12-17

List of Full-Day Courses

List of Half-Day Courses

Course Descriptions
Full-Day Courses
Half-Day Courses

2

INTRODUCTION
The Winter Term is an innovative program held in the Upper School in January
prior to the start of the spring semester. In 2017-18, the Winter Term includes
eight instructional days, Wednesday, January 3-Friday, January 12, 2018. After
choosing from 29 different classes, students will enroll either in one day-long
course or in two half-day courses for the Winter Term. By participating in those
Winter Term courses, our students will be able to explore their passions, discover
new interests, increase their level of civic engagement, and, most importantly, feed
their imaginations.
Winter Term courses will also be an attractive addition to every student’s GDS
transcript. Several college admission officers were consulted during the
development stage of the Winter Term. Unanimously, the admission counselors
were excited about our Winter Term. Furthermore, they were impressed that our
courses are substantive and accelerated enough to count for academic credit,
whereas many other schools with similar mini-terms do not award academic credit.
Winter Term courses offer colleges the opportunity to see our students achieve
success in an authentic, multifaceted, and collaborative learning environment.

3

Enrolling in Winter Term

All students must enroll in one full-day course (0.5 credit) or two half-day courses
(0.25 credit each). All courses are open to students in grades 9 through 12.
Course enrollments will be approximately 12-15 students, but could vary
depending upon the course.

Students will be asked to list at least seven course choices on the course request
form, ranking the top five choices. Course preferences will be considered as much
as possible, giving first priority to seniors. Enrollment in some courses will be
made up of students who are committed to one of the trips, Science Olympiad, or
the One Act Musical.

Listed below is the schedule for Winter Term 2018 course registration:

November 10 Course catalog is published and accessible to students.

November 10-17 Students discuss course options with parents and advisor.

November 17 Students submit Winter Term Request Form to advisor.

Early December Students receive Winter Term course schedules.

Course Credit and Grades

All Greensboro Day School students are expected to enroll in Winter Term
courses. Students will take one Winter Term course that lasts the entire day
(morning and afternoon), or two half-day courses. The full-day courses carry 0.5
credit, while the half-day courses carry 0.25 credit each. Grades earned for Winter
Term courses factor into the yearly and cumulative grade averages.

Attendance Policy

If a student is absent from more than 10% (approximately one class) of Winter
Term class meetings, then credit for the course(s) is in jeopardy of being denied.

Contact information

GDS Phone (336)288-8590

Ed Billingslea, Upper School Director ext. 800

Eden Kane, Upper School Administrative Assistant ext. 801

Susan Doss, Upper School Registrar ext. 806

4

Daily Schedule

 Dates: January 3-12, 2018 (excluding Saturday and Sunday)

 School day times: 8:15am-3:05pm; shortened day on Friday, January 12. See
below. (Note time differences for Friday, January 12. ***)

 Daily Schedule: All students are enrolled in one full-day course or two half day
courses.

 The Upper School Campus is closed during Winter Term. Students may not
leave campus for lunch.

Class Time 8:15am-10:45am
10:45am-11:10am
(Includes 10-minute pause at teacher’s discretion,
without Bengal Café food service)

Break

Explorations 11:10am-12:00pm
(AP review, field trips, club meetings, programs, planning) 12:05pm-1:00pm
1:00pm-1:40pm
Class Time
(Continuation of full-day class, or start of second half-day

class)

Lunch
On campus. Bengal Café food service. No off-campus

Class Time 1:40pm-3:05pm
(Continuation of full-day class or second half-day class)

***On the final day of Winter Term (Friday, January 12), the day will end at
1:00pm. No lunch will be served for the Upper School:

Class Time (Includes 10-minute break, no Bengal Café) 8:15am-10:25am

Break (Bengal Café food service available) 10:25am-10:50am

Class Time (Continuation of full-day class, or start of 10:50am-1:00pm

5

Full-Day Courses (0.5 credit):

WT102 Eat Your Words
WT108
Shakespeare’s Game of Thrones: Conflict and Comic
WT109 Infamy in the Royal House
WT302
WT303 The Jedi Within

WT307 It’s the End of the World as We Know It

WT315 Hidden in Plain Sight: Americans With Seen and Unseen
Disabilities
WT316
Good Food from Scratch: How Sourcing Ingredients and
WT318 Cooking Simple Meals Can Impact Our Lives and Our
WT504 Place in the Community
WT602
WT610 They Didn’t Teach Me That in School: An Introduction
to Life Skills

