1 The Da Vinci Academy At South Hall Middle School
2 What if . . . . . . the best way to improve our schools is to focus on EXCELLENCE, not ADEQUACY? schools could help their students climb WAY beyond PROFICIENCY by focusing on ENGAGEMENT and RIGOR? the answer is to “pull from the TOP,” rather than focusing on the bottom? My vision that had developed through years of seeing how the strategies we once reserved for students who were already achieving at very high levels could be used to engage and improve the achievement of MANY students. I found in the spring of 2006 that it was also the vision that Will had for Hall County Schools!
3 Brief History of a Great IdeaFeb – Concept of a “dream school” for talent development – Opened the doors less than 6 months later to 120 eager sixth and seventh graders, all of whom were passionate about art, science and/or technology and six multi-talented teachers – in an old, vacated school building. Now in our 8th year – 240 amazing students in grades 6-8, 12 full-time faculty members in a beautifully renovated facility Relentless focus on academic excellence and creative productivity at a fraction of the cost of a more typical middle school education
4 Convergence of Issues Hall County’s commitment to rigor for allCritical time for adolescent learners Need for highly personalized, authentic learning tied to students’ strengths and interests National imperative (STEM and innovation initiatives) Support from community Economic pressure to provide 21st-century education in more innovative, cost-effective ways
5 Innovation and Recognition“Adjunct” scientists, artists and visiting teachers Parent partnership State and national recognition! GPEE Bus Tour Across Georgia National Association for Gifted Children Wall Street Journal, EdWeek . . . Many visitors from across the state and country! Springboard for other innovative programs!
6 What’s different about teaching and learning at the DVA?Exploration and development of students’ interest in science, technology and the arts as “hooks” for learning in a highly personalized environment Problem-based study using a variety of research strategies, group activities and independent work that connect advanced content to students’ passions Academic content taught through interdisciplinary thematic units and authentic projects for real audiences
7 6th Grade The Power of One What’s the Evidence? The Outer LimitsAgainst All Odds 6th Grade
8 The Power of One Earth Science: Social Studies: Language Arts: Math:One planet as a system. Discovering applications of geological studies in our individual lives and in our world. Language Arts: The voice of the individual in memoirs and personal narratives Math: How we use units of math to make sense of space in one, two and three dimensions Social Studies: An individual’s influence in community, government and the economy
9 The Power of One Language ArtsStudents compose memoirs and publish them on the class web site. They post comments to offer suggestions and encouragement. Many choose to add pictures and audio, creating digital storybooks that will be saved and cherished. 9
10 Social Studies After researching important historical figures, students interact in the style of the French Salon to discuss philosophy, politics, etc., and how they impacted the course of history.
11 What’s different? (cont’d)Introduction to the culture and context of a variety of disciplines through the museum approach Focus on how curators and exhibit developers learn as they research objects and create exhibits In-house museum where students conduct research and create exhibits Students from other schools, parents and community members view and experience student-created projects.
12 6th Grade Exploration - The New World and The Final FrontierThe Power of One What’s the Evidence? The Outer Limits Against All Odds 6th Grade Exploration - The New World and The Final Frontier Museum Exhibit
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14 Students act as docents
15 Hands On
16 Technology Components
17 Partnerships
18 The Arts Visual Arts Students use common themes around which they create a wide variety of artworks, such as Portrait of America. Lessons often run parallel to the museum exhibit, e.g., China: Traditional to Modern or Norman Rockwell: Face of America. Small-group instruction according to need or desire to learn Art history woven throughout every lesson Students mount or mat their own artworks for display throughout the school and put up the displays as curators. DVA art students participate in several local and national art and writing/poetry contests every year with great success. Portrait of America (not Your) was an art lesson on portraits (self, famous Americans, symbols leading to America). It was in conjunction with the American Spirit museum exhibit last year.
19 Art at DVA Integrated into the curriculum for all!Advanced art instruction for those who are interested.
20 Art Integrated with Science Instruction
21 From DVA Art Class
22 Literary Arts Performing ArtsLiterary Magazine: Eighth-grade students compile Et Umbra Lux, our DVA Literary Magazine. It is a beautiful online magazine of student writing and artwork that is completely student driven. Performing Arts Beginning Drama Musical Theater combines the elements of creating and performing in a curriculum that allows students to explore the theatrical world and begin to find their niche, while developing a lifelong love of the performing arts. Beginning Band Advanced Band
23 DVA Performing Arts Enrichment Classes Beginner Drama Musical TheaterBeginning band Advanced band
24 Previous PerformancesThe Best Christmas Pageant Ever Dear Edwina Beauty and the Beast Annie Jr. Seussical Jr. Romeo and Juliet Honk Jr. Willy Wonka The Little Mermaid A Seussified Christmas Carol Alice in Wonderland
