2020 Summer Classes

This course will focus in on the development and choices that writers use to move a plot along. The class will spend time on evaluating the use of language elements and comparisons between multiple text.
Text will come from a variety of sci-fi and fantasy short stories and novellas.
Students will be expected to discuss, annotate, and evaluate literature while using their writing skills to persuade, compare, and create topics and themes set fourth by the course readings.

In this course, students continue to develop higher level English language skills through the integration of critical thinking in reading, writing, and discussion. Themes such as loneliness, conformity, ambition and destiny are explored in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. In addition, students read and discuss a range of classic and contemporary literature including poetry, essays, periodicals, music and film.

In preparation for college level writing, students compose argumentative, expository and narrative works. Teaching and assessment focuses on depth of ideas, organization of writing, and the ability to use language effectively and correctly. The writing curriculum is enhanced through regular lessons on grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary.

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 English Language & Literature for grades 11 & 12, students build, read, analyze and respond in writing to informational and literary texts while continuing to build knowledge in preparation for college-level writing and reading. The reading level required, the complexity of critical thinking required, and the expectations for writing all increase as students advance through the high school English curriculum. Students use the tools 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.  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.

This course covers a range of basic vocabulary and grammatical structures. Students will learn the Spanish alphabet and numbers, how to describe people and themselves, give opinions and express what they like or don’t like to do, and talk about food.

The grammatical structures covered include the concept of feminine and masculine nouns, plural, forming negatives, regular verbs in the present tense, and the irregular verbs “to have” and “to be.” Students will begin learning a range of reading strategies, and to describe and respond to visual and written text. They start to produce language orally, working on intonation and pronunciation. In writing, students will work within the conventions of a limited number of text types.

This course builds upon the material covered in Spanish I. Students will learn to conversational topics ranging from daily routines, shopping, and finding one’s way around, to planning a party, sports, and leisure activities. The grammatical structures covered include conjugation of regular and irregular verbs, and making negative statements; and a review of possessive adjectives and numbers. We introduce reflexive verbs, the preterit tense, and the immediate future. Students continue to gain the skills they need to make comparisons between their own culture and those of the Spanish-speaking world. They also gain a better understanding of writing with a sense of audience, purpose, and context; and begin to practice using a variety of text types.

Spanish III is a course designed to give students the opportunity to communicate in Spanish as well as to continue developing world language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will develop and expand upon their prior knowledge and communicative skills at their own pace, but with a common goal. At the conclusion of the course, all students will be able to engage in conversations; provide and obtain information; express feelings and emotions; and exchange opinions in the present, conditional, future, and past tenses of Spanish.

Spanish IV builds on skills learned in Spanish I, II, and III. Students will continue to sharpen listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through activities based on proven methods of foreign language instruction.

To start, students will study work, sports and vacation vocabulary. Next, topics of study include society, the arts and media. Through these topics students learn to express themselves using an ever-increasing vocabulary and increasingly complex grammatical structures with the present, past, future, conditional and subjunctive-tense verbs, articles, and adjectives. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to the culture of the Spanish-speaking world to advance their understanding of its people, geographical locations, and history.

Pre-algebra is an introductory algebra course. The course is designed to introduce students to abstract mathematics concepts and thinking and begin to develop the concept of pro-numeration. Students learn how to apply mathematical expressions, equations, and graphs to various real-life examples and how to represent situations using multiple facets. Students apply their algebra skills through graphing, order of operations, linear equations, linear inequalities, logic, rational and irrational numbers, radicals, proportions, and applications of percentages. This course provides students many opportunities to demonstrate their mastery of pre-algebra.

Algebra I focuses on the elementary rules of mathematics, building a strong foundation for future mathematics courses. The curriculum includes solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, simplifying exponential and radical expressions, and exploring polynomials. Students learn various ways to solve quadratic and rational equations. Discussions are frequent to relate these topics to various real-life situations.

This course provides a variety of assessments for students, as they express their mathematical knowledge through group work, unit exams, projects, and investigations.

This course focuses on the theorems of Euclid, with some formal proofs. It emphasizes student understanding of the concepts and properties of these theorems and their application to numerical and problem-solving situations.

After the study of triangle properties, students are introduced to the three basic trigonometric ratios and their application to real-life situations. Students work on problems involving two- and three-dimensional objects; and the calculation of area, surface area, and volume. Assessment includes daily homework, quizzes, tests, projects, investigations, and a final examination.