From Greensboro to Atlanta to Birmingham: A Journey
for Civil & Human Rights

Girls for Girls: Leadership Edge

Spain: Its Geographic, Religious, and Ethnic Diversity

Traditional Japanese Wood-Firing

Decorating Time: Cincinnati in Music, Culture, and Art

6

Half-Day Courses (0.25 credit):

Session 1 (Green) Courses:

WT203 Game Theory: A Brief Introduction to Strategic Games

WT311 Learning 2 Lead Leaders

WT317 News in an Age of Media Bias

WT319 Comics That Comment: Graphic Novels as Social
Commentary

WT320 American History through Film and Documentary

WT401 Science Olympiad Training Camp

WT403 Mysteries of the World

WT603 Why Can’t You Be True? A Survey of Rock and Roll

WT611 US One Act Musical: You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown

WT613 Field Journaling: Integrating Art, Science, and Writing

WT801 Unplug + De-stress + Find Your Zen = Reconnecting with
Yourself

Session 2 (Gold) Courses:

WT103 Britain: Legend and Literature

WT204 Math Modeling: Transforming Concepts and Equations

WT313 Right on “Q”: The History, Science, and Culture of NC
WT319 Barbecue

Comics That Comment: Graphic Novels as Social
Commentary

WT321 World History through Film and Documentary

WT401 Science Olympiad Training Camp

WT403 Mysteries of the World

WT404 The Challenge of Climate Change: Evidence, Denial, and
Possibility
WT612
WT801 Theatre Technical Workshop

Unplug + De-stress + Find Your Zen = Reconnecting with
Yourself

7

Full-Day Course Descriptions

WT102 Eat Your Words
Teacher: Wendy Lavine

No matter where we go, we are surrounded by food; on our televisions and
movie screens we watch chefs compete, cook, instruct and tempt; there are
blogs, magazines, books, and websites – all deconstructing what and describing
why we eat what we do. So, with all these portrayals of food, how do we build
on our descriptive skills beyond describing that sandwich you just Insta-
grammed as ‘delicious’?

We will write reviews and descriptions. Find out how a television show
producer takes an idea and creates an award winning PBS show about a James
Beard winning restaurant in Kinston, NC. We will look at our family
tradition and histories around a meal and recreate the experience on paper.
We will taste foods that may be new to our palates, or compare a vegetable
freshly pulled from the dirt versus from a plastic bag in a grocery. We may
even look at the science involved with creating a recipe, or break down the
nutritional information of a favorite snack.

This class is for people who like to write, love to read and want to immerse
themselves in all things gustatory. The end goal is to enlist ALL your senses
when writing – to bring mindfulness and creativity to your writing and to
engage and adapt every audience. Whether you are interested in pursuing
work in the culinary field, or just have a casual interest, honing the skills and
senses to look intensely at a topic can help develop a much larger toolbox for
written communication.

WT108 Shakespeare’s Game of Thrones: Conflict & Comic Infamy in the
Royal House
Teacher: Lexi Eagles

Spend time in the company of the outrageous Falstaff, Shakespeare’s Lord of
Misrule, the most infamous of comic characters in all English literature. Enter
the world of palace intrigue, where a king is murdered, nobles conspire, and a
kingdom sinks into dynastic conflict. Meet Prince Hal, heir apparent, whose
friendship with Falstaff threatens England’s future. Follow Hal onto the
battlefield of France where victory is glorious, ugly, and short. Our class will read
two of Shakespeare’s beloved history plays, Henry IV and Henry V; we will enjoy
films, listen to tapes, and discuss how close these tales lie to our own political
history. “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.”

WT109 The Jedi Within
Teachers: Cory Stephenson, Tom Szott

This course explores the cinematic, cultural, and psychological dimensions
of the iconic science fiction phenomenon Star Wars, which has become part of

8

American popular culture. We will explore the source material and historical
influences on George Lucas’s intergalactic quest narrative while delving into the
more personal meanings we may draw from the central themes of the series. Two
of the most thought-provoking concepts are that of the Force and the Jedi. This
course will examine, from multiple lenses, the presentation of those concepts
across the collection of films. In particular, we will consider the figure of the Jedi
and what his journey can teach us about cultivating mindfulness, persistence, and
an ability to “use the force” for promoting good in the universe.

