YEAR END

STUDIES (YES)

PLAN

June 5 – 15, 2017

Overview:

NMHS concludes the school year with the Year End Studies (YES) plan. As a part of the academic

calendar, the YES plan offers all students in the NMHS community exciting alternatives for

learning. These non-traditional courses expand student understanding and inspire new student

interests. Intensive, interest-driven opportunities enhance enthusiasm for learning and

strengthen relationships within NMHS and the Northfield community.

YES Plan Dates:

The 2017 YES plan will run from Monday, June 5nd through Thursday, June 15th. Friday, June 16th

will be the YES plan open house and presentation of learning.

Options:

Students may sign up for a full day course or two half-day courses. Juniors or Seniors who are

interested in a work study/job shadow as their afternoon half-day course must meet with Mr.

Parkman for approval.

Daily Schedule:

8:10 – 8:50 Credit Recovery 8:55 – 10:45 YES Morning course 10:50 – 12:10 Career/Wellness/Service 10:50 – 11:20 Middle School Lunch 11:40 – 12:10 High School Lunch 12:15 – 2:05 YES Afternoon course 2:10 – 2:50 Credit Recovery Course Registration:

Course registration will completed through an online form, the link will be emailed to students

by Thursday, May 4th. High School students will complete the form in TA or on their own;

middle school students will complete the form during their intervention or study skills block.

Students will select their top 4 choices for morning and afternoon courses, this includes full day

courses. Course assignments will be posted before final exams.

Attendance:

The YES plan is part of the academic school year and attendance is required. Please schedule all

appointments before the start of YES plan or in the afternoons after 2:05. Please plan family

vacations after the last day of school, Friday June 16th.

Full day courses run 8:55 – 2:05 and include a

lunch/career & wellness break

FULL DAY COURSES [9:00 – 10:45; 12:15 – 2:00]

Course Title: FD01 The Fantastic Time Traveling Picnic Instructor(s): Madeleine Chapman and Jyl Snyder Description: Come join us! This course will combine food, sewing projects and picnicking with a senior citizen. Connect with a local senior citizen by introducing yourself using the art of letter writing. Interviewing can explore how meals have evolved through the generations. This class will be culminating with a fantastic picnic together sharing food, handcrafted projects, stories and good times! Class Size: 24 Eligible Grades: 6th – 9th Course Fee: none Course Title: FD02 Image Writing Instructor(s): Leslie Sellers & Sandra Drown Description: We will create hand-painted textured paper using several fun and awesome painting techniques. These beautiful papers will not only become the inspiration for imaginative story ideas, but also the actual materials and illustrations for creating collage stories. You will use this written dialogue to create and construct your own books. If you so desire, you will have the option to go to the Northfield Elementary School to read and share your books with younger students. During this all-day course as we will use one-half of the day painting and exploring art, and the other half writing our stories and constructing our books. Class Size: 16 Eligible Grades: 9th-12th Course Fee: None Course Title: FD03 Main Street Mural Instructor(s): Eric Howard and Leslie Striebe Description: Please come flex your artistic muscles while helping to beautify downtown Northfield. This will be an intensive, FULL-DAY, every day, Y.E.S. session in which you will paint the beautiful, student-designed covered bridge mural over the wall of graffiti across from Videos and More and get your name attached to a work of art that will stand center-stage on Main Street for years to come. We need drawers, painters, problem-solvers, refiners, generalists, detail people, and those willing to perform all sorts of other important logistical tasks to make this amazing and daring undertaking a success. This is predominantly a high school project, and some artistic background will be needed (if you are not sure you have what it takes, come see Mr. Howard). Middle schoolers can also apply to Mr. Howard for possible inclusion. Can’t wait to see you there! Class Size: 18 Eligible Grades: 9th – 12th (6th – 8th see description) Course Fee: none (donations welcome)

MORNING CLASSES [8:55 – 10:45]

Course Title: AM01 Swimming and Water Safety Instructor(s): Liz Vooris Description: This course is for both new and experienced swimmers. We will work on stroke fundamentals and technique so you can swim with confidence this summer! Class will take place at the Norwich pool and will meet American Red Cross standards. Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 6th -8th Course Fee: None Course Title: AM02 Ballet Instructor(s): Amy Urling Description: Have you ever dreamed of being a ballet dancer? Do you like to jump high, spin, and dance with partners? Then this course is for you. This course will teach you the foundations of ballet technique. As you participate in barre and center floor work, you will learn the terminology and technique needed to become a strong and beautiful dancer. You will also be taught choreography and have a chance to choreograph your own phrases of a performance piece that will be performed at the NMHS talent show. Beginners and dancers with ballet experience are welcome. Males will be taught how to partner females and students with more ballet experience can help teach a class or dance on pointe.

