FEBRUARY
The new semester is off to a great start with fresh electives and core courses moving right along. Winter is in full force and we experienced many snow related delays and cancellations. These issues definitely impact the momentum of our students. Daily attendance remains a concern and a priority for academic success!
The amount of snow that fell this month had a positive impact on student learning as well.
During the month of February, students designed and constructed a quinze snow shelter as part of a project based learning unit. Physical Science students researched heat (thermal energy) and its dispersal while Biology students researched the ecological factors that wild animals face in winter and the morphological and physiological adaptations they have to deal with these conditions. Then, students in all science classes imagined facing these conditions themselves in a winter survival situation in reading Jack London's short story "To Build a Fire."
Recognizing the importance of shelter in this situation, students set out to research different types of shelters and design their own by imitating the engineering process designers use to create more efficient shelters. Students collaboratively set out to build the most efficient design of a quinze hut. Finally, experiments were conducted measuring the temperature difference between air inside the shelter versus external air temperature. Students definitely enjoyed this hands on learning experience!
Staff Showcase: Mrs. Thomas/Guidance Counselor
Mrs. Thomas is in her second year as the School Counselor for the Dover Alternative Program. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in Psychology in 2001. She received her Master’s in Counseling at Spring Arbor University in Michigan in 2009. Prior to working here she worked with children diagnosed with Autism, and before that she was a Behavior Specialist for adolescents with developmental disabilities in Toledo, Ohio. She has always had a passion for helping youth realize that life is about the choices we make and we all have a chance to choose to be successful. she currently resides in Maine with her husband, 2 daughters, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 fish. As you can tell she loves animals too.
Community Goal: Diversity/Accepting Differences
Each month the staff set a goal for the community to work on as a whole. This month we worked on understanding and accepting the differences of those within our program as well as those within our community.
The group watched “Remember the Titans,” and completed an activity on stereotypes and character traits. Mrs. Thomas facilitated an activity about “getting along with others” which included learning about win-win solutions and win-lose solutions. Students discussed the civil rights movement and watched a documentary on Rosa Parks as well. In addition the issue of tolerance was a topic of discussion.
Transition Skills
The last two blocks of the day consist of our transition skills elective. Each day a different activity is selected that enhances the social, academic, independent living or vocational skills of our students. Each week, students engage in a cooking activity, exposing them to healthy eating choices and culinary skills. This month, students participated in creating Southwestern Chili paired with homemade cornbread. It was delicious!
