In Math class the 7th graders have been developing their abilities to solve for a variable in a equation and have recently been introduced to solving inequalities. The amount of background knowledge and problem solving abilities students bring makes each class very enjoyable to teach. Students recently learned how to graph inequalities on a number Read More >>
Infectious Diseases
Over the past couple weeks the older students have been studying infectious diseases. Thus far they have completed two hands on experiments. In one experiment they simulated spreading the common cold among students in the room and they experienced first hand how quickly an infectious disease could spread. In the second experiment they learned the role Read More >>
Writing with Paul
Paul Otteson, parent of two former New School students, returned to teach a 3-session workshop on story structure, with an emphasis on how to end stories or story segments. Exercises included learning about six classic styles of ending stories (resolved, unresolved, implied, twist, tie-back, ‘crystal ball’), writing endings in these styles, matching story openings and Read More >>
Are Lyrics to a Song Poetry?
The seven oldest students are taking part in a poetry class, which was inspired by Bob Dylan’s recent nomination for the Nobel Prize for Literature. We started the discussion discussing the difference between a poet and a lyricist. It was interesting that all but one student didn’t feel that Bob Dylan deserved the award. They Read More >>
Field Trip to Cornell’s Museum of Ornithology
Cornell Museum of Ornithology The whole school spent the day in Ithaca at Cornell’s amazing Museum of Ornithology. What a treat. The original reason for going was to view the extraordinary mural that is painted on one of the walls – it shows life-sized paintings of birds from every continent. But there was so Read More >>
Democratic Party Platform
The older students welcomed Lisa Sacco, Democratic delegate and Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter to The New School. She came to answer tough questions from our students about the Democratic platform. We discovered that Lisa is a Mohawk and was a designated Native American delegate to the Democratic convention this summer.
Republican Party Platform
The older students welcomed Tom Dadey, Chairman of the local Republican party to The New School. He came to answer tough questions from the children about immigration, family values, and military spending after they had read sections of the Republican platform.
13 Colonies
As we delve into our social studies unit this year, students in grades 3 – 5 are taking a close look at where the 13 Colonies were established on the North American continent and who was already here when people started claiming the land. Currently we’re using maps and stories to explore this concept of Read More >>
Printing Class
Children in kindergarten have been working on writing upper case letters of the alphabet. During each class, we use sign language, the sound of the letter and dry erase boards to work on three letters. At the end of class, children have a chance to write in their journals or continue to practice their letters Read More >>
Amelia Bedelia
Students in kindergarten and first grade have been enjoying the silly antics of Amelia Bedelia this fall. During class, we read a book, discuss the “mistakes” that Amelia makes and then draw about some of them. Each child is working on making their own Amelia Bedelia book to eventually share at home with family and Read More >>