• Dates: July 13 - 17
• Time: 11 am EST
• Grades: Rising 4, 5, 6
• Teacher: Amy Bowllan
• Prerequisites: None
• Materials required: Summer reading and math materials, lined paper and writing utensils, coloring markers, a jump rope, and a computer with a keyboard

Let's keep the joy of learning going! Did you know that learning is not only fun, learning is also a verb? Action! Talking! Read’ing! Math’ing! Writ’ing! Explor’ing! And shar'ing ideas while enjoying every bit of the process. Students will be reading all sorts of new and fun stories, while delving into math that will make you see math everywhere! Writing is an art that will be an exercise through daily writing prompts.

 

 

• Dates: August 3 - 7
• Time: 9 am EST
• Grades: Rising 8-12
• Teacher: Rebecca Singer-Zhou
• Prerequisites: This course is open to Dwight NY students only

This course will provide EAL students with an opportunity to practice their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills before the start of the school year. We will have interactive activities and class discussions, and focus on writing, vocabulary, grammar development, and other skill preparation. This course is highly recommended to all incoming EAL students in grades 8-12.

 

 

• Dates: July 13 - 17, July 20 - 24
• Time: 4 pm EST
• Grades: Rising 8-12
• Teacher: Kim Guzowski
• Prerequisites: None
• Materials required: Clothing comfortable to move in

End your day re-engaging with your senses, releasing your muscles, and refreshing your brain. The Alexander Technique is a century-old technique for learning how to use the design of your body well to reduce stress and anxiety, increase focus and presence, reduce pain, and improve your skills as an athlete, performer and/or academic. Through the Alexander Technique, you will learn how to release your muscles at will and how to sense your body in a way that will shift your mind to a quieter, more present place. You will also learn the basics of how to ergonomically set up your world to your best advantage. Ms. Guzowski is a Certified Alexander Teacher.

 

 

• Dates: July 27 - August 7
• Time: 11 am EST
• Grades: Rising 6 - 12
• Teacher: Austin Boehm
• Prerequisites: None
• Materials required: iPad, Android tablet, or computer with Steam; participants will purchase 3-4 games for a total of $25

Do want to learn how to think one step ahead of the competition? Do you have a strategy to win? In this course, we will play fun multiplayer games to explore the concept of "game theory," which studies how people interact and make decisions. You'll learn a few new games you love and gain an understanding of why people think the way they do! In each session, we'll learn the basics and strategies of a new game, jump in and play in online multiplayer to explore the game theories in action! Students will be grouped by ability and age range, so we welcome both beginners and expert strategists! We'll play several exciting strategy card and board games (Settlers of Catan, Dominion, Carcassonne, Risk, and more), learning the basics of game theory with Mr. Boehm, who studied the topic at Duke University.

 

 

• Dates: July 13 - 24, July 27 - August 7
• Time: 10 am EST
• Grades: Rising 6 - 8
• Teacher: Nico Torres
• Prerequisites: Basic computer literacy
• Materials required: Students will need access to a remote (cloud) version of Adobe Illustrator

Learn the basic elements of graphic design, as well as the most important tools in Adobe Illustrator! You will explore the functions of line, shape, balance, harmony, and typography while practicing technical skills using leading industry software. Create a poster advertising your future rockstar self, or an abstract piece of digital art to be projected on a giant wall in an art gallery. No matter what kind of art you create, you will leave with a sense of the design process that can help you move from idea to reality.

 

 

• Dates: July 13 - 24
• Time: 1 pm EST
• Grades: Rising 5, 6, 7
• Teacher: Kim Guzowski
• Prerequisites: None
• Materials required: Zoom with virtual background capability

Through acting and design, we will create a play on Zoom!

 

 

• Dates: June 15 - 26
• Time: 12 pm EST
• Grades: Rising 5, 6 (possibly open to more advanced rising 4th graders)
• Teacher: Daniele Sahr
• Prerequisites: None
• Materials required: Math notebook, pencil, and dice 

Get a sneak peek of the math that you will be learning next year while reviewing what you know so far. This will include mini-lessons, small group activities, and games. We will explore number sense, operations, geometry, fractions, integers, and more! 

