J-term and all it's wonders!

J-term at New Hampton High School has officially begun.  Although it may look like fun from the outside and students are definitely enjoying themselves, there is real learning happening through the 4 Cs of Project Based Learning discussed in this blog early first semester.

As a reminder, the 4 Cs include:

1. Collaboration
2. Critical Thinking
3. Creativity
4. Communication

You will note that these are skills students are required to have as they transition into the adult world, may that be college, training, or the workforce, in addition to the Core curriculum of academic, CTE, and fine arts courses.

J-term is structured to meet needs of both a larger class with a specific project based, student centered curriculum and also 2 shorter classes to cover required time of NICC courses, band, and choir.  The shorter classes, "skinnys",  and the larger J-term courses are also intended to expose students to subjects that they would not necessary encounter in traditional curriculum.

Please take some time to look at the coursebook and see again what students were able to take for classes. Each class is based around 21st century standards, the 4 Cs, and curricular standards,

NHHS J-term coursebook

One of the great perks to J-term is having a variety of guest speakers regarding class topics.  On Day 2, we already had both community members and alumni available to speak to and receive questions from students.

Please keep an eye on the High School Facebook page
 https://www.facebook.com/NewHamptonHighSchool/  and my twitter @sarah_updegraff
for pictures and updates during J-term.  In addition, the gallery night showcasing the work of students is January 17 from 4-6 pm at the high school and open to the public.

BUT WHAT DO KIDS THINK? WHAT ARE THEY GETTING FROM IT?

After a couple days, students have lots to say about their classes:

"I learned how to make a mistake into something better," Eating thru the Industry student.

"I'm super excited about how we learned to work on the wheel, and I love it. I wouldn't have been able to learn any other place! I'm also excited about my Marketing Media class because I'm super interested in it," Clay and Glass student.

"I enjoy how the class isn't set up like normal classes.  I enjoyed going to the hospital and looking at the Physical Therapy and Athletic Training department because it is possibly a career I would think about doing in my future," Exploring Athletic Careers student.

"I love that we are coming back to school and starting with J-term.  It gets us back into the routine but not in a super stressed way," Crusin' Colleges student.

"I liked having our own choice on what we wanted to create," Eating thru the Industry student.

"Just from the first two days, I enjoy how we are being exposed to different athletic careers that I previously would have never looked into.  It was fun listening to Mr. Fenske's sports journalism stories and understanding in more detail what his job is like," Exploring Athletic Careers student.

"I like having the opportunity to learn about different colleges now rather than graduating without a clue of what I want to do," Cruisin' Colleges student.

"I liked it because it challenged me to do something new," Eating thru the Industry student.

"I like having the opportunity to learn about different colleges now rather than graduating without a clue of what I want to do," Cruisin' Colleges student.

Trenton Hubka--"I like that it isn't in a classroom setting where everything is preplanned, and I'm learning about things I can take outside the classroom."