This course is a highly rigorous fast-moving class designed for strong and passionate math students. The course does not meet weekly; instead, students contact the teacher with questions.

The Algebra II & Trigonometry course allows students to develop skills in understanding mathematical concepts and principles and apply their skills to solve problems related to real-world situations. The course focuses on the use of technology and inquiry-based learning.

The curriculum includes algebraic systems of equations and inequalities; sequences and series; direct and inverse variation; statistics; probability; permutations and combinations; and the study of different forms of functions, including trigonometric functions. Investigation tasks and independent and collaborative project work form part of the multiple formative and summative assessments with emphasis on communication and reasoning, using mathematical language. Student appreciation and understanding the value of mathematics in the real world is encouraged.

This is a one-year course in which students learn a number of essential topics in statistics. During the year, students will be introduced to major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students begin with an exploration of set theory and probability. Following this, students will learn how to use descriptive statistics to effectively summarize sets of data.

The course will then transition into more challenging concepts such as making predictions based on various distribution models, regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and mathematical modeling.

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to work on real-world tasks in which they will get the opportunity to utilize the mathematical concepts learned. In addition to the class’s core coursework, each student will design and implement a major culminating independent statistical study.

This course gives students from Dwight's Standard Level Algebra II & Trigonometry classes the skills needed to be successful in IB Math SL. Students complete an in-depth study of functions as well as trigonometry. Students will also have the opportunity to expand their knowledge in topics such as exponents and logarithms and transformation. Please note that this is a zero-credit course.

Students need Ms. Hamilton's permission to enroll.

The pre-calculus course is designed to develop student understanding of the theoretical concepts of mathematics. Topics include the algebra of functions, including quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. This course also covers trigonometric functions including definitions, identities, and trigonometric equations, applications, as well as properties and graphs of trigonometric functions. Lastly, we will work with limits, rates and derivatives. Technology will be used regularly to reinforce the relationships among the multiple representations of functions, to confirm written work, to implement experimentation and to assist in interpreting results. With these core concepts and the actual rigor of the course work, students will be equipped with the skills necessary for success. Assessments consist of homework, in-class quizzes and tests, and mathematical discussions.

The study of Earth science includes many different fields, including geology, meteorology, oceanography, climatology, meteorology, environmental science and astronomy. This is an overview course of all these topics. Earth system science provides a physical basis for understanding the world in which we live and upon which humankind seeks to achieve sustainability. Included in this course are many applications of how the earth sciences have a direct effect on our lives. Concepts and skills are reinforced with an emphasis on real-life applications, projects, and experimental experiences.

This course provides an introduction to the unity and diversity of life, from the molecular to the community level, from an evolutionary perspective. It focuses on the interrelationship between the structure and function of living things, and students explore the effects of human interaction with the natural environment.

Frequent laboratory experiences will augment the knowledge students gain through class study. This course provides students with an exceptional basic background for further study in biology or environmental science.

The Chemistry course is a standards-based study of fundamental chemical concepts, such as atomic theory and its relation to chemical behavior, chemical bonding, the mole and stoichiometry, molecular kinetics, energy relationships, solution dynamics, acids-bases, and nuclear interactions. Concepts and skills are reinforced by an emphasis on real-life applications and lab applications.

Anatomy and Physiology is a course that will enable students to develop an understanding of the relationships between the structures and functions of the human body. Students will also learn the
mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within the human body. This course will involve laboratory activities, projects, models, diagrams, and clinical studies. Topics will include: cells and chemical reactions, types of tissues, and studies of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and our senses, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, and digestive. Prerequisites: Students should have successfully completed biology before taking this course. It is suggested that students have also successfully completed chemistry but may take it concurrently with this course.

The Physics course is a fundamental study of physics concepts, including science practices, kinematics in one and two dimensions, forces and Newton's Laws of Motion, work and energy, momentum and impulse, circular motion and gravitation, waves and electromagnetic radiation, and electric currents and circuits. Concepts and skills will be reinforced with real-life applications and lab simulation activities. Students should have completed Algebra II and completed some trigonometry topics (SOH CAH TOA) previous to taking this course.

Environmental Science is a rigorous curriculum designed to allow highly motivated students to conduct an in-depth study of the Earth and Environmental Sciences. Emphasis is placed on the human interactions with the geologic and environmental systems, predictability of a dynamic Earth, origin and evolution of the Earth system and universe, geochemical cycles and energy in the Earth system.

