ACADEMICS
Social Studies - Ms. Lisa McCready
Ms. McCready's U.S. History class to a short detour to celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month. Students created PowerPoints to present to their class about an outstanding Hispanic or Latinx person. A few examples of the people are Sonia Sotomayor, Ritchie Valens, Cesar Chavez, Dr. Ellen Ochoa and Pablo Neruda. As part of their project they created a poster of an important time in Hispanic history to put together as a timeline. These are displayed the school hallway. OYA hosted an all facility event for the youth to celebrate Hispanic Heritage, as well. Additionally, short lessons and videos helped teach our students about the importance of the Hispanic/Latinx cultures.
Language Arts - Mr. Terry Groce
Students in Mr. Groce's reading classes we are seven chapters into The Hobbit. The students are really into the book. The focused skill is character development. Students are asked, "What character do you most identify with?" Their response was mixed. However, common among the students is the interest in the languages in the book created by Tolkien. This resulted in a few quick writes in Dwarvish. One student memorized the Dwarvish Runes. The characters he has chosen to write about for the essay to wrap up the unit are the dwarves, of course.
Biology - Mr. James Magee
Biology engages students in the study of life and living organisms, and examines biology and biochemistry in the real world. Concepts include biochemistry, cell biology, cell processes, heredity and reproduction, the evolution of life, taxonomy, human body systems, and ecology. Hands-on laboratory experiences are provided has much as possible in our unique teaching/learning environment. Students are currently working on cell theory, cell parts and function, special cell processes, and the organization of living things.