Summer Academic Programs

Ready for Middle School Math! | $300 | Cherie Martinez

Games, games and more games will make this program a winner with all who attend. We will focus on whole number operations, place value and the rote recall of multiplication and division facts. Get ready to have fun while strengthening your math skills!

 

Research Skills for Middle School | $300 | Jessica Douglass
July 12-16  -  8:30-11:30 a.m.  -  Grades 5-8  -  virtual or in person - (in person preferred)

This class is for history buffs and new researchers alike! We will learn about the research process from topic selection all the way through developing an argument. We will practice strategies and techniques used in THS classrooms, including research steps, using databases and NoodleTools. This course is perfect for students who have not written research papers before or who want more practice in this area, but is also great for students looking to take their research skills to the next level. Each student will work at their own pace and level through the process of research. We will have some fun, too, as the topics we can research are endless! History of popsicles? Development of cartoon animation? Bring your most burning questions and walk away with some new skills and a well-supported claim!

 

Productivity Booster/Life and Study Hacks for High School and Beyond | $150 | Jessica Douglass
Grades 5-8: June 28-29 - 2 days - 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Grades 9-12: June 30-July 1 - 2 days - 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Session 1: Organization: keeping track of deadlines, items, etc. How to create and use a task list that (1) works for you, (2) you use, (3) you update. We will practice creating and following calendars. Also will include skills for how to plan ahead for changes in schedule, as well as strategies for keeping track of physical objects like books and shoes. Studying: how to study for tests, how to use memory aids and tricks, and how to organize a study space and materials. Will also focus on how to study every day even when you don’t feel like it and “don’t have homework.”

Session 2: Productivity: chunking deadlines, how to work effectively, explore brain science/psychology behind why certain tactics work better than others so that you can find the best methods for you! Mind/Body connection: learn the basics of how to fuel the body to fuel the mind. Topics will include brief overviews of meditation, sleep habits, nutrition, and self-regulation skills you will actually use.

 

Productivity Booster/Life and Study Hacks for High School and Beyond | $150 | Jessica Douglass
Grades 5-8: June 28-29 - 2 days - 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Grades 9-12: July 1-2 - 2 days - 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Session 1: Organization: keeping track of deadlines, items, etc. How to create and use a task list that (1) works for you, (2) you use, (3) you update. We will practice creating and following calendars. Also will include skills for how to plan ahead for changes in schedule, as well as strategies for keeping track of physical objects like books and shoes. Studying: how to study for tests, how to use memory aids and tricks, and how to organize a study space and materials. Will also focus on how to study every day even when you don’t feel like it and “don’t have homework.”

Session 2: Productivity: chunking deadlines, how to work effectively, explore brain science/psychology behind why certain tactics work better than others so that you can find the best methods for you! Mind/Body connection: learn the basics of how to fuel the body to fuel the mind. Topics will include brief overviews of meditation, sleep habits, nutrition, and self-regulation skills you will actually use.

 

Research Skills for Upper School | $300 | Jessica Douglass
July 12-16  -  12-3 p.m.  -  Grades 9-12  -  virtual or in-person

For students who need an introduction or a refresher on research skills, or for students who want to take their research to the next level. We will practice strategies and techniques used in THS classrooms, including research steps, using databases and NoodleTools. Topics will include: creating research questions; finding and citing sources; reading and notetaking; crafting a thesis from research; and supporting claims from research. We will also explore different citation styles and expectations by discipline.

 

SAT Verbal Prep | $425 | Megan Toy
July 7-July 23 - 3-Week Course  - 8:30-11:30 a.m. OR 12-3 p.m.  -  Grades 9-11

In this three-week course, students will hone their reading, writing and critical thinking skills in order to prepare for the verbal section of the SAT. The course will include a combination of workbook and Khan Academy practice exercises and will focus on specific strategies for success on the test.  