Attire for females: leotard, tights/leggings, ballet slippers, hair in bun. Attire for males: sweat pants or tights, T shirt, ballet slippers or socks *There will be some leotards, tights, and slippers available for borrowing.

Class Size: 16 Eligible Grades: 6th – 12th Course Fee: see attire recommendations above Course Title: AM03 Building Habitat for Birds Instructor(s): Cynthia Fortin and Tom McNair Description: Did you know that more than 10% of our North American Bird species are endangered or threatened? During this course, you will walk in the great outdoors and practice identifying birds by key markings, behavior and by their songs. You will also build a birdhouse that you can take home and put up, so together we can help birds by providing habitats in our own backyards! Let’s take action and learn how we can each help our feathered friends in need! Class Size: 18 Eligible Grades: 6th – 12th Course Fee: none Course Title: AM04 Guitar for Beginners Instructor(s): T.J. Powers Description: This course will focus on the basics of playing guitar. Learning the parts, terminology, note playing, and chord playing. Depending on the ability of the participants there may even be some song construction if time allows. Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 6th – 12th Course Fee: None

Course Title: AM05 Hunter's Safety Course (Basic Firearms) Instructor(s): Ben Parker and Vermont Fish and Wildlife Description: The Hunter's Safety Course will be hosted by the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife. This course will include fieldwork, classroom instruction, time at a firing range, and some home study. Students who successfully complete the requirements of the course will be issued their orange Hunter's Safety Card. Students under the age of 16 must have a signed parent consent form to participate in this course. Class Size: 15 Eligible Grades: 6th – 12th Course Fee: None Course Title: AM06 Investigating Northfield: Documentary Instructor(s): Shane Heath & Carrie Gilman Description: Students become ethnographers in their own community. In conjunction with the Vermont Folklife Center, we will create documentaries to share the voices within the Northfield community. Students will learn the fundamentals of interviewing, filmmaking, and developing questions while exploring the rich Northfield community. Class Size: 24 Eligible Grades: 6th – 12th Course Fee: None Course Title: AM07 Walk & Talk Instructor(s): Lorraine Monmaney Description: This is literally – ACTIVE LISTENING! The beginning of each class every participant will bring a topic for conversation. Conversation starters will also be available for you to use. We will set out and start walking, two-by-two. While we are walking, you will present your topic to the person you are walking with – and discuss! Then, your partner will present their topic to you to discuss. We will then switch partners. We will stop mid-point and share with the group the various topics and then head back to NMHS. Make sure you bring walking shoes and comfortable clothing. If it is raining, we will still walk and talk (unless it is a torrential downpour and lightening!) - you may want to bring a raincoat and umbrella! Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 6th - 12th Course Fee: None Course Title: AM08 Critical Skill for life: Basic Ballroom dance steps Instructor(s): Rich Kendrick Description: Almost all of you will find yourself invited to a series of events: weddings, formal dinners, social gatherings, etc. In almost every one of these situations you’ll see an older couple who gets up and dances; looking smooth and practiced as they glide across the dance floor. At the same time you’ll see a whole slew of younger people look longingly on from the side or attempting to awkwardly dance themselves. Don’t be one of those duds. During this YES plan you’ll learn the basic dance styles that one needs to know to enjoy a lifetime of public dancing: Swing, Waltz, Foxtrot. Remember, if you can count to four then it’s not too hard. Class Size: 16 Eligible Grades: 8th – 12th Course Fee: None

Course Title: AM09 Engaging Kids with Arts and Crafts! Instructor(s): Lyndsay Loiselle Description: Do you babysit, have younger siblings, or just enjoy working with young children? This course will teach you about kids' developmental stages and help you keep them entertained! We all enjoy activities that are fun and hands-on, so we will learn how to create craft projects you can do with kids that are engaging, make use of a variety of materials, and establish connections to children's books. Not only will students learn how to create projects, but students will walk away with instructions and examples of all the completed projects to use for babysitting this summer! Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 8th – 12th Course Fee: None Course Title: AM10 Get off the Shed! Instructor(s): Paul Clayton & Gabe Sortino Description: Come join the team that will build an out building for a storage and safety shelter in the sandpit. This is your chance to experience some hands-on learning and gain the satisfaction of creating a final product that will be used by future Marauders for years to come. Throughout the process of building the shed, you will learn and practice valuable do-it-yourself carpentry and general construction skills. Any and all ability levels are encouraged to sign up for this course. Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 8th – 12th Course Fee: None Course Title: AM10 Let's Go Fishing & Aquatic Ecology

