Smith–Northampton Summer
Adventures in Learning 2009

June 30 – July 31, 2009

Thomas J. Parent, Director
Prof. Alan N. Rudnitsky, Coordinator
Smith Northampton Summer Adventures in Learning
Smith College
Morgan Hall
37 Prospect Street
Northampton, MA  01063
phone:  585–4650 until June 30th. 
             587–1491 after June 30th.
email: SAIL@smith.edu
web:  http://www.smith.edu/educ

What is the Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL) and who may attend?

For the 49th year, the City of Northampton and Smith College will cooperate in conducting a five–week summer program, from June 30 through July 31. The Adventures in Learning program (formerly called the Smith–Northampton Summer School) represents one of the longest running and best summer educational experiences in the Pioneer Valley. The summer adventure program provides many varied opportunities to develop new interests or sharpen existing skills. It is also a great place to meet people and make new friends. Classes are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere. Students from public and independent schools in Northampton and other communities are invited to enroll in the program. 

Why spend any of my summer having an adventure in learning?

Summer adventure classes provide a chance to explore a new field, go deeper into a subject of special interest or add to your grasp of a subject taken during the regular school year. It is a great way to learn new things, meet people, make new friends, and develop new interests. The school provides a great mix of academic, arts, craft, and active type classes. A master teacher and intern teachers from all over the country teach the classes, providing personal attention for each student.

Some of the summer classes offer a chance to gain academic confidence, to make up ground lost in the previous school year, or to review a subject in order to progress successfully in the coming year. These classes are often smaller than those offered during the school year, and students receive personal attention from the teachers.

Where will the Summer Adventures in Learning meet?

This year, all 3rd through 7th grade classes will be held at JFK Middle School.

What will the school day be like?

There are three class periods, each an hour and 20 minutes long:

7:55 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
9:20 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.
10:45 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
School will not be held on July 3rd.

Tuition

SAIL tuition is $450 for one child, $400 for a second child, and $350 for additional children from the same family. Tuition covers three courses in the program. (Note: Tuition does not change for students taking fewer than three courses.)

Families from Northampton who submit their registration through their child’s school before May 15th, will receive a tuition discount. $420 for the first child, $350 for a second child, and $300 for additional children.

There are limited scholarship funds available. Requests for scholarships must be made through your child's principal or guidance counselor. The principal or guidance counselor will forward the scholarship request to SAIL.

Refund Policy
An 80 percent refund will be given to those withdrawing prior to June 1, 2009.
A 50 percent refund will be given to those withdrawing after June 1 but before school begins.
No refunds will be given after school begins.

Admission & Registration

SAIL is now accepting registration at local schools, through the mail, and online at
www.smith.edu/educ/summerschool/application.php

We try to accommodate all registration requests. SAIL may alter a child's schedule so that every child gets an opportunity to take the types of classes that they request. Please indicate second choices on your application. We will notify you about your child's enrollment as we fill classes.

If your child attends JFK Middle School, Finn–Ryan Road School, Leeds School, Bridge Street School, Jackson Street School, or the Smith College Campus School, you can drop off registration forms in the school office. Registration submitted through the schools before May 15th receive a discounted tuition rate.

Please fill out a separate application for each child. Feel free to make additional copies as needed. Copies of the application are also available at Morgan Hall.

The tuition payment, in all cases, should accompany your application. SAIL will accept payment by check or major credit card.

Checks should be made out to: Smith–Northampton Summer Adventures in Learning (or SAIL). Major credit cards can also be used to pay tuition. We will email you a receipt (unless you opt to receive a receipt by mail.) Applications can be dropped off at local schools, at Morgan Hall or mailed to the following address:

Smith–Northampton Summer Adventures in Learning
Morgan Hall
37 Prospect Street
Northampton, MA  01063

Office Hours

The SAIL office is located at Morgan Hall, 37 Prospect Street, Northampton and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  (585–4650) Additional catalog and application forms are available at the office. The office will move to JFK Middle School when summer school begins on June 30th (587–1491).