WT302 It’s the End of the World as We Know It
Teacher: Chris Bernhardt

While the main focus of an ancient apocalyptic story, e.g. the Book of Daniel
in the Bible, was a message, modern apocalyptic stories found in books and
movies focus on a cataclysmic event and the resulting changes to individuals
and society. This course will explore the personal, psychological and sociologi-
cal nature of the difficulties encountered by survivors-- individuals and socie-
ties—through the use of stories in modern media. We will expand our
understanding of these phenomena by exploring the scientific explanations of
cataclysmic events.

Students will also discover the impact that the availability and convenience of
quick access to consumer goods, electronic devices, medical resources, and a
variety of other scientific advances have on our lives. How would the absence
or forced removal of these modern-day conveniences affect our personal lives?
How would you cope with their sudden removal? What would it take to be-
come self-reliant (think bug-out bags and preppers) in this situation?

WT303 Hidden in Plain Sight: Americans With Seen and Unseen
Disabilities
Teachers: Don Lahey, M. Mimms

Do you know anyone with a disability? You almost certainly do, so this course
is for you. More than 40 million Americans have been diagnosed with some
form of disability. This course addresses a universal concern, namely, the care,
support and understanding of persons in our community with various recogniza-
ble and not so recognizable disabilities. It is designed to explore the treatment
of people with disabilities in American society from a personal, historical, politi-
cal, and societal perspective, including related legislation, portrayal in popular
media, and the issues involving disabilities in contemporary society. Students
who have a friend or family member with a disability or learning difference
may be particularly interested in this course.

9

WT307 Good Food from Scratch: How Sourcing Ingredients and Cooking
Simple Meals Can Impact Our Lives and Our Place in the Community
Teacher: J. Thielen

In today’s world of processed convenience meals and fast food, there are
growing movements embracing a return to cooking delicious meals from
scratch. Cooking homemade food is an essential life skill that connects us to our
own wellness, to our family and friends, and to communities both local and
international. The food we cook and share is part of our cultural story. In this
course, we will explore how preparing simple food in the kitchen can be fun,
safe, delicious, and open us to opportunities that expand our ideas of
community. We will be cooking in the kitchen at Westminster Presbyterian,
adjacent to the GDS campus. Some of our time will be spent away from school
sourcing ingredients and talking with people about food at the Guilford College
Farm, local farmers’ markets, groceries, and international food stores.

WT315 They Didn’t Teach Me That in School: An Introduction to Life
Skills
Teachers: Lindsey Payne, Emily Schroeder

If you know what the mitochondria's role in the cell is, but not how to do
your own laundry, then this is the class for you. In this course, students will
learn vital skills that will help them emerge from high school prepared to
tackle the adult world. Topics include basic finances, professional develop-
ment, general housekeeping, car maintenance, and miscellaneous things every
adult needs to know.

WT316 From Greensboro to Atlanta to Birmingham: A Journey for Civil &
Human Rights
Teachers: Jeremy Shearer, Ayesha Swinton

This course focuses on the fight for freedom in the United States. Students
will travel from Greensboro to Atlanta to Birmingham in order to explore the
ongoing struggle for freedom and civil rights. On this trip, students will spend
time engaging in the African-American experience through film, readings, and
discussion.

Students must be participants in the school’s 2018 Civil Rights trip in order
to enroll in this course. The course is required for all trip participants.

WT318 Girls for Girls: Leadership Edge
Teachers: Bridget Gwinnett, Kristen Tuma

This course will focus on women in leadership and the development of
insight and skills necessary to lead others. Using the foundation of Miss Represen-

10

tation, a documentary and curriculum about gender stereotypes and the
under-representation of women in leadership positions, we will explore the
concepts of social construction and media literacy. Students who enroll in this
WT class will also participate in the Girls Leadership Edge Program. Kristen
Tuma and Bridget Gwinnett are both trained facilitators of the program and
curriculum. A practical application of women in leadership is the Girls for
Girls club at GDS. These students will then be qualified to facilitate the Girls
for Girls programming for middle-school girls.