Instructor(s): Tom O'Grady, Meg Lyons, and Vermont Fish & Wildlife Description: This course is sponsored by Vermont Fish & Wildlife and will focus on an inspirational and educational experience in which students will explore: fishing regulations, fish identification, aquatic ecology, fly tying, fly casting, and more. We will spend most of our days outside and visit local waterways. Students will have the chance to do some fishing during the second week of the course. Class Size: 18 Eligible Grades: 8th – 12th Course Fee: None Course Title: AM11 Pamper Yourself with Herbs Instructor(s): Karen Hatch Description: You've worked hard in your classes this year. Now is the time to pamper yourself! During this class we will be making products and foods to feed your body and soul. We will be baking amazing foods to feed your body, and creating herbal products like salves, creams, scrubs, and lip balms to help you relax, pamper yourself, and be the most beautiful self you can be naturally. Come learn about the herbal world around you and how you can use these to make your life better. Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 8th – 12th Course Fee: None

Course Title: AM12 Cisco Networking Academy/Cyber Patriots Instructor(s): Brucie Donahue Description: Students will spend time working through the Cisco Academy under the guidance of Norwich University and myself. Students who participate in this training will be eligible to join the Cyber Patriot Competition team for the 2017-18 school year. Class Size: 6 Eligible Grades: 9th – 11th Course Fee: None Course Title: AM13 SAT/ACT prep Instructor(s): Cheryl Holt and Ann Bushey Description: This course is an opportunity for students to prepare to take either the SAT or ACT test, and it will help even with the PSAT. We will practice both the verbal, writing, essay and math portions. We can also accommodate those of you planning to take the SAT subject tests. PSATs are more important than you think. Colleges that think you would be a good match find you through your PSAT scores. National Merit Scholars are determined through your PSAT scores. Research shows that studying for SATs and ACTs raises your scores an average of 100 points! We will utilize online and paper practice tests to identify individual areas of weakness that students can then focus on. Students will map their progress. We will try to incorporate games and activities to make the learning process more engaging! Class Size: 24 Eligible Grades: 9th, 10th & 11th Course Fee: None Course Title: AM14 Archery and Bow Making

Instructor(s): Tim Moynihan Description: In this course we start with the basics of archery. We will use the “sand pit” area to set up targets, learn proper shooting technique, and practice shooting. After several days of practice, we will change our location to the wood working room where students will learn the basics of building a takedown recurve bow. For the rest of the time we will refine the bow and practicing with it. There is a possibility that the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department will come in as guest speakers to go over the basics of bow hunting and bow hunting safety. Students who successfully complete the course, especially the sections on responsibility and safety, will keep the bow they make. Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 9th – 12th Course Fee: None

Course Title: AM16 Evolve Personal Fitness Instructor(s): Luke Foley Description: This course is designed for individuals who are interested in learning about, and developing a personal fitness plan. We will cover a wide range of fitness activities, but will focus mostly on weight lifting, Crossfit, and cardio exercise. Students will learn human anatomy and physiology, and will gain exposure to different philosophies and theories about physical fitness. Using this information, they will work with the teachers to develop a personal fitness plan that meets their personal goals. Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 9th – 12th Course Fee: None

Course Title: AM17 Zeitgeist: How the "Spirit of the Times" Influences People Instructor(s): Mike Macijeski Description: People did things in the 1960s they might not do today; during World War Two, "common" people displayed uncommon heroism. How might you have thought, felt, or acted differently depending on the era in which you lived? The German word Zeitgeist means “spirit of the age.” Sometimes this might mean strict observance of long held traditions—other times it’s “anything goes,” an age of experimenting, of trying new ideas and behaviors on for size. Would you have been a hippy in the Sixties—or someone who thought they were nuts? Would you have cheered for the Roman legions—or been one of their victims? Would you have been an early disciple of Buddha or Confucius—or the person who tried to ban their teachings? This course explores what gives history’s most distinctive times and places their special flavor—and what we can learn from them for our own times. We cannot change where and when we were born—but we can sample some of history’s tastiest times and places and try to add some of their spice to our own lives. Students will learn about some of history’s most interesting times and places, explore one they choose, and present their findings to the class. Class Size: 20 Eligible Grades: 9th – 12th (rising freshmen accepted—this year's 8th graders) Course Fee: NA

