Students explored theory related to levels of engagement and assessed what it means to be an engaged citizen of communities they are a part of. They learned about current events and how to participate in respectful debate and discussion. The crew went to the town hall to understand how to become more involved in local politics here in Kennebunk. They also created photojournals to tell the story of what it means to be a citizen of our town.
Students explored how the brain works and develops during adolescence. They were introduced to strategies to promote healthy physical and mental well being. This included a focus on sleep, nutrition, physical activity, gratitude, and communication skills. Each student set an individual intention for their own well being and developed a visual plan to hold themselves accountable. In the image above, students are making models of neurons to use in a demonstration of neuroplasticity.
Students dug deeper into how they define success for themselves and determine possible pathways to get to that point. Throughout this theme, students developed resumes, cover letters, practice for interviews, and completed job shadows in the community. They also gained a deeper understanding for aspects of independent living like housing, purchasing a car, banking, investing, paying taxes, and budgeting.
Students learned the 5 step design thinking process by designing Escape Rooms for each other. Once comfortable with the process, they used it to develop "enrichment" for the ambassadors at the Center for Wildlife. Eventually, they formed groups to identify challenges and problems in their community. They used design thinking to develop solutions for the challenges. Some projects included: developing a delicious veggie burger, starting a donation based bike shop at KHS to raise funds for the York County homeless shelter, organizing a donation drive for Preble Street, baking 1,100 sweets for Community Harvest's Noel Dinner, researching and advocating for a therapy dog at KHS.
"Alt Ed is fun because we go outside and have snowball fights during lunch." - Alt Ed Student, Class of 2024
"This class is very family based. We're like a little family. Alt Ed is very different than regular classes because we get to be out in the community while learning." - Doug Doane, Class of 2022