Attendance & Expectations

Students are expected to attend their regularly scheduled classes every day. However, we recognize that SAIL’s calendar often conflicts with family vacations. Advance notice will enable us to accommodate students having to miss classes.

All students are expected to dress appropriately. Any student whose behavior becomes disruptive will be asked to leave the program.

Please note: mp3 players, cell phones, games or other electronic devices are not permitted in SAIL.

Books

Books will be supplied by the SAIL and will remain the property of the SAIL.

Transportation

Students are responsible for getting to and from either JFK Middle School.

Opening Day

Students are asked to report to their first scheduled class on opening day. Teachers' names and room numbers will be posted on the first day of class and there will be plenty of help for students to find their classes.

Medical Information

SAIL has a nurse on duty at all times. If a student attending our program this summer has a medical condition or allergy that the nurse should be aware of, please let us know in writing before the beginning of the session. Information should be sent to: Smith–Northampton Summer Adventures in Learning, 37 Prospect Street, Northampton, MA 01063 Attn: School Nurse

Class schedule & recommended grade levels

First Period 7:55–9:15 a.m.
101 Be an Architect (grades 5–8) Tom Weiner
102 A Bug's Life (grades 3–6) Andrea Hermans
103 Landscape Painting (grades 4–8) Michelle Chmura
104 Computers and Information (grades 4–8) John Crescitelli
105 Reading Appreciation (grades 3–6) Putnam Goodwin–Boyd
106 Spanish (grades 4–7) Rachael Gazzillo
107 Flight (grades 4–6) Jim Kohrman
108 Baseball (grades 4–8) Ryan Parent
109 Tennis (grades 3–5) Jeff Holman & Dave Driscoll
110 Ultimate (grades 4–7) John Henry
111 Guard Start Lifeguarding (grades 5–8) Jim Miller

Second Period 9:20–10:40 a.m.
201 Science with Legos  (grades 4–6) Tom Weiner
202 Engineering (grades 4–7) Andrea Hermans
203 Writers Workshop (grades 4–7) Putnam Goodwin–Boyd
204 Origami (grades 3–6) John Henry
205 Enrichment Pre–Algebra (grades 5–8) Jim McGrath
206 Computers and Information (grades 3–6) John Crescitelli
207 Theater (grades 3–5) Cindy Naughton
208 Birdhouses & Machines (grades 5–6) Jim Kohrman
209 Sculpture (grades 3–6) Michelle Chmura
210 Math Adventures (grades 3–5) Kim Parent
211 Journalism (grades 3–6) Rachael Gazzillo
212 Tennis (grades 4–6) Jeff Holman & Dave Driscoll
213 Swimming (grades 3–8) Jim Miller
214 Basketball / Indoor Sport (grades 3–8) Ryan Parent

Third Period 10:45 a.m.–12:05 p.m.
301 Math: Bridging the Gap (grades 4–6) Ken McDonald
302 Design & Invention: Meet the Challenge (grades 4–7) Putnam Goodwin–Boyd
303 Theater (grades 5–7) Cindy Naughton
304 Wooden Toy Design (grades 4–6) Jim Kohrman
305 Art Through the Ages (grades 3–6) Michelle Chmura
306 Computers and Information (grades 4–7) John Crescitelli
307 Learning through Board Games (grades 3–4) Kim Parent
308 Rook, Knight & Pawn–Chess (grades 4–7) John Henry
309 Dr. Science (grades 4–6) Andrea Hermans
310 Orienteering (grades 5–7) Dave Driscoll
311 Tennis (grades 3–8) Jeff Holman
312 Swimming (grades 3–7) Jim Miller
313 Basketball / Indoor Sports (grades 3–8) Ryan Parent

Course List

Period 1
7:55–9:15 a.m.

101 Be an Architect: Design the Place of Your Dreams, grades 5–8
Design your own home from the ground up. Find a site and design the blueprint for your ideal home. Put in all the features: walls, doors, windows, roof, and more. Keep track of all the expenses. Find out who has to give permission for wiring, plumbing, land clearing and more. Can you build a green building that is environmentally friendly? You will move on to bigger and more complicated design and building adventures. You'll know more about houses and buildings than you ever thought possible.

