Raising the Bar

The students at Segue Institute for Learning are your typical adolescents in grades six through eight. They are full of potential and incredible energy, along with drama and angst at times. They often rapidly cycle through a whirlwind of emotions ranging from enthusiasm, silliness, love and hate for their friends and other classmates and teachers, frustration, and triumph. Anyone who has ever worked in a middle school setting knows well the rewards and challenges of teaching this particular age group.

As someone who has experienced these challenges in other schools and environments, I look around Segue and am impressed to see that teachers who are wholly dedicated to moving students forward and upward in spite of the scholars' occasional best efforts to resist change. One of the keys to the faculty's success is the fact that they consistently hold the students to the very highest of standards regarding their behavior and academic achievement. A failing grade is always a chance to "do over." Many opportunities for additional academic support exist. All of the teachers and staff work tirelessly and collaboratively to apply consistent expectations, using both encouragement and praise, and clear-cut consequences that ensure every student is held accountable for each decision they make.

I consider it a blessing and an honor to be a part of this community. Segue is a place where all students are accepted, respected for their individuality, and encouraged to do their very best. Each day begins anew, another blank page flipped over, as Mr. Garcia reminds students in the end-of-the-day announcements to "go home and come back better tomorrow!"

By: Jill Marie

Use the Force :o)

Use the Force is a new addition to After School at Highlander Charter School. This class brings together about 12 Star Wars fans in 2nd-4th grade to participate in creative, themed activities while learning about how to fight the dark side. 

Our class began in September with a ceremony where all of the students took the Padawan Oath to fight the dark side and be kind. Upon completion of their oath, they tied their Padawan belts. We spent the next few classes talking about how to identify the Dark Side (bullying, unkind words, disrespect, etc.) and what we can do to help. We also spread kindness and love by writing thank you notes to teachers and parents, and taping posters with positive messages in the upstairs hallway.
This month, we have made light sabers, painted pictures, learned how to draw Yoda, and built star ships with Legos. We have also created Star Wars identities, complete with unique names, pets, and planets.

Next week, look forward to droids using recycled materials. Pictures to follow.

By: Jill W.

First Quarter After-School Programs at Segue

This quarter at Segue Institute for Learning, I have been helping out in Dance Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students have been rehearsing their Bollywood and Jazz pieces. They have been learning a variety of dance moves. All of the students have been excited about performing their dances. The group has also been very enthusiastic about dancing. Overall, students have fun. They have worked very hard, learning their pieces in less than two weeks.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, I have been helping out in Homework Club. Students have been eager to do all of thier homework before leaving school for the day. At times students do not have homework and they end up doing some independent reading. Overall, I am having a great time assisting students in both programs.

By: Yairy

Beats and Rhymes and Games Galore

The first session of after-school at Highlander Charter School has been really great so far. The students really enjoy the different program options, as well as being able to learn from new staff members. The middle school students, especially, are having fun in new classes and teaching other kids what they have learned. In my Beats and Rhymes class I taught the students how to beat-box and I've watched them teach younger students or their peers.


Wednesday afternoons are always game days, in my program, Games Galore. This class gives the students a chance to just simply relax and play games with their friends. We have a relaxed feel with background music and friendly competition. Some favorite games of the class included; SWAP, UNO, Pictureka, and a new and exciting game called Would You Rather?

By: Nellie

Character Creation

By: Deyan

Every Thursday at Highlander, a group of 2nd-4th grade students has been gathering together for Mr. D's Character Creation Workshop, where they are challenged to flesh out their very own characters through art and writing. Over the course of a 9 week after-school session, the students have determined what their characters look like, what they do for fun, who their friends and family are, and much, much more! Check out some of their fabulous ideas by clicking the images below:

Ali's spy, Tom, has some interesting hobbies:

Aliyah's mermaid, Ruziah, has the magical power to make people happy: Antone's character, Tone, has a blast at school but takes his job very seriously: Diogene's character, DJ, runs a hot-dog stand while his dog, PJ, stirs up trouble: Quinn's talking dog, Makey, loves spending time with his owner: Runaisha's ghost, Wolfahme, may be 100 years old, but she's a typical teenager at heart: And finally, Teddy's ninja, Flyer, fights villains in Zombie Town:

ICS's Tree of Thanks

Every Friday at International Charter School, the students in the after-school program are entitled to a "free" day. There is no required time for math or literacy homework; the students are given the opportunity to engage in fun activities that range from team-building exercises to creating dream-catchers.

One Friday in October, in preparation for Thanksgiving, the children created a "Tree of Thanks." In a large group, the after school teachers and children sat together and decorated Fall-themed decorations such as pumpkins and fall-colored leaves, on which we wrote our thankful sentiments. These sentiments were diverse, however they all began with the same words, "I am thankful for..." While there were a few sentiments dedicated to how thankful children were for eating candy and playing video games, most students seemed to write about what they thought was more important. One student, who has an Individualized Educational Program, wrote how thankful he was for his good education and helpful teachers. Another, who lost his parents, wrote about how thankful he was to be alive. As I stepped back and read all of these thankful sentiments from the students at ICS, I realized that being a child isn't so carefree all the time. We can learn more from these children than expected, and I intend to learn as much as I can while I am lucky enough to work with them as a CharterCorps member. 

By: Francesca 

KB is FUN!

It has been two months that I've been working with kindergarten. I love working with the kids, is SO much fun. I love helping the students and seeing their smiles when they learn something new. The connections I have developed with the students, the teacher, and the TA are amazing. Since the first day of school I felt welcomed and included. Everyday I learn something new about the students. !!! KB IS FUNNNNNNN!!! 
 

By: Naomi