Smith-Northampton Summer
Adventures in Learning 2008

June 25 - July 25, 2008

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 25th. 
             587 - 1491 after June 25th.
email: SAIL@smith.edu
web:  http://www.smith.edu/educ

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

For the 48th year, the City of Northampton and Smith College will cooperate in conducting a five-week summer program, from June 25 through July 25. 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. All high school classes will be held at Northampton High School.

What will the school day be like?

There are three class periods at JFK, 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.

There are two periods of classes at Northampton High School, each an hour and 20 minutes long:
8:00 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.
9:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
School will not be held on July 4th.

Admission & Registration

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

We will 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. The program may add sections of heavily enrolled courses. Please indicate second choices on your application. We will notify you about your child’s enrollment as we fill classes.

The application form is on the last page of the catalogue and on-line. 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 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.) Checks should be made out to: Smith-Northampton Summer Adventures in Learning. 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 Morgan Hall or mailed to the following address:

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

We will have an on site registration at JFK Middle School on May7th from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Office Hours

The SAIL office is located at Morgan Hall, 37 Prospect Street, Northampton from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  (585 - 4650) Additional catalogues and application forms are available at the office. The office will move to JFK Middle School when summer school begins on June 25th. (587 - 1491)

Tuition

SAIL tuition is $300 per child for students enrolled before May 15th. After May 15th tuition is $325 per child. Tuition covers three courses in the program (Note: Tuition does not change for students taking less than three courses.) Tuition for the high school courses is $150 per course. Some courses have nominal charges for materials.

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

There are limited scholarship funds available. In order to apply for a scholarship you must submit a letter from your child’s principal or guidance counselor with your application. The letter should explain the importance of your child’s participation in a summer learning experience and also should address financial need.

Refund Policy
An 80 percent refund will be given to those withdrawing prior to June 1, 2008.
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.

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.

Students taking high school courses must attend every day. Keeping up with their work and obtaining passing grades will be difficult, if not impossible otherwise. Attendance is taken in each class each day.

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 or Northampton High 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

Afternoon Option

Are you looking for something for your child(ren) to do for the afternoons? The Northampton Recreation Department offers an afternoon option as part of its "KidZone" summer program for those entering grades 1 - 4. For those who end their summer school day at JFK Middle School, you can join us for the second half of the day. "KidZone" is held at Look Memorial Park until 4:30 p.m., with an extended day option until 5:15 p.m., and offers days full of fun activities. For more information, contact the Recreation Department at 587-1040, or check the website at http://www.northamptonrecreation.org.

Class schedule & recommended grade levels

First Period 7:55 – 9:15 a.m.
101 Be an Architect 5 - 8, Tom Weiner
102 Theater 3 - 4, Cindy Naughton
103 The Art and Fun of Geometry 4 - 6, Nellie Taylor
104 Landscape Painting 5 - 8, Warren Smith
105 Computing 5 - 8, John Kaczenski
106 Reading Appreciation 3 - 6, Putnam Goodwin-Boyd
107 Spanish 4 - 6, Roberto Vicente
108 Rook, Knight and Pawn - Chess  3 - 5,
109 Designing a Wooden Race Car  4 - 6, Jim Kohrman
110 Baseball 4 - 8, Ryan Parent
111 Tennis  3 - 5, Jeff Holman & Dave Driscoll
112  Ultimate Frisbee 5 - 8,
113  Diving  5 - 8, Jim Miller

Second Period 9:20 – 10:40 a.m.
201 Science with Legos  4 - 6, Tom Weiner
202 Bug's Life 3 - 5, Faith Deering
203 Design & Invention: Meet the Challenge 4 - 7, Putnam Goodwin-Boyd
204  Origami,  3 - 6,  Lara Ramsey
205 Enrichment Pre-Algebra 5 - 8, Jim McGrath
206 Computing 3 - 6, John Kaczenski
207 Theater 4 - 5, Cindy Naughton
208 Birdhouses & Machines 5 - 6, Jim Kohrman
209 Sculpture  3 - 6, Warren Smith
210 Math Adventures  3 - 5, Kim Parent
211 Journalism 3 - 6, Roberto Vicente
212 Yin and Yang: Becoming Stronger and More Relaxed for Boys, grades 3 - 7 Judy Messer Rigali
213 Tennis 4 - 6, Jeff Holman & Dave Driscoll
214 Swimming 3 - 8, Jim Miller
215 Basketball / Indoor Sport 3 - 8, Ryan Parent

Third Period 10:45 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
301 Math: Bridging the Gap  4 - 6  Jim McDonald
302 Writers Workshop 4 - 7, Putnam Goodwin-Boyd
303 Theater 5 - 7, Cindy Naughton
304 Wooden Toy Design 4 - 6, Jim Kohrman
305 Art Through the Ages 3 - 6, Warren Smith
306 Computing 4 - 7, John Kaczenski
307 Learning through Board Games 3 - 4, Kim Parent
308 Yin and Yang: Becoming Stronger and More Relaxed for Girls, grades 3 - 7 Judy Messer Rigali
309  Rook, Knight & Pawn -  Chess 4 - 7 
310  Engineering: 4 - 7, Nellie Taylor
311 Orienteering 5 - 7, Dave Driscoll
312 Dr. Science 4 - 6, Faith Deering
313 Tennis 3 - 8, Jeff Holman
314 Swimming  3 - 7, Jim Miller
315 Basketball / Indoor Sports 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 Theater, grades 3 - 4
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.

103 The Art and Fun of Geometry, grades 4 - 6
Learn and practice skills in designing, mapping, folding and more. Tents, kites, boxes, designs, and other projects will become more and more complex and interesting as students develop accuracy in measuring, skill in forming angles, and translating from 2 to 3 dimensions. Projects could include: Paper folding, box design, kite building, string art, x/y coordinate mapping, enlarging and reducing, symmetry, optical illusions, tessellations, and more.

