Intensives Week at New Roots happens twice a year, in the fall and spring seasons. Students choose from a wide array of elective courses that they study in depth with a teacher and a group of peers all day for a whole week. Intensives Week is also an ideal time for an internship or educational trip. Students earn .25 elective or core subject area credits towards graduation for their Intensives Week course.
One of the most exciting aspects of Intensives Week is that it allows teachers to bring their passions and avocations to their teaching, expressing their full range of interests and talents. It also allows for sustained learning of depth and relationship-building between teachers and students that is difficult to achieve in other contexts. Students and staff alike look forward to these opportunities to fully engage with one another around areas of mutual interest and passion.
As a point of interest -- some students chose “intensive” preparation for Regents exams, too, attacking the task with great gusto -- sometimes right through the lunch hour!! I should have snapped a photo of Ms. Audrey’s “mastery box,” which makes review of the extensive body of knowledge that is US History into a science. In addition to helping students feel confident about their exam preparation, this option supports the development of study skills and strategies that will serve students well throughout their educational careers.
No matter what choice a student makes, Intensives Week is a change of pace that offers new opportunities and challenges. And it's a lot of fun, too!
