Module 4

English with Jill Sugg Ay, forsooth, 'twas the module for William Shakespeare. Grades 7, 8, and 9 read "Macbeth" and saw the 1971 film by Roman Polanski. Grades 10,11, and 12 read "Othello" and saw the 1995 film version starring Laurence Fishburn and Kenneth Branagh. Elizabethan English is never easy, but the great bard always draws kids in with treachery, murder, witches, ghosts, villains, infidelity, and swordplay. Math with Annie Tally Everyone in math is working hard to meet semester goals and there have been some dramatic successes. I am very proud of my students for hanging in there when the going got rough, as it sometimes does. On top of everything else, they are learning "the greater the challenge, the more rewarding the triumph"! Upper School Sciences with Lori Hilliard Chemistry The Chemistry class has been working hard to write complete, balanced equations and identify the type of reaction. Their success was not measured on paper, but by laboratory exercise. The lab is still standing and they all passed their tests. Biology Biology students have enjoyed the completion of the plant unit and have moved into their study of genetics. Mendelian genetics and Punnett Squares have kept them engaged and amazed. Anatomy Oral lab practicals, Latin terminology, clinical diagnosis and ankle surgery has dominated this module for the Anatomy students. We have completed the skeletal system by looking at the bones in an up-close and personal way. Environmental Science Debating the impact of humans on the environment has been an ongoing preoccupation of this class. All successfully navigated a major exam and have learned to share their ideas in a productive manner. Physical Science with Dan Hill Module 4 started with a brief look at Gas Law as we finished up with the phases of matter. Since then we have completed a short history of the model of the atom, studying its structure with mainly the Bohr model in mind, but with the occasional nod to Quantum Mechanics. We are now ready to examine how the Periodic Table is organized. Social Studies with Matt Wilhelm World History explored the roots of monarchy in Europe and read works of Thomas Aquinas, Sir Thomas More, Niccolo Machiavelli, and Martin Luther. US History learned about the Trail of Tears, read the Seneca Falls Declaration of the Rights of Woman, and examined the development of the abolitionist movement in the United States. The history elective, Radical Islam and the War on Terror, learned about the development of al Qaeda and started to look at the Bush Administration's response to the 9/11 attacks. Current Events has continued their stock market simulation and started to explore the meaning of history as an academic discipline. Finally, Civics has wrapped up its overview of the legislative branch and is moving on to the executive. Spanish Upper School students will resume instruction with our new faculty member - Celia Battle (pronounced: Sail-ya). Celia was born in Cuba and moved to Chicago when she was twelve years old. She has taught everything from preschool to AP Spanish over her distinguished career. Our Spanish III students have had two classes with her and are very enthusiastic about what she will bring to our school. Celia and her husband are new to our area and eager to put down roots. They are the proud parents of three grown children. Performing Arts with Matthew Etherington 7th/8th Grades This module, students finished mixing their jingles as part of the Commercial Music composition project. The students then engaged in an extension activity on sound manipulation with the program Miraton. In Chorus, the group rehearsed and refined songs for the Academic Fair performance. The students have really started to pull together as an ensemble, which is heartening, and the sound has improved dramatically as a result. Jazz Combo This was an important module for the Jazz Combo. We began with our first major test which covered the student's ability to recognize basic intervals on the C major scale. They were also asked to write some dominant 7th chords and recall key facts about the origins of Jazz in New Orleans. The students didn't score as well as they hoped on this first test. The remainder of the module was spent rehearsing for Academic Fair. The students have grown significantly this semester. I was proud to have them perform for you at this public event. Physical Education with Paige Passavant This short module allowed the students to continue with our Target Games unit. After we concluded our Frisbee Golf Tournament we designed a new course. We also worked on real golf skills, such as putting and chipping. Guidance Update from Thelma Glynn Module 4 was a busy one in the guidance office. The first college application was submitted - by hand - when a group of students and I visited High Point University. We also stopped in Winston Salem to take a tour of the North Carolina School of the Arts. Our trip was very successful in that every student had a strong interest in at least one of the two schools and we all were impressed with the great and diverse options offered just an hour and a half away from home. The seniors are in the final stages of completing their applications and with the new year we will turn our attention to the Class of 09!

