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2nd Semester |
December 21, 2011 To: CPA Parents/Students
From: Jennifer Bratsafolis, HOS We want to wish all Colleton Preparatory families Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a bright New Year! There are a few changes to scheduling and updates to curriculum for the second semester. These are outlined below and are reflected in the enclosed student schedules (upper school only): Upper School
A
change in schedule and instructors will facilitate the AP
program and give students in upper school classes an opportunity
to experience different teaching styles, content focus, and
“time of day” differences: · First semester 9th grade World History I was taught by Mr. R. Bratsafolis. The focus was on content exploration through various methods designed to help students use their intelligence strengths. Second Semester 9th grade World History I will be taught by Mr. Roy McMaster. The focus will be on writing response to content in preparation for the 10th grade World History II and AP component choice. This gives students transition from middle school to high school. Mr. Bratsafolis and Mr. McMaster will continue to communicate and coordinate on student work in this course.
· Second semester 11th grade American Literature and Writing will be taught by Mrs. Whitney Stroud with a strong focus on literary elements and style and writing responses. First semester this course was taught by Mr. McMaster with a historical perspective focus on American authors. Mr. McMaster & Mrs. Stroud will continue to integrate the curriculum content of American Literature and US History.
· Chemistry for 11th grade will move from 2nd period to 5th period to facilitate the above instructional changes and to test with “time of day” educational research. Research indicates that individuals have a “biological clock” that affects learning. This change gives students some opportunity to experience science both am and pm to discover their natural optimum learning/work time. AP teachers (R. McMaster and J. Bratsafolis) will continue to instruct students in the course work and format for success on the May 2012 tests. Dual credit (high school and college credit) courses for seniors accepted for the 2011-12 academic year at USC Salk: English 101 and Economics (a mandatory course for high school graduation in the state of SC). Two seniors will graduate CPA in May 2012 with 15 hours of college credit, and therefore begin college as second semester freshman; one senior will have 12 hours and may begin college as a second semester freshman; 8-10 other seniors will have between 6-9 hours of college credit; all seniors will graduate with at least 3 hours of college credit. These credits were obtained through the AP program at CPA and dual credit courses at USC-Salk. Upper School faculty and administration are investigating options for possible Spring 2012 and Spring 2013 EBC (Education Beyond the Classroom) trips. Final decisions and details will be available in early January 2012. Middle School & Lower School Lower school music classes will now be taught by Ms. Victoria Barnes. Ms. Barnes is a 2011 graduate of Converse College with a BA in Psychology and Music; she is excited to join the CPA faculty to use her music talent and training. Ms. Barnes will also take on the counselor role at HAWKS Club as Mrs. Bazzle steps out to put her full focus on the K4 second semester program. Mrs. McMillan will continue to instruct grades 6-12 in music, continue as the Department Chair of the Arts, and as CPA Accounts Officer. Mrs. McMillan will supervise Ms. Barnes and work closely with her on curriculum planning and pacing for grades K4-5th grade. Lower and Middle School faculty and administration are investigating options for possible Spring 2012 EBC (Education Beyond the Classroom) curriculum trips. Below is a tentative schedule:
K4-2nd grade On campus special themed
activities Final decisions and details will be available in early January 2012.
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