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Arts & Science Exhibition |
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Our fifth Arts & Science Exhibition was a celebration of the work students have done across the curriculum.
LIzzie Romano and Jordan Williams (above) demonstrated how to make a classic French dressing that they learned to make in French class.
 Students in the Art History class have studied American History through the art and architecture of each period. Student models representing typical architecture from various periods were on display, including Grace Hudgins's charming Williamsburg building (right).
Math students used proportion and ratio to enlarge a small image to a 3' x 4' poster (right). In this project, each student was responsible  for one section.
Other math students invented a deep sea creature and used their geometric and algebraic skills to calculate and graph its growth rate.
Computer Tech students demonstrated the "smart board" they had built using just $60 worth of materials: infrared LED's, plastic highlighters, a "wii" receiver, and duct tape.
Art was highlighted throughout the exhibition: paintings, prints of various types, animations, and drawings. "The Pig Pen," our student literary magazine was on display, featuring cartoons, poetry, and art.
Our Alternative Energy students gave tours of the solar-powered electrical system they designed and installed in "Addie's House," our environmental science classroom in the woods. Not only was the building fully lit, but the system also ran a computer showing a men's NCAA tournament game--a great draw for many of our guests!
And finally, our Senior Environmental Studies & Policies class presented their findings on the condition of Pike's Branch, the creek that adjoins our property, and its relationship to the greater watershed. |
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In the Classroom: Physics |
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 On a day too gorgeous to stay inside, our physics class used found materials to experiment with conservation of potential and kinetic energy and simple machines: specifically levers, incline planes, and wedges. Hands-on activities helped the class visualize the underlying principles of all work-saving machines. |
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PE Classes |
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 Bowling was a big hit this year, and we discovered some real talent: Mike Henry set the school record by bowling a 197 with five straights in a row. Congratulations, Mike. |
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Senior Intern: John Newkirk |
John Newkirk is the guy we all go to when our computer stops working! John has been an intern at Intellect Computers for a year and a half now. He has become an expert at repairing computers,  getting answers from tech support on the other side of the world, and helping frazzled customers.
John is planning to earn an AS degree in computer science so he can quickly get out there and start his own business. With John's unflappable determination, we know he will be successful.
This trimester, John has been a teaching assistant--along with Seth Waxman--in the Computer Technology class at HGS. We hope they are busy training underclassmen to help us out after they graduate! |
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Teacher Profile: Chad Thomas |
Chad has been involved at HGS since the beginning, first as the spouse of the Director (Chad and Katherine are married), then as a parent, and soon after as a teacher.
Chad comes to teaching with a Masters in Educational Psychology, specifically focusing on how people learn. After years as a researcher and consultant, Chad taught his first class three years ago at HGS--and was hooked. Although he constantly draws on his graduate degree and his research background when he teaches, his experience doing comedy at the Washington Improvisational Theater may be the most valuable!
Chad has taught Conceptual Physics, Neuro-Psychology, Discrete Math, Robotics, Computer Tech, and Comedy Imrov.
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Building Update... from Katherine |
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The final Site Plan process is going smoothly. We will be breaking ground soon and are on track for a fall opening.
Thank you to everyone who has helped us get to this point! Our Capital Campaign continues, though, as we will need furniture, equipment, carpeting, etc.in order to have a fully-functional classroom environment for our students in September.
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The Howard Gardner School is a small, progressive independent high school for college-bound learners in Alexandria, Virginia. With a focus on environmental science and the arts, the school's mission is to help bright, creative non-traditional learners use their unique strengths to thrive academically, intellectually and emotionally. Hands-on learning and weekly field studies keep students active and involved, and internships let students explore their interests through work.
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