102 A Bug's Life, grades 3–6
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the many bugs that share the Earth with us? Take this class and become an expert on bugs of all kinds including ants, butterflies, beetles, dragonflies, and even spiders and scorpions (which are not really insects at all). We will observe bugs in their natural habitat, record bug behavior, look at bugs up close and personal, find out about local bugs, common bugs, and rare bugs. Walk in, fly in or creep in . . . join us . . . you will learn a lot.

103 Landscape Painting, grades 4–8
Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. In this class we will learn how to use both watercolors and acrylics to paint our natural surroundings. We will investigate the wonderful things outside the classroom windows and learn ways to express them and ourselves through painting. Create a portfolio of your original work inspired by a variety of styles including realistic and abstract. Discover what happens when you mix crayon or salt with watercolor paints. Take walking field trips to experience and paint nature up close. Come let your creativity run free in Landscape Painting!

104 Computers and the Information Age, grades 4–8
The computer is the most powerful and important tool we have. It helps us do amazing things and open doors to the entire universe. In this course you will become an expert in using the Web as a research tool. You will use computers to work with images, text, sound, and maybe even video. With these tools you will create multimedia presentations, design Web sites, blog, and record podcasts. You will be a more effective communicator after this course.

105 Reading Appreciation, grades 3–6
This course will help you discover new books, different authors, and new ways to think about and really enjoy reading. It’s a great thing to realize that reading a good book can be better than watching a movie or television show. If you have never experienced this feeling, try this course. If you are an avid reader, here’s an opportunity to read, talk about books and learn more about reading. If you are an aspiring reader, here’s a chance to fulfill you aspirations. 

106 Spanish ¡Vámonos! Spanish Conversation and Culture, grades 4–7
Come on and explore the language, food, music, and dance of Spain and Latin American countries. We will be learning everyday conversational skills while treating the five senses. We'll taste homemade Spanish recipes (like tortilla de patatas), dance salsa and flamenco, listen to pop music from Mexico and Colombia, and take a look at photos and artifacts from Spain. We may even find ourselves outside playing the most popular sport in Spanish–speaking countries: soccer! ¿Estáis listos? Are you ready? ¡Vámonos!

107 Flight, grades 4–6
This is a hands–on class where students will make a model aircraft and various gliders using woodworking tools. Students will learn about the forces of flight and the parts of an aircraft. The class will conclude with rocket construction and launching.

108 Baseball—Then and Now, grades 4–8
If you like to play or watch baseball you will love this course. We will explore baseball's past through books and videos. We will follow the present season and learn to keep score, compute a batting average and the like. So if you want to learn about stars like Cy Young and David Ortiz and everyone in between, try this course—it will be a home run.

109 Tennis, grades 3–5
A fine opportunity to learn the fundamentals of a lifetime physical activity, which will give you much enjoyment as well as help to keep you physically fit. The course will provide instruction in the skills necessary to play tennis, both singles and doubles. Playing strategy, court etiquette and scoring procedures will be demonstrated and discussed. Videotapes and films may be used in the program as instructional tools. Players should provide their own racquet and sneakers; tennis balls will be provided by the summer school. In the event of rain, students will meet inside JFK.

110 Ultimate, grades 4–7
Wikipedia says this about ultimate: "Ultimate is a competitive non–contact team sport played with a flying disc. The object of the game is to score points by passing the disc into the opposing goal space. The game was invented in 1968 as an evening pastime. Combining the non–stop action of soccer, with the high–flying acrobatics of football, ultimate Frisbee is sweeping the nation. Ultimate is distinguished by its Spirit of the Game—the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, and the joy of play. While originally called 'Ultimate Frisbee,' the game is more appropriately called 'ultimate' because the name Frisbee is a trademarked brand name for discs made by Wham–O." One thing the Wikipedia forgot: ultimate is great fun. Come learn this great, life–long sport, or polish your existing ultimate skills.