Module 3

English with Jill Sugg Advanced Placement Literature students read the novel Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor, a story of one man's theological and existential struggle. English 10,11, 12 and 8/9 Advanced students read the timeless classic A Separate Peace by John Knowles. English 8/9 Regular and the 7th graders read the adolescent novel The Pigman. All students were assigned an essay relevant to their respective books. Math with Annie Tally This module, the math students have really hit their stride and are making good progress toward their semester goals. I truly appreciate their patience while I have been learning their individual learning styles. Most students are well on track to meet their goals and we will soon be able to return to occasional group work on special topics. Upper School Sciences with Lori Hilliard Chemistry The Chemistry class has completed their unit on the mole concept. Students are working hard with a great attitude. They are very excited about upcoming laboratory assignments.
Biology
Biology students handed in their leaf collections which were wonderful. I commend their hard work and enthusiasm for the project. We are working through the botany unit at this time.

Anatomy
Anatomy students are finding that the study of skin is more than skin deep. In completing our integumentary system studies, the students are tasked with completed case studies in lieu of an exam.

Environmental Science
The Environmental Science students are actively engaged in learning about early conservation movements and human effects on the environment. All students figured their energy quotient as well as that of the school. As a result, they wrote a letter to Duke Power asking for information about energy saving tips.

Physical Science with Dan Hill
Module Three has seen the class looking at the basic properties of matter: mass, density, volume, etc., as well as the five phases of matter, phase changes, and energy transfer. As Module Four begins, we are passing through Gas Law with our sights set determinedly on the Periodic Table.

Social Studies with Matt Wilhelm
World History examined the major religious and philosophical traditions of India, China, and Japan. US History looked at the political philosophy underlying the Constitution and examined Supreme Court cases to better understand the relevance of the Bill of Rights. The history elective examined the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its influence in the struggle against global terrorism, while current events learned some foundational concepts in economics. Civics focused on the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the legislative process. Spanish with Stefanie Boone All classes were introduced to listening activities using the new language lab. Spanish I students studied infinitives, Spanish II students looked at stem changing verbs and negation and Spanish III students delved into the preterit tense. Performing Arts with Matthew Etherington 7th/8th Grades This module, the students continued with their composition project on jingles and commercial music. Time was spent analyzing and refining first ideas, and then mixing and editing the finished recordings onto iTunes. This creative project was challenging, due to the combination of elements involved, however the students produced some excellent jingles with memorable melodies and rhythms. Our Chorus group is really starting to sound cohesive, and we are continuing to rehearse songs for the upcoming Academic Fair. I look forward to seeing you there! Jazz Combo This module, the Jazz Combo learned a new tune with a Latin feel - Oye Como Va. We also are continuing to work on our other repertoire in preparation for the upcoming Academic Fair performance. Now that mastery of the basic melodies has been achieved, we are working more on improvisation and the overall rhythmic blend of the whole group. We look forward to serenading you as you are served lunch at the fair and hope to see you there! Physical Education with Paige Passavant Students in the PE classes enjoyed our unit "Target Games and Skills." This unit involves practice in directional throwing (aiming) and was planned to coincide with the State Fair as a lot of the "games" at the fair involve aiming at a specific target. We ended our unit by having a Frisbee golf tournament. Nine holes were created around the grounds. This two-day tournament allowed players to submit their best score from each hole. The tournament results will be posted. Guidance Update from Thelma Glynn This was a busy module! The sophomores and juniors took the PSAT test and I was very proud of their concentration and effort. A group of us traveled to UNC-Wilmington for our first college visit of the year. We were very impressed with the beautiful campus and the many state of the art facilities. Seniors are polishing their personal statements, sitting their last round of standardized tests and completing their first round of college applications.