The Chemistry Honors course is a rigorous study of chemical concepts, such as atomic theory and its relation to chemical behavior, chemical bonding, the mole and stoichiometry, molecular kinetics, thermodynamic relationships, solution dynamics, acids-bases, and nuclear interactions. Emphasis is placed on the utilization of mathematical, analytical, data acquisition, and communication skills as well as interdisciplinary approaches to discovery. Concepts and skills are reinforced by a strong emphasis on real-life applications and lab simulation activities. Successful completion of this course will prepare students for both the SAT Chemistry Subject test and college Chemistry.

In this course, students focus on the social, political, and economic evolution of the United States. The course is divided into three thematic sections: the developing nation, forces of change, and the road to modernization.

Critical periods of change in U.S. history will be emphasized, including the Revolution and early national period, Jacksonian democracy and Indian removal, causes and consequences of the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Gilded Age, the Great Depression and the New Deal, World War II America, the Civil Rights Movement, and the rise of globalism.

Focusing in this way allows students to look deeply into these major turning points that have shaped the United States today. Students continue to develop key skills such as critical thinking through discussion and debate, and research paper writing. Students will also learn to create and support historical arguments through primary and secondary sources.

This course takes a close look at modern world history. Students seek to understand political, social, and economic world issues from 1890 to the present. While ancient and medieval histories are both covered briefly, the emphasis will be on the modern world. Students will focus on critical periods of change, including the rise of globalism, World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and 9/11.

This course is intended to provide students with a clear understanding of the history of world cultures and civilizations. Emphasis is placed on seeing the connections between history and contemporary questions and issues. Students are introduced to a wide range of viewpoints in an effort to understand the richness of diverse cultural traditions across the globe.

Primary sources are emphasized, not only to complement the historical narrative, but also as a way to promote critical and analytical thinking. In addition, students will develop their research and writing skills, along with critical thinking through discussion and debate.

This course covers the complete story of American government and politics, from the country’s founding up to the present. Students explore the ideals that the United States was founded upon, and their lasting influence on the nation’s politics through in-depth research, discussion, and debate. 

The goal of this course is to empower students to engage in government as informed citizens. Students will be able to describe the structure, historical development, and functions of government, and develop their own opinions of necessity and validity.

This course is an introduction to micro and macro-economic concepts. Students learn how local economies develop and explore ideal pricing and resource allocation governed by supply and demand, and how different economies interact to form a global marketplace. Through application of fundamentals from mathematics, students learn to quantify and articulate descriptions of these economies and their interactions. At the conclusion of this course, students will have a better understanding of local and global economies, and their place in both.

This class encourages students to develop a personal interest in, and enthusiasm for, psychology, and to prepare students to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices. It is an introduction to the history, development, and practice of psychology.

Throughout this class students are encouraged to engage in the process of psychological inquiry to develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with inquiring minds. By the end of this course, students will have an understanding of the relationship between psychology and social, cultural, scientific and contemporary issues and its impact on everyday life.

This class will give you an understanding of the essential knowledge and skills needed to set up and run a small business.

The structure of the course allows you to focus on your interests, and the areas which you feel will benefit you most, such as exploring business development, investigating accounting systems, or an introduction to market research.

This class has been developed to give you an opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

In health, students will learn about the major systems in the human body. Some of the systems students will examine include the digestive system, excretory system, circulatory system, and nervous system. Students will also learn about the importance of nutrition, exercise, and proper hydration as well as how to recognize when stress and differentiate between good and bad stress. Each module will encourage students to learn about the topic, process the material, and reflect on their own daily routines and habits. For example during our nutrition unit, students will study the different ways they can fuel the body, and then take a closer look at what they eat and how many calories they consume in order to analyze the quality of the food they eat. As a class, we will also discuss current events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where students will compare current events to past pandemics and evaluate the impact of local and global containment measures.

Computer Science (Python) is an introductory course in procedural programming using the Python programming language. No prior programming experience is required. Some of the programing constructs that will be covered include loops, condition, statements, variables, data types, data structures, functions, and user input and output. Student's will be exposed to monte carlo simulation, sorting algorithms. and recursions in order to develop an appreciation for how programming can be used as a tool for problem solving.

Object Oriented Programming (Java) is a summer course designed for students with experience in procedural programming who would like to learn object oriented programming (OOP). Some of the programming concepts that will be covered include, encapsulation, polymorphism, inheritance, data Structures (Arrays, ArrayLists), classes, abstract classes and interfaces. This course is strongly advised for students who are interested in taking AP Computer Science.