111  Guard Start–Lifeguarding, grades 5–8
The American Red Cross Guard Start Lifeguarding Tomorrow is a program for youth that provides a foundation of aquatic and leadership knowledge, attitudes, and skills to become a future lifeguard. This program gives your child a developmental step into Red Cross lifeguarding. (The program does not certify students as lifeguards.) Training includes basic rescue techniques, injury prevention, fitness, leadership skills, stroke perfection, swimming endurance. To take this class, a student must be able to swim 25 yards using the crawl stroke and tread water for 1 minute.

Period 2
9:20–10:40 a.m.

201 Simple Machines with Legos, grades 4–6
This course offers first time and experienced Lego builders a hands–on encounter with the world of physics by building machines that make work easier. Because of Smith College’s commitment to fostering girls’ interest and skills in engineering, we are especially eager to have girls participate in this course. In past projects students have designed amusement park rides and new devices for home use. 

202 Engineering: Shaping Our World, grades 4–7
Engineers solve problems to improve the quality of our lives. Solving problems often means designing something. Engineers are always modifying and improving their designs. If you would like to try out engineering, this is your chance. In this course you will design, test, and improve a wide variety of things, which may include skyscrapers, bridges, boats, catapults, roller coasters, geo–domes, vehicles, and more.

203 Writers Workshop, grades 4–7
No matter how you feel about writing, this course is designed to take you to the next level. You'll be guided through every step of the writing process with as much support as you need to create one of the best stories you have ever written. Along the way, you'll learn new things about yourself as a writer with the help of a published author and writer–in–residence.

204 Origami, grades 3–6
Would you like to learn how to create the perfect paper airplane? In this course you will learn about origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. From planes to insects, flowers to dinosaurs, and boxes to holiday decorations, virtually anything can be made from folded paper. This course will explore the long historical tradition of origami and its cultural connections. We will also discuss mathematical concepts such as symmetry, spatial relationships, and proportion.

205 Enrichment Pre–Algebra, grades 5–8 
This course is designed for the student who will be taking Algebra I at the junior high level. It will offer the student an opportunity to explore math through equations and variables and gave them a "pre–algebra" experience. Emphasis will be on expanding and enriching the strong basic skills the students have already mastered.

206 Computers and the Information Age, grades 3–6
The computer is the most powerful and important tool we have. It helps us do amazing things and open doors to the entire universe. In this course you will become an expert in using the Web as a research tool. You will use computers to work with images, text, sound, and maybe even video. With these tools you will create multimedia presentations, design Web sites, blog, and record podcasts. You will be a more effective communicator after this course.

207 Theater, grades 3–5
Students in this class will participate in the preparation and presentation of a musical play, which will be performed during the finals days of the session for other students, family and friends. Emphasis will be on group cooperation and building of individual skills. Each student will have a part, which may include acting, singing, movement, and backstage assistance. Parts are matched to student interest and aptitude. Returning alumnae who enjoy acting and working with other young actors and actresses will be on hand to help. Most classes will include acting games, singing, set design and construction, and work on the selected play.

208 Birdhouses and Machines, grades 5–6 
Students will learn how to create an isometric drawing of a birdhouse that they will build. The safe usage of hand tools and machines will be taught. The machines used will be a band saw, drill press, and disc sander. In addition, students will learn how to estimate the amount of wood needed to build a project, measure, understand the properties of wood, and create a cut out sheet for their project.

209 Sculpture, grades 3–6
Would you like to create three–dimensional works of art while getting messy and having lots of fun? Then this is the class for you. We will create sculptural works of art using a variety of materials such as clay, paper mache, wire, cardboard and mixed media. The sculptural works of artists and cultures past and present will be encountered during this hands–on, exploratory course.

210 Math Map Adventures, grades 3–5 
This course is about creating an adventure game in a land of mathematics. To travel through the land, adventurers must solve intriguing math problems. The real challenge is that students will create the game—including the imaginary world in which it is set. To do this, students will practice using a compass, straightedge, and protractor; measuring in inches and metric; using proportional scale as well as devising the math challenges that adventurers meet along the way. Everyone will get a copy of the game.

