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Supporting Ambitious Learning & Research
Supporting Ambitious Learning & Research
Project Based Learning and research-driven courses demand much more than traditional teaching models. And our faculty understands that so much of learning and innovative thinking happens outside of the classroom. Office Hours and "Academic Flex Time" are built into our daily schedules. The Math and Writing Centers have open doors throughout the day, so that students can drop in for a second perspective on a Pre-Calculus problem, guidance on writing a ninth-grade global history paper, or a research study for Advanced Physics & Engineering. Our new building, itself, was designed to prioritize team study and faculty-student collaboration, as small breakout areas, couches, banquettes, and project spaces dot our hallways and common rooms.
Questions about Student Support?
The Upper School Math Lab
The Upper School Math Lab
In addition to our wide range of math courses, our Math faculty also facilitate the Upper School Math Lab. From a 9th grader in their first Geometry class, to a senior in Multivariable or CSX, the Math Lab offers a space where students can come throughout the day to continue work on concepts, seek support on homework or conceptual study, and to gain exposure to the full range of teaching styles and expertise offered by our Math faculty. In addition, the Math Lab also offers a peer tutoring program, in which our faculty mentor advanced students to work with their peers and facilitate small-group learning.
The Upper School Writing & Research Center
The Upper School Writing & Research Center
The Upper School prioritizes a strong foundation in writing across the curriculum. Our English faculty, in partnership with faculty from all disciplines, facilitate the Upper School's Writing Center. They can root out a dangling modifier quicker than you can say "participle," and their goal is to help students develop voice and self-confidence as writers. The Writing Center is available to students at any grade level or stage in the writing process, and faculty are particularly focused on ensuring that students develop a keen understanding of structure, a strong personal voice, and the ability to self-edit. Students who demonstrate relative strength as writers and editors can work alongside faculty as peer tutors.
Learning Resources
Learning Resources
Our learning resources faculty offer an array of supportive programs and services for students. In addition to the formal Production Lab course and dedicated office hours, our learning specialists offer expertise in evaluations and standardized testing, student observations in class, Response to Intervention (RTI) development, and guidance for accommodations for students. Our learning resources office also coordinates matches with school-approved tutors in specific subject areas.
Production Lab
Production Lab
For students who require additional support, Production Lab primarily focuses on helping students nurture self-efficacy as they engage in the capacities outlined in our Portrait of a Learner. Students reflect on their own learning needs and practice steering towards solutions. Students benefit from support in the following areas:
· Strategies for organization, time management, and effective communication
· Scaffolding time to break down projects into smaller components
· Opportunities to utilize accommodations (such as extended test-taking time)
· Preview / Review of materials (especially reading comprehension)
· Clarity and practice with Design Thinking and Project Based Learning elements such as
empathy questions, ideation, design, and development.
· Opportunities to meet with teachers and utilize the Math and Writing Labs.
Production Lab uses daily assigned curriculum from all classes to help students “produce” work, then reflect on their successes and challenges.
Counseling and Wellness
Counseling and Wellness
Our GCDS Mental Health Team (MHT) includes two school psychologists and a school counselor. Our team of professionals offer support in each division for students, parents, and school personnel. We are committed to assessing and understanding the needs of each student and then helping to develop the most effective remediation in an effort to foster emotionally healthy (i.e., resilient, growth-minded, etc.) and academically thriving students.
The MHT professionals offer the following services:
Counseling for a variety of issues (e.g., stress management, mood issues, relationships, academic concerns, sexuality, etc.)
Support families in crisis
Collaborate with teachers, support staff, learning specialists, deans, and advisors
Provide referrals to outside professional resources
Develop school-based interventions that are tailored to the appropriate developmental stage of student
Complete classroom observations
Students can meet one-on-one with counselors for short-term support or on a regular basis for longer-term needs. Parents can also schedule consultations with staff. All counseling services are free for students.
Our team of professionals are involved with developing and implementing the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and the Health Curriculum. In addition, they sponsor and schedule mental health assemblies, meditation and personal wellness periods on campus, participate in Seminar curriculum in the Upper School, coordinate psycho-educational testing, and oversee all-school wellness initiatives.
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