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.