104 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!

105 Computing and the World Wide Web, grades 4 - 8
This introductory class will be an opportunity to explore the world of computers in the context of using the World Wide Web. Students will be introduced to the Internet after first learning the basics of Windows Operating System. Surfing and navigating the Net will then be covered as well as using the WWW for research by using popular search engines such as Google. The student will also gain hands on experience in using popular application programs such as MS Word (word processing), MS PowerPoint (multi-media presentations) and MS FrontPage (web page design) in developing their own web page or web site. On-line web page authoring programs will also be explored. No Prior computing experience is necessary.

106 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. 

107 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!

108 Rook, Knight, and Pawn: Elementary Chess, grades 3 - 5
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. Don't be checkmated – find out about chess.

109 Designing a Wooden Race Car, grades 4 - 6
Students will learn how to create a multi-view drawing of a race car that they will eventually construct. The principles of velocity, frictions, and aerodynamics will be incorporated. Students will use hand tools, machines, a wind tunnel, scales, as well as figuring out how to power their race car. Students will form companies and race against other companies, as well as learn how to write checks, keep a balance sheet of their racer parts, as well as determine the velocity of their dragsters.

110 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.

111 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.

112 Ultimate, grades 4 - 7
The 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. Come to learn this great, life-long sport, or polish your existing Ultimate skills. 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.

113  Diving, grades 5 - 8
This program will emphasize proper form, technique, and safety for young divers learning to dive from the 1 meter springboard. Forward, back, inward, twist, and reverse dives will be taught during the course.  Land drills, videos, and video feedback will all serve as instructional tools aiding in the development of the young diver. Students in this course must be able to swim 25 yards.

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 A Bug's Life, grades 3 - 5
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.

203 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.

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 Computing and the World Wide Web, grades 3 - 6
This introductory class will be an opportunity to explore the world of computers in the context of using the World Wide Web. Students will be introduced to the Internet after first learning the basics of Windows Operating System. Surfing and navigating the Net will then be covered as well as using the WWW for research by using popular search engines such as Google. The student will also gain hands on experience in using popular application programs such as MS Word (word processing), MS PowerPoint (multi-media presentations) and MS FrontPage (web page design) in developing their own web page or web site. On-line web page authoring programs will also be explored. No Prior computing experience is necessary.

207 Theater, grades 4 - 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 Yin and Yang:  Becoming Stronger and More Relaxed for Boys, grades 3 - 7
 With Karate, Thai Chi, kick boxing, Pilates and yoga systems, we will explore the yin and yang idea of energy flow. We will consider what our energy is, how it is obtained, management, and how we exchanged of our energies, so that we can put into motion a more positive universal and self perspective.
 
213 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.

214 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.

215 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 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.

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 Kids and Computing, grades 4 - 7
This hands-on, activity-based, introductory class is designed to introduce the younger student to the world of computing in a fun and relaxed environment. Computing basics such as using the Windows operating system and appropriate use of the internet will be covered. There will be some time for playing computer games and visiting web sites designed to capture students’ educational imaginations.  Students will learn how to design a basic web page. Computer programs such as MS Paint, MS Publisher, and MS PowerPoint will also be explored.

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 Yin and Yang: Becoming Stronger and More Relaxed for Girls, grades 3 - 7
With Karate, Thai Chi, kick boxing, Pilates and yoga systems, we will explore the yin and yang idea of energy flow. We will consider what our energy is, how it is obtained, management, and how we exchanged of our energies, so that we can put into motion a more positive universal and self perspective.

309  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.

310 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.  

311 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.

312 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.

313 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.

314 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.

315 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.

High School Courses

SAIL offers courses aimed at helping students make up work that they did not satisfactorily complete during the school year. These courses will also be aimed at helping students pass the MCAS tests and otherwise improve their academic preparation in a variety of areas. Enrolling in these courses is done through the high school or middle school guidance office. Guidance counselors will determine whether students are able to make up work or benefit from the summer coursework and will recommend enrollment. The courses are included in this announcement so that students and parents can see what the courses are, when they are offered, and how much they cost. Parents may want to contact the guidance department at their child’s school to inquire about these courses.

The courses will be held at Northampton High School. The dates are the same as the regular summer program, however, instead of three periods, these courses are offered in two periods. Period 1 is from 8:00 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. Period 2 is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Quality of work, attendance, and other requirements for receiving credit will be available from the guidance office and will be reviewed at the start of the summer session.

High School Courses

Mathematics
Algebra  (period 1)
Mathematics MCAS prep  (period  2)

English
English to fulfill graduation requirements  (period 1)
English for ELL (period 1)
ELA MCAS prep  (period 2)

History
United States history  (period 2)

Middle School Courses

Specific middle school courses have not been set at the time of printing the catalogue. Contact the JFK Middle School guidance office for more information.\

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 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  Checks should be made out to: Smith Northampton Summer Adventures in Learning. 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 or mailed to the following address:

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

We will have an on site registration at JFK Middle School on May 7th from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Smith College does not discriminate in its educational and employment policies on the bases of race, color, creed, religion, national/ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or with regard to the bases outlined in the Veterans Readjustment Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Smith's admission policies and practices are guided by the same principle, concerning women applying to the undergraduate program and all applicants to the graduate programs.

For more information, please contact the Office of Institutional Diversity, (413) 585-2141.

June 2008:The Career Development Office at Smith College is a wonderful resource for recent graduates.

The staff at the CDO will create a file of your letters of recommendation and send those letters to prospective employers upon your request. They also offer workshops on interviewing skills, will review your resume and cover letter, and have ideas on how to find the schools who are looking for new teachers. For More >>