Module 2

English with Jill Sugg Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 read Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible" and attended a live theater performance in Raleigh. Students in grades 7, 8 and 9, did grammar basics and a poetry unit. Each student brought in an original poem of his or her own, shared anonymously with the rest of the class. (Only I got a copy with a name on it.) Salem witch hunts and quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme made for a fun start to October. We are all about to dive head first into new novels. Math with Annie Tally With most of the pretesting complete, the math students have begun their routine of working at their own pace through their respective courses. Everyone is doing well as we begin to know each other mathematically. We also took the opportunity of class picture day's disruption to play games that foster logical thinking and recently we discovered what a fractal is by drawing several iterations of the Sierpinski Triangle. We will revisit this activity in the near future to explore fractional dimension and infinite length. And they thought math was just crunching numbers... Upper School Sciences with Lori Hilliard Chemistry The students in Chemistry have began their formula writing and naming unit. Students have completed lab exercises to reinforce topics covered as well as several in class activities designed to complement the lecture/discussion activities. Biology The students in Biology have completed their basic microscopy unit as well as basic cell structure. Students were very successful in both laboratory activities as well as quizzes over the material covered. Anatomy The students in Anatomy are completing their unit on histology and have enjoyed learning many Latin roots, suffixes and prefixes. The class successfully navigated through their first exam and are to be commended for their hard work Environmental Science The students in Environmental Science continue to examine biomes, ecosystems and population studies. Many laboratory exercises have been completed on topics ranging from population growth to climatogram manipulation. Physical Science with Dan Hill After a brief review of what exactly science is, the Upper School Physical Science class has looked at graphing, dimensional analysis, and the concept of significant figures. In Module 3 we will be looking at some basic physical properties like mass and density. Social Studies with Matt Wilhelm In World History we have been examining the republic of ancient Rome, its shift to an empire, and the causes of its eventual collapse. In US history, we have been looking at the events leading up to the American Revolution and examining the political philosophers who influenced the Declaration of Independence. The history elective has been examining the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its role in the development of radical Islam. Current Events class has been looking at several politically-oriented news stories and using them to better understand the functions of the three branches of government. Civics has been looking at the political philosophies that influenced the US Constitution and began reading that foundational document of American government. Spanish with Stefanie Boone After completing our pretesting, we have begun our first chapter of the text. In Spanish I, we have been looking at greetings, numbers, school objects and the concept of time. In Spanish II, we are focusing on adjective agreement, interrogatives and regular present tense. Spanish III is working on daily life vocabulary, irregular present tense, reflexive verbs and verbs that work like gustar. In all classes, we continue to work on our proficiency skills in all four components of language: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Performing Arts with Matthew Etherington 7th/8th Grades The beginning of this module was spent finishing up our pretesting, which took a little longer than expected. Once through the testing, the 7th and 8th grades began to look at a new topic: Jingles and Commercial Music. By listening to and analyzing several commercials, the students were able to pick apart the musical and psychological tricks that help to sell a particular product. Next, they will be composing their own jingle for an imaginary product - I look forward to hearing the results! In Chorus we have been working on songs in other languages - Siyahamba (Zulu) and Las Mananitas (Spanish). The songs are challenging enough to maintain interest, but simple enough to strengthen some basic vocal skills which still need a better foundation. Jazz Combo The group is certainly starting to gel now that we have played a few times, and we begun this module with a Freddie Hubbard piece called Little Sunflower. This modal melody is performed in a straight Latin feel, so it gives a nice contrast from the Blues structure of Work Song. Some of the students have begun exploring some improvisation, and some are still finding their feet with fingerings and voicings. We continue to touch on some music theory and ear training, which is designed to enhance the performance aspect. I am very pleased with how the group is progressing, but they do need to practice, practice, practice at home at least 3 times per week. Physical Education with Paige Passavant During Module 2, Upper School students explored the world of Invasion Games and Skills. We used this opportunity to play several "invasion - type" games. These games helped fine-tune offensive and defensive skills needed for games like basketball, football, soccer, hockey, etc. We finished our unit playing soccer and "Fiona's Game" (a game using basketball skills/concepts). Guidance Update from Thelma Glynn During Module 2 Upper School students had the opportunity to visit with several college representatives who came to our campus. Most of the juniors attended the Durham County College Fair that was held at Northgate Mall. The seniors are in the process of refining their lists of college applications and registering for and taking their last round of SAT's and/or ACT's. All of the sophomores and juniors have been given review materials for the PSAT that will be given at Camelot on Saturday, October 20 at 7:45 AM. Please continue to check the Guidance Calendar on our website which is updated regularly with information about receptions being held locally by colleges from all over the country. Many of our students participated in a Job Shadow experience last week. We are very appreciative of the parents who provided these opportunities and very proud of the professional manner in which our students fulfilled these commitments.

Module 1

English with Jill Sugg

All levels have pretested for knowledge of basic grammar concepts. Two pretests were used to determine general vocabulary level. All classes have been reading short stories and each student wrote a comparative literary analysis paper. Students have

been pretested on their knowledge of literary devices and discussion of the stories has rendered a positive climate wherein students theorize aloud and support their assertions with the text. Each class practiced poetry analysis with a technique called colormarking. Together, we formulated a syllabus for each of the five levels.