25 DVA Junior Thespian TroupeCompeting at Junior Thespian Conference, Columbus, Georgia.
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27 6th Grade Elective Technology 6th Grade ALL Internet Safety, Audacity, Office Suite, Video 6th Grade Elective Technology Intro to Audio/Video and Digital Media 7th/8th Grade- HS credit- Audio/Video Production Audition, Premiere, After Effects 7th/8th Grade- HS credit- Digital Media Design Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Light room
28 Certified Associate
29 Using classroom technology to investigate fossil samples
30 Sample Enrichment ClassesDrama Stage Crew Museum Design Nature Studies Screenwriting/Film Engineering Strategic Games
31 What Makes DVA Unique? Invitational Learning “Niche Program”Creativity Integrated Curriculum Technology Authentic Intellectual Work Partnerships Economy “Niche Program” that brings together teachers and learners who are passionate about the same things – science, art and technology. Kids can do ANTHING when we (a) skillfully and creatively tie those things we’ve been charged with teaching them (GPS) to what they love and then (b) get out of their way! Creativity – Creative thinking is evident everywhere at DVA. Teachers and students are encouraged to dream, innovate and solve problems. The school district is committed to removing barriers to the implementation of good ideas generated by adults and young people in Hall County. (The whole concept of DVA came from 3 teachers! Who says that 7th graders can’t simultaneously get high school and college credit? Okay, we don’t have any money, so “In what other ways might we ?”) Integrated Curriculum helps students make meaning, create schemata on which they will build deeper understanding. It helps them understand connections across disciplines, time and cultures, and how they fit into an increasingly complx world. Technology as a 21st-century tool for learning, collaborating, communicating, and creating new knowledge in all disciplines. Authentic Intellectual Work – DVA students grapple with important concepts that are important to them. They are engaged in sustained inquiry as they work with one another, with teachers and other adults. The Museum of Inspired Learning is the heart of DVA because there all other elements of AIW, our integrated curriculum, creativity and technology are spotlighted. Partnerships – Students, teachers, parents and the community all work together to create a highly personalized learning environment. Parents are valued members of the learning community. Pertnerships are created with universities (e.g., Emory, University of Alabama, Gainesville State), research centers (Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis) and other organizations (Quinlan Art Center). Economy – Because we are focusing on those things that facilitate powerful learning for adolescents and eliminating those that don’t, we are able to operate DVA much more economically than traditional middle schools. Personal responsibility instead of police officers and custodians. Sack lunches instead of a cafeteria. Laptops and cloud computing instead of traditional textbooks
32 Art, . . . . . . science . . .
33 . . . and technology!
34 The dual emphasis on rigorous academic standards and creative productivity creates a dynamic school environment that inspires authentic learning, motivation, innovation and enjoyment!
35 What’s the same? Extra-curricular ActivitiesBeta Club 4-H Student Council Academic Team Athletics FCA Odyssey of the Mind Drama Club Traditional Measures of Achievement Embedded Georgia Performance and National Standards within authentic tasks Georgia Milestones End-of-Course Tests
36 Connections Art Band Spanish Chinese Computing in the Modern World PEMuseum
37 What Makes DVA Unique? Invitational Learning “Niche Program”Creativity Integrated Curriculum Technology Authentic Intellectual Work Partnerships Efficiency “Niche Program” that brings together teachers and learners who are passionate about the same things – science, art and technology. Kids can do ANTHING when we (a) skillfully and creatively tie those things we’ve been charged with teaching them (GPS) to what they love and then (b) get out of their way! Creativity – Creative thinking is evident everywhere at DVA. Teachers and students are encouraged to dream, innovate and solve problems. The school district is committed to removing barriers to the implementation of good ideas generated by adults and young people in Hall County. (The whole concept of DVA came from 3 teachers! Who says that 7th graders can’t simultaneously get high school and college credit? Okay, we don’t have any money, so “In what other ways might we ?”) Integrated Curriculum helps students make meaning, create schemata on which they will build deeper understanding. It helps them understand connections across disciplines, time and cultures, and how they fit into an increasingly complx world. Technology as a 21st-century tool for learning, collaborating, communicating, and creating new knowledge in all disciplines. Authentic Intellectual Work – DVA students grapple with important concepts that are important to them. They are engaged in sustained inquiry as they work with one another, with teachers and other adults. The Museum of Inspired Learning is the heart of DVA because there all other elements of AIW, our integrated curriculum, creativity and technology are spotlighted. Partnerships – Students, teachers, parents and the community all work together to create a highly personalized learning environment. Parents are valued members of the learning community. Pertnerships are created with universities (e.g., Emory, University of Alabama, Gainesville State), research centers (Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis) and other organizations (Quinlan Art Center). Economy – Because we are focusing on those things that facilitate powerful learning for adolescents and eliminating those that don’t, we are able to operate DVA much more economically than traditional middle schools. Personal responsibility instead of police officers and custodians. Sack lunches instead of a cafeteria. Laptops and cloud computing instead of traditional textbooks