AFTERNOON CLASSES [12:15 – 2:05]

Course Title: PM01 Games, Games, Games Instructor(s): Karen Hatch Description: Do you like playing games and thinking out of the box? During this unit you will be playing strategy games with each other and working in cooperative teams to solve interesting, fun, and open-ended problems. You may be using technology, building and creating products to solve your problem. Class Size: 16 Eligible Grades: 6th- 7th Course Fee: None Course Title: PM02 Around the World in 10 Days Instructor(s): Amy Urling and Michael Macijeski Description: During this course, you will discover world cultures through the eyes of your instructors' travels. Additionally, you will investigate and teach each other about various world cultures. Participants will also partake in an overnight Global Gateway program (June 7th – 8th) at the Heifer International Farm in Massachusetts. Global Gateway creates an existence in which nothing - shelter, food, water or cooking fuel - can be taken for granted. You will live like someone from another culture (i.e. Peru, Guatemala, China, Kenya, Poland, Ghana) by preparing a meal with limited resources, participating in social activities, and spending the night in a native structure. If you want to learn about and experience how other cultures live their everyday lives, then this course is for you. Class Size: 16 Eligible Grades: 6th – 12th Course Fee: $45 to cover overnight expenses at the Heifer Farm (scholarships available) Course Title: PM03 Building Habitat for Butterflies Instructor(s): Cynthia Fortin Description: Those soft, beautiful wings of a butterfly! Let’s attract some by learning how to design a backyard butterfly garden here at our school and in around our town! Get ready to make a plan by selecting butterfly friendly plants, organizing them in a welcoming garden and then getting your hands dirty to make a gorgeous butterfly garden for everyone’s enjoyment for years to come! You will not only be attracting butterflies and people, these habitats will also help our bees, birds and bats! Oh, those beautiful wings! Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 6th – 12th Course Title: PM04 Carts and Go-Carts: Big and Small Engines Instructor(s): Paul Clayton & Gabe Sortino Description: Whether it's a Chevy truck or a lawnmower, all engines have the same basic design. Learn how to build and repair engines by tinkering with tractor and go-cart engines. Many of the general automotive skills that you learn when working with small engines will translate to basic understanding and maintenance of larger engines. The ultimate goal is to fix go-carts that will then be used for a racing. The more go-carts the better, so regardless of its condition, if you have a go-cart do donate to this class please let us know. Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 6th - 12th Course Fee: None

Course Title: PM05 Disc Golf Instructor(s): Ben Parker Description: Disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. All participants will be given multiple golf discs to keep courtesy of Vibram Disc Golf. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of disc golf and have the opportunity to play disc golf outside every day. Students will learn to drive (forehand and backhand), approach (forehand and backhand), and putt. The students will play the six hole course at Paine Mountain during the week, and be taken on the last day of the course to Wrightsville Reservoir to play on their 18 hole course. Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 6th – 12th Course Fee: None Course Title: PM06 Northfield/Central Vermont Historical Society Tour Instructor(s): Rich Kendrick Description: Have you ever wondered about some of the local landmarks in your town? Why did someone name a road that? This course gives students an opportunity to explore the town and region they live in from a historian’s perspective and learn about the changes that have taken place over the course of history here in the Green Mountains. Class Size: 16 Eligible Grades: 6th – 12th Course Fee: None Course Title: PM07 Photography in the Digital Age Instructor(s): Shane Heath Description: This course will examine the elements of taking a good photograph as well as the digital manipulation of photos using photo-editing software (GIMP). Photo-editing skills covered will include basic cropping, color-balance, and brightness, as well as more abstract editing to create digital artwork from your photos. One of the tasks of this YES course will be do photograph students in action in ALL of the other YES courses to document this first year.

Class Size: 16 Eligible Grades: 6th – 12th Course Fee: None Course Title: PM08 Middle School Robotics Instructor(s): Tim Moynihan Description: This course will take the robotics concepts learned in STEM7 and to a higher level. Middle school students will learn more complicated and precise robot building and programing using the Lego EV3 robotics equipment. Student will work together in team to solve challenges that will be similar to the robot challenges used in the First Lego League (please see www.firstlegoleague.org). Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 7th & 8th Course Fee: None