WT504 Spain: Its Geographic, Religious, and Ethnic Diversity
Teachers: Estelle Bowden, Iraida Fung, Robert Mimms

During this winter term course the students will immerse themselves in the
Spanish culture, not only by visiting historic places that are beyond the typical
tourist destinations, but also by living with Spanish families for the duration of
the course, and attending language classes where they will have the opportunity
to visit other students at regular Spanish schools. The preparation for this winter
course begins in October when students will read, watch and analyze articles,
videos, artwork and literary works which illustrate the geographic, ethnic, and
religious diversity of southern Spain.

Students must be participants in the school’s 2018 trip to Spain in order to
enroll in this course. The course is required for all trip participants.

WT602 Traditional Japanese Wood-Firing
Teacher: M. Kim Burroughs

This pottery course will explore the traditional wood-firing process with an
emphasis on Six Kilns of Japan. The main focus of this course is to produce
forms related to the process of wood-firing and to participate in the preparation,
loading, firing and exhibition of completed forms. The course will also explore
the influences of Japanese forms on American and British Potters from the 20th
century thru present day. “Hands on, brain on,” this course is about making
stuff; lots of it. No previous experience with ceramics is required for the course.
Beginners are welcome!

WT610 Decorating Time: Cincinnati in Music, Culture and Art
Teachers: Karen Collins, Mark Drusdow

Students will integrate the study of art, history, and music from the Renais-
sance to Early Baroque periods, fostering collaboration between these disci-
plines. They will learn about the cultural history of Cincinnati and its sympho-
ny, the historical concert hall and its recent renovations, and the extensive art
scene in the city. They will attend concerts, art exhibits, and performances, and
will work closely with musicians of the Cincinnati Symphony. In addition, the
chamber music students will perform outreach concerts here in Greensboro, as
well as in Cincinnati.

11

Half-Day Course Descriptions

WT103 Britain: Legend and Literature
Teachers: Mara Montana, Jillian Williams, Peter Williams

English language and literature represent a synthesis of many peoples and
cultures, from native Celts and Picts to Roman, Saxon, and Norman invaders.
This course looks at the influences of these people on the British landscape and
in British writings. Students enrolled in this course will take an exploratory trip
to England and Wales during spring break 2018. In addition to preparing stu-
dents for this trip, we will read selections from numerous works from the Brit-
ish Isles and about their conquest. Representative authors include Julius Cae-
sar, William Shakespeare, and Virginia Woolf.

Students must be participants in the school’s 2018 trip to England and
Wales in order to enroll in this course. The course is required for all trip
participants.

WT203 Game Theory: A Brief Introduction to Strategic Games
Teacher: Nathan Ross

In this course students will study mathematical concepts developed by
John Nash Jr, the character in the film A Beautiful Mind, and will determine
whether or not a given action will give them the best chance for suc-
cess. Classic examples, such as the Prisoner’s Dilemma and strategy games,
will be used in class and students will need to defend their argument as to why
a certain action is best. Students interested in logical processes that do not
require mathematical calculation will enjoy this course.

12

WT204 Mathematical Modeling: Transforming Concepts into Equations
Teacher: Nathan Ross

Students will be challenged to develop solutions to open-ended problems and
work with groups to focus on each member’s strengths to arrive at the final
proposal. The focus of the course will be to prepare students for Moody’s Mega
Math Challenge, but all students are welcome to join. As there is no prerequi-
site for the course, students will be able to use many approaches to develop a
solution from many types of mathematical subjects. They will develop research
skills and practice academic writing during the course.

WT311 Learning 2 Lead Leaders
Teacher: Chrissy Olson

Authentic leaders are vital to our school community. This course will allow
students to gain in-depth knowledge of specific leadership skills, such as effec-
tive communication, understanding group dynamics, and ethical decision mak-
ing, that will serve as a strong foundation for further leadership opportunities at
GDS. Students will implement the strategies learned in this course by leading
the Middle School Learn 2 Lead Conference on January 31, 2018. During the
conference, the Upper School students will serve as leadership coaches for Mid-
dle School students from several nearby schools.