In my drama elective we have run scripts twice (switching parts) and everyone has had a monologue to perform. We have discussed character motivations, the use of facial expressions and voice, and how to go about making the script your own. The eleven actors do a great job of giving and receiving constructive feedback. They are becoming braver and discovering personal strengths.

Math with Annie Tally All classes have been reviewing basic math in preparation for the general math test. I look forward to rolling up our sleeves and working one on one as well as introducing more "thought-full" material with each class to help everyone think more mathematically. I am also excited about the talent being displayed in the computer elective where we have already written a program to print "I will not talk in class" a predetermined number of times!

Upper School Sciences with Lori Hilliard

Review and pretesting has gone very well in the Upper School Science classes. Students have worked to remove all of the summer dust by completing laboratory exercises that range from building plant presses, reviewing sources of scientific information, gathering food for their offspring, watching things go plop, plop, fizz, fizz, laproscopic surgery and testing the old adage that "oil and water don't mix". I have great classes and can't wait to get more in depth in all subjects as the semester progresses. Physical Science with Dan Hill

The Physical Science students have done a few cobweb-clearing review exercises involving observing, inferring, and measuring, and they also pretested and had an argument (we'll call it a discussion) about exactly what "Science" is. We are poised and ready to... well, continue our discussion of exactly what science is as the semester begins in earnest.

Social Studies with Matt Wilhelm After a week of pre-assessments, Upper School social studies is ready to kick into high gear. World History students will be looking at the development of democracy in ancient Athens; the US History class will be doing research on the Indian tribes of the Southeast; and the social studies elective students will be examining the beginnings of Islam. The seventh/eighth grade current events class will be completing pre-assessment activities while Civics students will be examining the philosophical underpinnings of American democracy in the form of Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke. Last but not least, the History of Rock n' Roll class will be listening to artists such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Spanish with Stefanie Boone We have spent this first module reacquainting ourselves, getting to know our new classmates and doing a bit of review of some basic grammar concepts and vocabulary. We ended the module with a round of pretesting to identify our strengths and weaknesses. Also, we have begun our geography study of Spanish speaking countries and their capitals. Ask to hear the "Capital Rap," I'm sure your student will love to share it with you! Thanks to my 7th period elective students, the world is about to be a better place! We will be involved in helping our community by providing needed services. We will be completing projects for our own Camelot community as well as reaching out into the City of Durham and beyond. If you have any ideas for us, or know of specific places our help is needed, please let me know. Jazz Combo with Matthew Etherington The Jazz Combo meets three times per week. Students are required to bring their instruments and music binders on Mondays and Wednesdays, and we will be covering the theory and history of jazz on Fridays. Because most of the group members are new, either to their instrument or to the course, we jumped straight in with a simple blues called "Work Song". The students will develop an understanding of the jazz language through playing and listening as much as possible over the course of the year. We have a nice spread of instruments in the combo with players ranging from total beginners through to accomplished musicians and they will grow together musically as we move forward. Individual study outside of class is recommended, as is listening to both live and recorded jazz when the opportunity arises. I have high hopes for this group of talented teens and you will be sure to hear from them at our first big public event - Academic Fair. Physical Education with Paige Passavant Module 1 entailed pre-testing. We used the Presidential Fitness Test format to give us a generalized baseline with which to start our physical fitness "work." The students' overall fitness evaluation is an ongoing assessment within each module during the year. A final cumulative evaluation will be determined during our last module and will be the best indicator of each student's overall fitness. Guidance Update from Thelma Glynn

The college guidance process is well underway and I have met separately with the senior, junior and sophomore classes regarding items of note in their preparation for life after high school. We had our first college representative visit us - from Johnson and Wales University - and many more visits are upcoming. Please check for visits to our campus and for college open houses being held in our community by checking the Guidance Calendar on the Camelot website. New events are added each week. Please remember that Juniors and Seniors must attend at least one college fair this fall so please be sure to make plans accordingly.

All sophomores and juniors have gone home with a letter about the PSAT test that will be administered at Camelot on Saturday, October 20. All 10th and 11th grade students are required to take this test as part of the college preparation process. The letter sent home notes that I will be running a prep class the week before the test. Sign-up for the class is first-come, first-served and limited to ten.