Course Title: PM09 Wilderness SurThrival Instructor(s): Luke Foley Description: Did you ever wonder how you would fair if you found yourself stranded in a wilderness environment? Do you have the physical, mental, and emotional resources to survive? In this course, we will explore the theory and fundamentals of wilderness survival. We will immerse ourselves into the core elements of staying alive, regardless of setting and circumstance. Students will be challenged to look at the natural world through a new perspective in order to better understand its resources, and their own resourcefulness. Students will develop the skills, aptitudes, and self-confidence necessary to thrive in any wilderness environment. Skills covered will include fire by friction, debris shelters, tracking, water and food procurement, cordage, improvised cutting devices, and far too many other skills to list. Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 7th – 12th Course Fee: None Course Title: PM10 Girl Code Instructor(s): Carrie Gilman & Jessalyn Sweeney Description: The design of this course is to focus on the "whole" girl; we will cover healthy food choices, sexuality and gender, physical fitness, emotional and social wellness, body image, as well as create an atmosphere of open discussions about adolescence and teenage experience. This course is open to girls only. Class Size: 24 Eligible Grades: 8th – 12th Course Fee: None Course Title: PM11 Music: Instrumental Studies & JAM Session Instructor(s): Lorraine Monmaney Description: The Instrumental Studies Class is a great opportunity for students to extend their efforts from the school year through the YES Plan. It is a great time to continue to refine skills and musicianship on your instrument. Students will have individual/small group instruction, practice time and possible group ensemble playtime (depending on the make-up of the group). This is also a perfect opportunity for High School Instrumentalists to prepare for next year's festival auditions.

Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 8th – 12th Course Fee: None Course Title: PM12 Nature Journaling Instructor(s): Meg Lyons Description: Love the outdoors? Enjoy writing, drawing, or both? In this course we will explore the flora and fauna of the area and reflect on the natural world that is accessible on and around campus. We will spend most of our time outside both drawing and writing about our experiences. We will closely study the plants and animals we observe, as well as reflect on writings on nature and the environment. No drawing expertise is necessary – this is a great way to get into journaling and to practice your drawing skills! Class Size: 15 Eligible Grades: 8th - 12th Course Fee: None (journals and drawing supplies will be provided, but you may bring your own)

Course Title: PM13 T-shirt Quiltmaking Instructor(s): Cheryl Holt Description: In this course, we will find a creative use for those old t-shirts that don't fit or that you don't wear any more, but that have sentimental value and you just can't bear to part with!! They can be yours, or they might belong to someone close to you! We will spend our two weeks together transforming them into a memory-filled lap quilt, or wall hanging, that you can take home and enjoy! Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 8th – 12th Course Fee: None Course Title: PM14 Yoga and Meditation Instructor(s): Liz Vooris Description: In the chaotic world of technology, homework, family commitments, and social engagements it is difficult to find the time to focus on yourself. Through a guided yoga routine discover your best self! We will learn basic poses, conscious breathing, & meditation techniques. Class Size: 12 Eligible Grades: 8th – 12th Course Fee: None Course title: PM15 Fun in the Sun Instructors: Tom O’Grady and Katie Vincent Description: Look out!!! Lawn Darts anyone!? This course will open students up to the exciting world of lawn games and outdoor cuisine! We will look into the evolution of the games that have brought family and friends together for fun and bonding since the times of the Romans, and pair that information with a tasty treat. Students will learn and explore the origins and rules of each game before actually playing, and food/snacks from the corresponding area of the world will be prepared and served. Croquet, Corn Hole, Bocce, KanJam, and Horse Shoes are just a few of the games we will explore. In addition, students will keep a daily journal in which they will write about each game and dish and compile a list of rules and historic information. Lastly, our goal as a group is to work together to hopefully develop the world’s next amazing lawn game! Class size: 20 students Eligible grades: 9th – 12th Course fees: None (donations welcome) Course Title: PM16 Healthy Minds & Bodies Instructor(s): Ann Bushey & Lyndsay Loiselle Description: Healthy minds and healthy bodies go hand in hand. In this course, we will begin each day with a meditative yoga practice, followed by an afternoon program that will prepare all of us, especially those who are not runners and walkers for a 5k run or walk. This course is designed for students who want to develop healthy habits and want to work together with a supportive team to make a start. We will talk about the origins of yoga, different forms of practice, the benefits of yoga for both the mind and body, and we will slowly work up to running a 5k walk or run, using the ideas of the "couch to 5k" program. We will also work together to prepare healthy, balanced lunches for four of our days together. We might even dabble in gardening! If you have never done yoga, never gone for a fun run or fitness walk, and want to start, this course is for you! We guarantee that in two weeks you will have kick started yourself into a healthy summer by feeling fit, healthy and motivated. Class Size: 24 Eligible Grades: 9th -12th Course Fee: None