 

AP Prep for Euro, Gov, World History and U.S. History | $300 | Jason Toy 
July 12-16   -  8:30-11:30 a.m.  -  Grades 11-12

Students will explore key historical thinking skills assessed in the multiple choice, short answer, essay and document based question sections of the assessment. They will examine key content in order to become acclimated with the numerous assessment techniques of the Advanced Placement exam. In addition, they will evaluate students’ responses on each assessment technique in order to master the grading rubrics of the Advanced Placement program. Plus, they will reinforce key test taking strategies when tackling each assessment type on the SAT Essay portion as well. 

 

AP English Literature AND Composition Prep | $300 | Michelle Wrambel
July 12-16  -  8:30-11:30 a.m.   -  Grades 11-12

Primarily, this course will prepare students to take the AP English Literature and Composition exam. This course focuses on reading, analyzing and writing about literature (fiction, poetry, drama) from various periods. Students will engage in close reading and critical analysis to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to convey meaning. Through reading assignments, students will consider a work’s structure, style and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery and symbolism. We will compose written assignments that include expository, analytical and argumentative essays that will require students to analyze and interpret literary works.

 

Memoir Writing | $300 | Michelle Wrambel
July 19-23  -  8:30-11:30 a.m.  -  Grades 10-12

In this course, students will read and compose memoirs, seeking to understand how human beings choose to write the stories of their lives. We will discuss the differences between multiple forms of writing including the personal essay, memoir, nonfiction and autobiography. Each of our readings will focus on a particular area of written composition such as style, narration, dialogue or figurative language. We will workshop our written work as a group and learn the benefits of constructive criticism in the style of the University of Iowa’s Writers’ Workshop.

 

Reading Nonfiction for Analysis | $300 | Michelle Wrambel
July 26-30  -  8:30-11:30 a.m.  -  Grades 10-12

This course is designed for students who are looking to improve their nonfiction reading skills, particularly examining how we can read nonfiction articles to examine bias, evaluate ethos and critique arguments. We will be reading multiple sources ranging from The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Scientific American, Psychology Today and various news publications. We will discuss the difference between informative and argumentative writing, examine the differences of facts and opinions, and discuss the ways that writers can use statistics to skew their arguments. We will also complete some nonfiction writing of our own by the course’s conclusion. 

 

Getting Ready for Upper School Math | $300
July 26-30  -  8:30-11:30 a.m.  -  Grade 9

This one-week workshop will provide rising freshmen the opportunity to strengthen and reinforce essential math skills that form a strong foundation for Upper School algebra courses. Topics include linear equations, exponents and radicals, polynomials, factoring and quadratics. Whether online or in person, students will engage, problem solve and apply mathematical techniques using a variety of creative methods. 

 

I Think, Therefore I Am | $300 | Jessica Douglass
August 2-6  -  8:30-11:30 a.m.  -  Grades 10-12

Are you interested in big questions about human existence, reality and thought? Are you interested in studying the humanities, law or medicine? This is the course for you. We will explore, in a very brief overview, some of the main questions and foundational thinkers in philosophy, considering both Eastern and Western traditions. The course will be a roundtable discussion format, and no prior knowledge of philosophy is required. We will practice skills of close reading of texts that will come in handy throughout your academic career. Creativity,  curiosity and willingness to think big thoughts are the only prerequisites for this course.

 

Science and Lab Skills for Incoming 9th Graders | $300
August 2-6  -  8:30-11:30 a.m.  -  Grades 9-10

This course is a week-long course designed to acclimate incoming ninth graders (or 10th graders who are starting at THS from another school) to the necessary skills for success in the Upper School science program. Highlighted are math skills—primarily algebra and graphical analysis—lab skills that can be done either from the kitchen (at home!) or from the lab, writing scientific data analysis, and the basics of keeping a lab notebook and studying for a science class. 


Please contact Director of Enrichment and Sports Camps Sharon Reynolds (sreynolds@towerhill.org) with any questions.