38 Charters and Programs of ChoiceWith roots in gifted education, they are helping us transform an entire school system. Charter & Magnet Schools Programs of Choice World Language Academy Riverbend Adv. Scholars Acad. Wauka Mountain MI Academy Da Vinci Academy McEver Arts Academy Earhart-Edison Academy Spout Springs Enrich. School EPiCC Academy at EHHS Martin STEM Academy Three IB Diploma Programs Chestnut Mountain CSI Innovation Institute at WHHS Mt. Vernon Exploratory School RACE at CHS Chestatee Academy of Inquiry & Talent Development Johnson International Scholars Academy Lanier Charter Career Academy, including Habitat & Hospitality High and seven student-operated businesses STEM Academy at NHHS FBHS Global Studies and Leadership Academy Navy JROTC at EHHS Sardis Enrichment School
39 Life After DVA DVA JISA RACE I2 International Scholars Programat Johnson High School I2 the innovation institute at West Hall High School RACE Renaissance Academy for Creative Enterprises at Chestatee High School DVA “Home” high school NHHS STEM EHHS EPiCC LCCA and FBHS Global Studies & Leadership Academy (charters) ?????? Riverbend Elementary Advanced Scholars Academy Chestnut Mt. Elementary Creative School of Inquiry
40 Choices for Middle School Students In Hall CountyHome & Private School Zoned Neighborhood School Programs of Choice: Da Vinci Academy at SHMS Earhart-Edison Academy at NHMS Charter and Magnet Schools: World Language Academy Chestatee Academy of Inquiry and Talent Development Competitive application process By lottery as space allows
41 Choices for Middle School Students In Hall CountyHome & Private School Zoned Neighborhood School Programs of Choice: Da Vinci Academy at SHMS Earhart-Edison Academy at NHMS Charter & Magnet Schools: World Language Academy Chestatee Academy of Inquiry and Talent Development It’s not about the best SCHOOL. It’s about the best MATCH for your child and family!
42 Choices for Middle School Students In Hall CountyApprox. 80 sixth graders from any elem. school Programs of Choice: Da Vinci Academy at SHMS Earhart-Edison Academy at NHMS Approx. 90 sixth graders, approx. 20 of whom may be out of zone
43 Choices for Middle School Students In Hall CountyPrograms of Choice: Da Vinci Academy at SHMS Earhart-Edison Academy at NHMS You may apply to both, but you will need to indicate your first choice.
44 Who is eligible to participate in the DVA?Any rising 6th grader in Hall County Schools may apply. We are looking for approximately 80 sixth graders to join us in August 2017. No quotas by feeder elementary school, gender, ethnicity or any other characteristic. Eligibility criteria focus on (1) interests in art, sciences and technology; (2) achievement; (3) motivation and (4) creativity.
45 Evidence/DocumentationCriteria Evidence/Documentation The student must: Demonstrate advanced levels of knowledge, interest and aptitude in science, the arts and/or technology. Transcript Recommendations Application Group Interview Exhibit outstanding communication skills Possess qualities associated with creativity, including curiosity, resourcefulness and a problem-solving disposition Be highly motivated to excel in his or her studies Possess the maturity to work well independently and in small group settings
46 The DVA Family Parents . . . are an important part of the learning community! updates Parent Seminars Web page Active participants in the program . . . volunteer at least 15 hours a year per DVA student. . . . provide laptop computer. . . . provide transportation if they live outside the SHMS attendance zone.
47 Is DVA right for your child?Love to learn? Particularly passionate about the study of science, technology and/or art? Creative? Curious? Goal oriented? Highly motivated to achieve? Self-disciplined? Can work well independently; does not require an unusual amount of support from teachers or parents? Gets along well with others?
48 Are You and Your Child Ready for All Possibilities?Based on the first seven years, more than half the applicants and their families will be disappointed. Weigh your child’s enthusiasm for DVA and your conviction that this approach is right for them against the potential impact of disappointment. Use the experience as a positive family experience, regardless of the outcome. (“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” ) My assurance to you as both a mom and an educator
49 Timeline Applications due by Dec. 2, 2016Families of Finalists notified by mid-January Interview, simulation and additional writing sample, if necessary Families of selected students notified by mid-February Spring/Summer 2017 Orientation for new students Evening sessions for parents Socials for community building
50 Submitting an ApplicationTake a paper copy tonight or download from Complete and return. Request confidential teacher recommendations. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2016.
51 Your Questions? [email protected] (770-534-1080, ext. 246) ( , ext. 246)