 

 

• Dates: July 13 - August 7 (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
• Time: 10 am EST
• Grades: Rising 9 - 12
• Teacher: Candace Cardwell
• Prerequisites: None
• Material requirements: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (ISBN 9780307278449)

We will read and analyze Toni Morrison’s debut novel. Set in Lorraine, OH, in the years following the Great Depression, The Bluest Eye is the story of Pecola Breedlove, her family, and the community that surrounds her. Using film, music, and visual art, we will examine the tragedy that is at the heart of this novel. In particular, we will focus on the novel’s references to Greek mythology and W.E.B. DuBois’ concept of double-consciousness. We will also examine the impact of history, culture, and geography on the people who inhabit the novel, helping students to deepen their understanding of plot structure, narrative voice, and figurative language. Students will be encouraged to use their reading of the text to examine their own ideas about race, color, gender, self-esteem, beauty, and love.

 

 

• Dates: July 13 - August 7 (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
• Time: 11 am EST
• Grades: Rising 8-12
• Teacher: Eric Novod
• Prerequisites: None
• Materials required: Access to a Spotify account (the free version is fine) 

Become a master jazz listener this summer! To develop a true appreciation for this unique American art form, there is simply no substitute for diving in and listening to the music. We will spend each session listening to the work of a different master jazz musician. By focusing on each one, you will have the opportunity to absorb various jazz styles for personal enjoyment, musical understanding, and historical/cultural context. Students will be given access to weekly Spotify playlists and noteworthy articles for additional listening and reading opportunities.

 

 

• Dates: July 13 - August 7 (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
• Time: 1 pm EST
• Grades: Rising 8, 9, 10
• Teacher: Eric Novod
• Prerequisites: Ability to recognize notes on the Treble and Bass Clefs, and understanding of basic rhythmic notation (whole notes/rests through sixteenth notes/rests)

This course is intended for students who want to dedicate time to enhance their music theory skills. Each session will focus on a different topic considered essential for success in HL Music in grades 11 and 12: rhythmic dictation, time signatures, chordal theory, interval training, and more.

 

 

• Dates: July 13 - August 7 (Mondays and Thursdays)
• Time: 10 am EST
• Grades: Rising 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
• Teacher: Allison Poirot
• Prerequisites: None

Have you ever wondered why emotions sometimes seem to get the better of you? Or why people have such different expectations for one another based on age or gender? Have you ever thought about thinking? This course is designed to invite you to start answering these questions and more. You'll gain an overview of basic topics in psychology, including neurology (how your brain works), cognition (how we think and learn), development (how we age), and personality (how we express ourselves and relate to others). We will read texts, discuss key studies, watch videos, share examples, and relate personally to the topics described. Get ready to get metacognitive!

 

 

• Dates: July 13 - August 7 (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
• Time: 1 pm EST
• Grades: Rising 8, 9, 10
• Teacher: Katherine Arnold
• Prerequisites: None

Learn the fundamentals of nutrition as it relates to human well-being. We designed this course to help students develop an understanding of their eating behaviors that will have a positive impact on their current and future lifestyle. We will look at internal and external influences on our eating habits, individual nutritional needs, and planning meals for nutritional adequacy. 

 

 

• Dates: July 13 - August 7 (Mondays and Wednesdays)
• Time: 2 pm EST
• Grades: Rising 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
• Teacher: Matthew Moran
• Prerequisites: None

Inspired by the Stanford Design School's popular course on "designing your life," we will show you how to use design thinking to create a life that is both meaningful and full of joy. You will use the same design process as professionals to explore what energizes and engages you so that you can design a life that is rewarding for you.

