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We Welcome our New Teachers |
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Matt Hawley and Brandon Hill both join us from Sterling College in Vermont where Brandon earned a degree in Natural History, and Matt earned a degree in Outdoor Education and Leadership. They will co-teach the Senior Environmental Science class. Brandon (below, left) will teach Ecology and Biology: Cells, and Matt (below, right) will coordinate our internship program.
Matt and Brandon have jumped right into life at HGS, adding energy, enthusiasm, and skills to our bonding week project. We are excited to have them with us this year.
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The first week of school our school community worked on a "natural playground" for Carpenter's Shelter in Alexandria. Carpenter's  Shelter serves many families with children, and it was our goal to provide those kids with opportunities for imaginative play and interaction with nature.
In three days, we designed and built a butterfly garden, built a sand pit, painted murals and birdhouses, planted a secret garden, installed a basketball hoop and outdoor chalkboard, and put up a tipi. We also demolished a rusty metal shed and replaced it with two new, smaller plastic sheds.
We will return during future community service days to mulch the playyard, complete any unfinished projects, and maintain the gardens.
Special thanks to Dar Silver, parent volunteer (above). We couldn't have done it without you!
Note: The Washington Post sent a photographer to cover our project, so watch for it in your weekly section. |
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New Courses for This Year |
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In our rotating social studies curriculum, last year we studied U.S. History, the year before we studied World History, and this year it is time again for U.S. Government. Students will take one semester of U.S. Government and choose between Social Justice or Religions for the other semester.
We also rotate our most advanced math classes. Last year we offered Trig/Precalculus. This year advanced math students will study Discrete Math, a set of topics that includes probability, statistics, logic, and more.
Students who have already studied Ecology and are not yet seniors will study Microbiology. One semester will focus on cells; the other will focus on genetics and human evolution. The Senior Environmental Studies class this year will offer students a choice between two areas of focus: chemistry in the environment or activism in environmental issues.
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Building Update... from Katherine |
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We have been approved and are now just waiting for signatures! We will plan a groundbreaking for late October. More info to come.
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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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