211 Journalism: The Summer School Gazette – Kids Making News, grades 3–6
In this class you decide what the news worth reading about is. Then you’ll make the news! Our online newspaper will have articles about news happening in the halls of JFK during summer school and the streets of Florence, too. Being a good journalist is like being a good detective, so we’ll practice finding the stories. There’s more to an e–paper than news, we’ll need a kid–to–kid advice column, book and movie reviews too. We’ll need digital photographs and cartoons. Students will create, edit and publish all work using beginner–friendly computer programs to create professional quality work.

212 Tennis, grades 4–6
A fine opportunity to learn the fundamentals of a lifetime physical activity, which will give you much enjoyment as well as help to keep you physically fit. The course will provide instruction in the skills necessary to play tennis, both singles and doubles. Playing strategy, court etiquette and scoring procedures will be demonstrated and discussed. Videotapes and films may be used in the program as instructional tools. Players should provide their own racquet and sneakers; tennis balls will be provided by the summer school. In the event of rain, students will meet inside JFK.

213 Swimming, grades 3–8
This program offers three levels of swimming instruction from the novice swimmer who can swim a minimum of 25 yards to the advanced competitive swimmer. All levels will be instructed in proper safety in and around the water with emphasis on accident prevention, treading water, survival floating, “drown–proofing,” and basic non–swimming rescues. The beginner level will develop a familiarity with the water through basic games and other activities. The primary focus will be on refining the front and back crawl stroke. Breaststroke, elementary backstroke, starts, turns, and diving from the side will also be introduced at this level. The intermediate level will cover the same material with an increased focus on refining the four competitive strokes (front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, and butterfly). Inverted breaststroke, sidestroke, and surface dives will also be introduced. The advanced level is designed with the competitive swimmer in mind. Specific stroke drills for the proper stroke mechanics will be the primary focus. Racing starts and relay starts will also be included. The course will use video feedback as a teaching tool. Goggles are recommended.

214 Basketball/Indoor Sports, grades 3–8 
This course will allow the student to participate in a wide variety of indoor sports. Basketball, indoor soccer and many other fun and fitness type activities will make this an enjoyable and worthwhile course.

Period 3
10:45 a.m.–12:05 p.m.

301 Bridging the Math Gap, grades 4–6
This course will focus on making the transition from elementary to middle school math. Students will learn through fun activities and fun traditional teaching methods designed to compliment today’s math curricula. Emphasis will be on big ideas, important skills and building confidence.

302 Design and Invention: Meet the Challenge, grades 4–7
Explore the world of design and invention through hands–on challenges aimed to develop your problem solving skills and test your resourcefulness. How long can you keep an object in the air? How high can you build a tower using only plain paper? Find the answers to these and other questions in this class.

303 Theater, grades 5–7
Students in this class will participate in the preparation and presentation of a musical play, which will be performed during the finals days of the session for other students, family and friends. Emphasis will be on group cooperation and building of individual skills. Each student will have a part, which may include acting singing movement, and backstage assistance. Parts are matched to student interest and aptitude. Returning alumnae who enjoy acting and working with other young actors and actresses will be on hand to help. Most classes will include acting games, singing, set design and construction, and work on the selected play.

304 Designing a Wooden Toy, grades 4–6
Students will learn how to design and measure a project that they will eventually construct. The project assignment is to construct a wooden toy that incorporates at least–2–moveable parts. In addition, students will learn how to use hand tools in a safe manner, the properties of wood, as well as understand the function of specific machines. In addition, depending on the time frame, students will learn about the basic principles of flight, as well as design, construct and test their own gliders.

305 Art Through the Ages, grades 3–6
Here is your chance to create your own works of art based upon the artwork of cultures from the distant past to present day. We will start our journey with cave paintings from 30,000 years ago and travel through time stopping to encounter the art of various cultures and time periods throughout history. Areas of exploration may include the Art of Ancient Egypt, Islamic Art, Early Medieval Art, and the Art of Africa to name just a few stops on our journey. The works that you create will be based upon the art we encounter but you as the artist will decide how to use what we have explored in your own work.

