“The world of (traditional) education is like an island where people, cut off from the world, are prepared for life by exclusion from it. “
-Maria Montessori
Community Apprenticeships chosen from student interest areas
Cushnoc Academy’s Middle School Program
(grades 7-8)
Hallmarks
Academic Rigor. Apprenticeship. Diversity.
~~Persist in learning~~
~~Become an apprentice~~
~~Embrace Diversity~
Middle School years have long been recognized as ones marked by change. The Middle Schooler begins to, consciously or unconsciously, search for something meaningful. At the same time, the peer group is of greater influence. We honor this unique stage, filled with new horizons, with independent, authentic work in the wider community—another bridge from the in-house classroom to the outside world. Peers will take on an expanded role for their other classmates by acting as a sounding board, support system, and audience for each classmate’s independent project for the year. Each student will immerse himself or herself in an interest area (examples—community service, career-shadowing, or authentic research or working for our Cushnoc Trading Post). Each student becomes a true apprentice.
Forensic Science
”Forensic science is like a puzzle to me. I love solving mysteries and figuring out how things fit together. I am fascinated with fingerprints, DNA, and analyzing evidence. During my apprenticeship, I will be working with someone who works at the Maine State Crime Lab. I will dissect a fetal pig and work with a facial reconstruction kit. I will set up a fake crime scene with my classmates and solve it. My classmates will act as suspects and witnesses. In the end, I will make a presentation about my project. The apprenticeship is important because it gives us students a head-start as to what we want to do when we grow up. “
Fighting Poverty in Mexico
”The rough draft of this statement was consumed in drawings. I can’t seem to stop making art wherever I am! Which gave me an idea.--maybe my artwork could help those in need. I also wanted to experience something new—a new place. Yes, I want to travel, fight poverty, and do artwork all at once. I chose an impoverished province in Mexico—Oaxaca. In January 2011, My mom and I went there and observed local poverty, which I learned was very complex. We visited local villages and an orphanage, Hijos de la Luna (Children of the Moon). I will raise money by selling my artwork. It will be used to benefit the orphanage and fund scholarships for Mexican children to go to secondary school. I am taking my first step in saving the world.”