Bmhs Freshmen Success Summer Academy Program Dates: June 27- July 29, 2016

Overview The Program: a 5-week summer program Designed for rising freshmen courtesy of the Carver center. The Research: suggests that the most difficult transition point in education is from middle to high school. Navigating a larger environment, excelling in rigorous courses, meeting graduation requirements, and juggling competing priorities can be quite challenging. The Freshman Success Summer Academy will be the necessary bridge into high school. Our expectations: students who enroll in the program are expected to attend daily and participate in academic courses, “House”, the school’s advisory program, and take field trips to enhance team building and the academic program. Breakfast and lunch are provided for free each day. “HOUSE”: Advisory is an integral part of the student’s high school program because it helps students make new friends and form a connection to BMHS. “HOUSE” is Designed to prepare students for life’s transitions, including career development and post-secondary opportunities, through meaningful connections. Students will participate in a weekly advisory meeting throughout the summer program.

Daily schedule 8:30—9:00 BREAKFAST (provided) 9:00—1:00 ACADEMICS 1:00—1:30         LUNCH (provided) 1:30—3:15         ACTIVITIES 3:15—3:30         DISMISSAL ***Transportation provided daily***

academics

English Through reading of the text, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens," by Sean Covey, students will orally discuss and reflect in journal format the ideas and concepts presented. Students will practice active reading strategies that will help them navigate and successfully manage the amount of reading required on the high school level.

mathematics This course will have students bridge the gap between middle school and high school math courses. Math concepts that will be highlighted include computations, problem solving, solving equations, and graphing. Students will practice the math skills and concepts necessary for success in high school.

science Students will participate in hands-on activities to prepare for high school science courses. They will practice lab specific math skills, science inquiry, graphing data, collaborative and independent work habits in lab settings, while completing engaging scientific investigations.

First year experience (fye) The Secrets of My Success: Students will use this course to plan for their Student-Led-Conference (SLC) The format of SLC puts the student at center of the conversation in assessing their success. Students present work samples and identify areas of strengths and those in need of improvement. Parents will be invited to participate. Formal invitations will be sent home. High School 101: Students will learn the basics of navigating high school, including reading a transcript, understanding graduation requirements, earning credits in courses, and looking ahead to potential career options. Students will also use Naviance/Family Connection to develop an individualized Student Success Plan to identify needs and interests and set future goals.

history This course focuses on getting students ready for 9th grade world history. Using academic sources, discussion, and group work, students will investigate historical events. Students will practice research and presentation skills in preparation for 9th grade research projects.

Field trips CT Science center 911 memorial museum Great adventure

benefits Making a large school, a small home Establishing a sense of belongingness Making connections with staff and new friends Developing foundational skills: research, note taking, scientific method, basic math skills Understanding the academic demands of high school