Freshman Year

 Adrijana Vranesevic

English/JAGS English 9: Genius Project

Teacher: Mrs. DePriest

February 8, 2023 - April 20, 2023

Reflection:

Our class was the first to do this project. The goal of the project was to step out of your comfort zone, and find a task that you want to and can improve on. And then create a website that shows your progress throughout the months. The skill I chose to improve were my presentation/communicating skills. I created questions to ask my English class and interviewed them. 

This project helped me not only improve my communication skills, but also brought me closer with my peers. This project highlights the JAGS pillar Take Action. Each student took time and effort to improve a skill or hobby and then show the class their progress. We would work on these projects every Friday, and I thought is was a fun and creative way to end the week. English 9 was full of laughter and creativity on the days we worked on these projects, and it was interesting seeing everyone's new hobbies and skills.

Adrijana Vranesevic and Alleigh Harper

History/ JAGS World History: GO Night

Teacher: Mr. Marlett

September 26, 2022 - November 4, 2022

Reflection:

This was the first ever project us freshmen did in our JAGS journey. The instructions of this project were to create a poster board with information and connections over two countries. We each were separated in a group of 4 then separated once again into two groups of 2. Each group of 2 had to focus on a country, my group was Brazil and China, and we worked together to research about the countries and then find connections in between. We researched topics of government, environment, education, and economy. This project seems like it would not take a month to complete, but we only got time with our group once or twice a week. The ending goal of the project was to be able to present a 5 minute presentation about both countries.

As a first JAGS project this successfully prepared me for future projects in JAGS. We learned how to work with people, gained more improved presentation skills, and learned how to use our time wisely. The JAGS pillar this focuses on the most is Investigate the World. We were able to see the lives and history of 2 different countries then find connections that not many could see. I think this project was perfect for brand new JAGS freshmen, and helped with building social skills and global perspectives.

Adrijana Vranesevic, Alleigh Harper, Lexi Gibbins, and Haley Thompson

Co- Curricular/Extra Curricular: Heifer Global Village

Advisor: Mr. Knopick

Date: May 17, 2023 - May 19, 2023

Reflection:

Our freshman year trip was a 3 day trip to Maryland, more specifically Heifer Global Village. Before the trip our teacher Mr. Marlett, Mr. Preston, and Mrs. DePriest told us that we will learn new skills and become closer with our peers. We all did not know if that was true, it was only 3 days. But once we got there and played games, ate dinner, and talked with our peers the first night we were already closer. But the biggest part of the trip was still ahead. The simulation is the part of Heifer everyone comes back talking about. The simulation is when everyone get separated in random groups and is assigned a country. Some examples on countries is Thailand (mine), Kenya, Mozambique, Tibet, and even a refuge camp. Each of the countries goal was to make their own food by trading with their fellow peers, and protecting a baby and "teacher". We all had instructions on how to make our meal and was put to the test. One of the skills we had to learn was how to make a fire, to not only make food but to also stay warm. Although this sounds like a serious experiment, we all were able to also have fun. And many of us did become much closer. My group successfully made 2 dinners and breakfast, while still managing to play games and talk. 

At Heifer Global Village I learned many things, some being what countries are like and others like starting a fire. These skills not only help me understand the real world, but also help me in different scenarios like survival. The 2 JAGS pillars that were represented within this trip was Recognize Perspectives and Communicate Ideas. My group used teamwork to eat and entertain each other. We also helped each other when needed, for trading or even not going in the dark alone. Overall, this trip was a memorable experience and I will never forget the skills I learned. 

Adrijana Vranesevic

World Language/Spanish 1: Hispanic Heritage Project

Teacher: Mrs. King

September 14, 2022 - September 28, 2022

Reflection:

I completed this project in my Spanish 1 class taught by Senora King. The main goal of the project was to research and create 3 different traditions/art that the Hispanic culture part takes in. The three separate parts I did were recreating art, baking, and watching a documentary. Each part of this project was surprisingly fun. For the art I researched Diego Rivera, I then found a painting that was within my artistic ability. I choose "The Peasant" for my art piece. For the next part of the project I choose to bake a Tres Leches cake. I do enjoy baking, and I appreciated this was an option for the project. The cake was made, and was a hit for my family. The last portion I decided on watching a documentary. This documentary was on Netflix, and I was able to watch it and then reflect.

Overall this project focused on the JAGS pillar of Recognize Perspectives. Spanish class is not just about the grammar and writing, but also about the history and tradition within the language. This project perfectly represented what JAGS stands for.  Which is learning and growing perspectives globally. We were able to participate while learning more about Hispanic culture.