 

 

• Dates: July 13 - August 7 (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
• Time: 2 pm EST
• Grades: Rising 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
• Teacher: Matthew Moran
• Prerequisites: None

Inspired by Dwight's successful Spark Tank program, learn to think like an entrepreneur by designing and developing your own idea into a product, service, or other type of business. Whether you have an idea of your own or would like to work on a team with others to create a new business enterprise, you will learn how to take an idea and turn in into a reality by building your own business!

 

In English Language Arts (MS), a course for grades 7 and 8, students develop literacy skills and build knowledge by reading, analyzing, and responding in writing to informational and literary texts. In this way, students improve comprehension, critical thinking skills, and writing ability. Students learn the fundamentals of organization, style, and content in order to analyze an author’s intent and strengthen their own writing. Students compose narrative, expository and argumentative works. The writing curriculum is enhanced through regular lessons on grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary. Since this course moves at a much faster pace than a year-long English course, it is recommended for students who have shown a strong competence in the subject and who can allocate a minimum of 6-10 hours a week for course work.

 

In Ancient World History, students will focus on geography by using the themes of location, place, movement, human-environment interaction and region to understand how civilizations gain, consolidate, and maintain power from the beginning of human existence to the Renaissance.  Students will also study the achievements, political structures, economics, and social structures of each civilization.  This course is organized around five essential questions that are designed to guide students' critical thinking skills and to help them compare and contrast civilizations throughout time and place.

1. How do people respond to their environments?
2. What causes conflict?  When conflicts end, are they resolved?
3. How do civilizations gain, consolidate, maintain and lose their power?
4. Do the benefits of globalization and interconnectedness outweigh the costs?
5. How is culture both a unifying and divisive force in human relations?

The assignments in this course will use the content of ancient world history and current events to develop students communication, digital literacy, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

 

Physical science is the study of matter and energy and can be divided into chemistry and physics.

Chemistry focuses on matter and energy at the scale of atoms and molecules. Chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, and interactions of matter. Important concepts in chemistry include physical and chemical changes, atoms, isotopes, periodic table, bonding, naming, balancing, chemical reactions, and acids/bases.

Physics focuses on matter and energy at all scales, from atoms to outer space. Physics is the study of energy and how it interacts with matter. Important concepts in physics include motion, forces (such as gravity), waves, and different forms of energy.

 

What are the start and end dates of the summer course?
Courses start Sunday, June 7, and end on Sunday, August 30. 

Are the summer courses asynchronous or synchronous? 
Most summer courses are primarily asynchronous (no live classes) because many students need maximum flexibility over the summer.  Teachers check-in regularly with students, and students may request office hours or one-to-one meetings with teachers as needed. Students in language courses will attend weekly meetings.

How many hours should my child expect to spend working on their summer course each week?
Though this varies from course to course, students should be able to dedicate six to ten hours per week on coursework.   

My child will be traveling a lot this summer.  Is there flexibility in terms of when work can be completed?
Summer courses are designed to have structure with flexibility.  Assignments are submitted weekly and are typically due Sundays at 11:59 pm. Students may obtain deadline extensions when needed to accommodate travel and other summer plans.  Students should take caution, however, to pace themselves over the duration of the summer and not to leave too much work to the end, when it may be difficult to finish.

What if my child doesn’t finish the course on time?
If your student is not able to complete a course by August 30, the Head of School may grant an extension. No extensions will be granted past Sunday, September 13.

Will my child receive a grade for the course?
Yes, your child will receive a Dwight transcript noting your child’s credit for the course and your child’s grade, on a scale of 1 to 100.

Is there a registration deadline?

Registration is open until Friday, June 19. Students who wish to register after this date should contact Koko Lawson at registar@dwight.global 

What is your cancellation policy?

Courses may be cancelled after June 24 for a refund of all but a $500 administrative fee.  After June 24, there are no cancellations, and the fee is non-refundable.

Will my child take a final exam?

Yes, students take a proctored, final exam in order to receive credit for the course.  The exam is video-proctored; students do not need to come in to a Dwight campus.