WT313 Right on 'Q': The History, Science, and Culture of NC Barbecue
Teacher: Tim Cook

Students in this course will dip themselves into the juicy historical, the
smoky scientific, and the peppery cultural ingredients that make up one of
North Carolina’s most beloved foods: barbecue. Going as far back as to An-
cient Greece, we will trace the food’s evolution through time and place. We will
investigate effects that the barbecue business and hog farming have on our
state's animals and natural resources. We will examine how thermodynamics
and chemistry transform tougher cuts of meat into succulent, mouth-watering
NC ‘cue.

To learn secrets of what goes into creating this unique Tar Heel tradition,
we will go behind the scenes with people who cook barbecue for a living. And
of course, we will savor the subject at hand by both making our own and dining
in some of North Carolina’s most prominent barbecue eateries. We will also
discuss why NC barbecue may be an endangered cuisine, why that matters, and
what to do about it.

13

WT317 News in an Age of Media Bias
Teachers: Mara Montana, Barbara Steslow

What is the role of the press in a free democracy? What is the difference
between free speech and the First Amendment? What are the differences
between investigative journalism, news reporting, and editorial writing? We are
currently living in a world where our lives revolve around the media and the
ways in which we choose to or choose not to interact with it. In this course
students will think critically about where they get information about what is
happening in the world, how they interpret these happenings, and how to un-
pack the sources they come from. Students will learn how to be media savvy in
a world dictated by ambiguous media and journalism through reading, writing
about, and discussing current news events.

WT319 Comics That Comment: Graphic Novels as Social Commentary
Teacher: Alexandra Katsos

In this course students will analyze modern comics and their ability to provide
insight into nuances of both society and its political atmosphere. Graphic
novels are set apart from other forms of fiction by offering the reader a visual
scene to interpret in addition to functional prose. Often, in today’s technical
and highly visual age, comics are used to light-heartedly focus on surrounding
societal and political issues; such issues can include racial discrimination,
gender bias, religious stereotypes, and problems surrounding sexual orientation.
This course will focus on racial and political tension, including a historical com-
ponent regarding WWII and the Holocaust. As the course ends, students will
be challenged to produce a four-frame comic of their own.

WT320 American History through Film and Documentary
Teacher: Rebecca Parker

In this course students will explore a broad range of topics from American
history as depicted in film and television. Students will watch and analyze
diverse media, including movies, John Greene history clips, History Channel
documentaries, and others. Students in AP US History are particularly
encouraged to take this course in order to deepen their understanding of the
topics covered in that course.

WT321 World History through Film and Documentary
Teacher: Rebecca Parker

In this course students will explore a broad range of topics from world
history as depicted in film and television. Students will watch and analyze
diverse media, including movies, John Greene history clips, History Channel
documentaries, and others. Students in AP World History are particularly

14

encouraged to take this course in order to deepen their understanding of the
topics covered in that course.

WT401 Science Olympiad Training Camp
Teachers: Susanne Blaya, Thomas Hefner, Jason Thomas

The Science Olympiad is a national competition where students compete in
a variety of events covering many fields of science. Some events are paper labs,
some are tests of knowledge, some are construction and engineering challenges
with devices built by you in advance. All of the activities require a high degree of
creativity. The GDS Science Olympiad Team will begin preparing in the Fall
semester, and use the Winter Term to finish construction, test and refine com-
petition devices and continue to study, mock practice and make other prepara-
tions for all events. Students should sign up for this Winter Term course only
after verifying they have no family, athletic or other conflicts with the date of the
Regional competition in February 2018. This course may be repeated for credit.

WT403 Mysteries of the World
Teacher: Tory Bowers

This course will give students the opportunity to investigate and try to make
sense of the mysteries of the world. We will explore phenomena such as the
moving rocks in Death Valley, the pyramids, Atlantis, and the Bermuda Trian-
gle. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about these topics which
are often discussed but rarely covered in school.

WT404 The Challenge of Climate Change: Evidence, Denial, and Possibility
Teachers: Carey Jackson-Adams, Barbara Steslow

With the science of climate change now over 60 years young in the U.S. ,
debate still rages in the public/political sphere. How has the message of science
not fully permeated the mainstream consciousness regarding the realities of a
changing planet, wrought by human activities? What are our responsibilities as
educated young adults? Who and what are at risk if we do nothing to turn the
tide of rising average global temperatures?