306 Computers and Information, grades 4–7
The computer is the most powerful and important tool we have. It helps us do amazing things and open doors to the entire universe. In this course you will become an expert in using the Web as a research tool. You will use computers to work with images, text, sound, and maybe even video. With these tools you will create multimedia presentations, design Web sites, blog, and record podcasts. You will be a more effective communicator after this course.

307 Learning Through Board Games, grades 3–4
The classic board games have more to them than meets the eye. Parcheesi, Chinese checkers, backgammon, checkers, and a variety of newer games are fantastic and fun ways to learn math, strategic thinking, and logic. They are also ways to help students develop a sense of fair play and fun, important goals in this course.

308  Rook, Knight, and Pawn – Chess, grades 4–7
This is a chess class for the beginning student and the experienced player. Have fun while you develop problem solving and social skills. Emphasis will focus on moves of individual pieces, strategies, and daily playing. Chess is one of the world’s greatest games. Find out why. Don't be checkmated – try chess.

309 Dr. Science,  grades 4–6
Are you curious about the world around you? Do you like to experiment and explore? During this class we will explore biology, geology, ecology, chemistry, and physics through experiments. research, and games. Search for rocks and fossils, predict the weather, concoct potions, live the life of another animal, and design your own experiments. Students will learn about the way scientists think and view the world in several different disciplines.

310 Orienteering, grades 5–7
Do you like the outdoors? Do you enjoy hiking? If so try this course. This course will teach you how to use a map, how to read a compass and how to use features of land to find your way in the woods. This class demands a certain degree of fitness, mental agility and cooperative learning.

311 Tennis, grades 3–8
A fine opportunity to learn the fundamentals of a lifetime physical activity, which will give you much enjoyment as well as help to keep you physically fit. The course will provide instruction in the skills necessary to play tennis, both singles and doubles. Playing strategy, court etiquette and scoring procedures will be demonstrated and discussed. Videotapes and films will be used in the program as instructional tools. Players should provide their own racquet and sneakers; tennis balls will be provided by the summer school. In the event of rain, students will meet inside JFK.

312 Swimming, grades 3–7
This program offers three levels of swimming instruction from the novice swimmer who can swim a minimum of 25 yards to the advanced competitive swimmer. All levels will be instructed in proper safety in and around the water with emphasis on accident prevention, treading water, survival floating, “drown–proofing,” and basic non–swimming rescues. The beginner level will develop a familiarity with the water through basic games and other activities. The primary focus will be on refining the front and back crawl stroke. Breaststroke, elementary backstroke, starts, turns, and diving from the side will also be introduced at this level. The intermediate level will cover the same material with an increased focus on refining the four competitive strokes (front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, and butterfly). Inverted breaststroke, sidestroke, and surface dives will also be introduced. The advanced level is designed with the competitive swimmer in mind. Specific stroke drills for the proper stroke mechanics will be the primary focus. Racing starts and relay starts will also be included. The course will use video feedback as a teaching tool. Goggles are recommended.

313 Basketball/Indoor Sports, grades 3–8
This course will allow the student to participate in a wide variety of indoor sports. Basketball, indoor soccer and many other fun and fitness type activities will make this an enjoyable and worthwhile course.

Registration Procedure

You can register for Smith–Northampton Summer Adventures in Learning on–line by going to www.smith.edu/educ/summerschool/application.php. Please fill out a separate application for each child. Copies of the application are also available at Morgan Hall. Checks should be made out to: Smith Northampton Summer Adventures in Learning (or SAIL). Major credit cards can also be used to pay tuition. We will email you a receipt (unless you opt to receive a receipt by mail.)  Applications can be dropped off or mailed to the following address:

Smith–Northampton Summer Adventures in Learning
Morgan Hall
37 Prospect Street
Northampton, MA  01063