Iceland provides an ideal microcosm for study. Iceland is an arctic nation
sitting at 65 degrees latitude, which is just below the Arctic Circle. Arctic
nations are the world’s ‘canary in the coalmine’ regarding climate change.
Melting ice caps, the melting of permafrost, and glacial retreat are all beginning
to occur at an increasingly rapid rate. Myriad effects of these realities include
increasing volcanism, geologic rebound, changing coastlines due to sea level rise,
and accompanying disruption to coastal ecosystems and the organisms that
inhabit those areas. Each of these impacts will be examined through videos,
newspaper and peer-reviewed journal articles, and IPCC reports, alongside re-
search, writing, and vigorous discussion.

15

Students must be participants in the school’s 2018 trip to Iceland in order to
enroll in this course. The course is required for all trip participants.

WT603 Why Can’t You Be True? A Survey of Rock and Roll
Teacher: Peter Williams

Popular music stands as one of the most pervasive and powerful artistic forms
to emerge from the United States. How did rock and roll, itself a blending of
two earlier forms of pop music (the blues and country), come to dominate our
cultural landscape for the second half of the 20th century? What social role did
this music play in our history, and does it still? This course begins with a brief
overview of American pop music before rock and roll and then covers major
developments and artists in each decade from the 1950s to the present day.
Representative artists include Chuck Berry, the Beatles, Joy Division, and the
Replacements.

WT611 Upper School One Act Musical: You’re A Good Man, Charlie
Brown
Teacher: Ruthie Tutterow

Students in this course will prepare for the one-act musical, You’re a Good
Man, Charlie Brown, to be performed in the Studio Theatre January 19, 20,
& 21, 2018. Students who have been cast in Charlie Brown must sign up for
this half day course. Students will be required to attend a read through and
attend a few music rehearsals prior to Winter Break in November and De-
cember, and to try to have lines learned prior to coming in for Winter
Term. Students will also need to commit to the full rehearsal schedule,
which will have some rehearsals outside of the Winter Term, as well as the
performances. Leads may have some evening or after school work during
Winter Term as well.

WT613 Theatre Technical Workshop
Teacher: Dana Lowell

Students in this half day course will help prepare the sets, lighting, costum-
ing, and props for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. They may also be asked
to help with preparations for The Lion King, Jr. (the Middle School musical)
and Charlotte’s Web (the Upper School Drama.) There are no extracurricular
expectations associated with the course, but cast and crew members on Charlie
Brown are highly encouraged to participate.

16

WT613 Field Journaling: Integrating Art, Science, and Writing
Teacher: Carey Jackson-Adams

Field journaling is the recording of observations, perceptions, and feelings
about the natural world. The budding naturalists enrolled in this hands-on
course will create personal blank journals using encaustic (beeswax)
techniques and book binding methods such as Coptic and long-stitch bind-
ings. Through a series of guided steps, students will discover how to record
their observations of nature using written word and illustrations. We will
develop basic drawing skills, create an extensive list of essential questions to
explore, and participate in field trips to help guide our practice. By the end
of this course, students will be prepared to document their Iceland
experiences visually and reflect on what they learn about Iceland’s fragile
environment.

This course is required for studies traveling with the school to Iceland, but
is open to others as well.

WT801 Unplug + De-stress + Find Your Zen = Reconnecting with
Yourself
Teacher: Trish Morris

In this age of instant communication where email is now considered "snail
mail", students and adults alike get caught up by — and in — the screen. In
this course, students will "de-tech" and use their communication skills and
senses to connect with the world around them. Students will be given the
opportunity to slow down, be reflective and to experiment with a variety of
stress-relieving activities. We will read articles that refer to recent brain re-
search and the use of technology. Students will identify the stressors in their
lives. Computers will be used outside of class for researching articles and
other information. However, technology use is strictly prohibited during class
time and at break during this class. We will engage in individual quiet activi-
ties such as "free reading", knitting, coloring, scrap-booking, working on arts
and crafts, solving crosswords, Sudoku, and other logic puzzles and learning
to practice meditation. Any activity that quiets the mind and soothes the soul
will be considered and, if appropriate, practiced. What may calm one student
may overstimulate another. Some group activities will involve playing board
and card games, taking long walks, learning yoga, practicing active listening,
and participating in small and large group conversations.

17

18

19

Greensboro Day School
Upper School

5401 Lawndale Drive
Greensboro, North Carolina 27455

Phone: 336.288.8590

20


Click to View FlipBook Version