What to Do With Your Lawrence Teen This Summer

The Lawrence Township Summer Program is designed to meet the unique needs of diverse student populations. They offer a wide variety of stimulating courses that emphasize intellectual growth and skills development.

The program provides students with daily instruction (Monday through Thursday) and rich educational experiences in literature, fine and performing arts, writing, math, health/fitness, science, social studies and technology.

Parents may register from May 6 – June 20 by completing the registration form and returning it to the Middle School or Intermediate School main office. Enrollment is on a first-come, first- served basis and some eligibility requirements may apply.

Lawrence Township Public Schools reserve the right to cancel classes that do not have sufficient enrollment. Courses cancelled because of low enrollment are eligible for a full refund. Parents will be notified by June 24 if their child has been accepted into the program or placed on a waiting list. Only students from Lawrence Township are permitted to register.

Cost - $400 for (2) four week courses $200 for (2) two week courses

Families in need of financial assistance should contact Dave Adam (671-5531) or Mindy Milavsky (671-5521).

Refund policy is as follows:

Anytime up to July 1 - Full refund minus a $25 administration fee (except in cases where a course is cancelled for low enrollment). After July 1 but before July 8 - Fifty percent refund. After July 8 - No refund.

All courses are taught by certified teachers whose lessons are tied to the Common Core Content Area Standards. All programs will be held at Lawrence Middle School, with Session One running from 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and Session two running from 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Workshop Descriptions – Four Week Courses

#101: “Cardinal Clues” (Crime Scene Investigation and Reporting)

Students will have the opportunity as a class to investigate a staged crime scene, such as a burglary. The process will emphasize the importance of accurate note-taking, identifying/collecting/tagging evidence, at-scene photography, measurement, and gaining information through interviewing. Students will be encouraged to focus on the factual evidence presented before them, while continuing to keep an open mind to possibilities that do not readily present themselves. The concluding phase of the course will find students working in pairs or small groups to document their findings in a final report, with a subsequent class discussion taking place to consider results and apply them to a logical sequence of events which relate to how the “crime” was committed.

Instructor: Mr. Pelcz, Retired Hopewell Township Police Department, K-5 Teacher July 8 – August 1 Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

#102: "Finally, a Book I Like!" (rising 8th - 9th grade students)

Are you looking for books that actually deal with real life issues? Do you want to know how a friend deals with keeping a dangerous secret or what a girl might do if she has a bad reputation? What happens to boys when they join a gang? Many authors and readers explore these universal truths every day and so can you. During this workshop, we will read young adult literature about real teenage crises, and we'll discuss how these conflicts appear in our daily lives and how to solve them. Titles may include Thirteen Reasons Why, Speak, A Little Less Girl, and Looking for Alaska. Also, if you have a book you are dying to read, then we would love to hear about it and perhaps read it, too!

Instructor: Petrina Pappas, LA Teacher July 8 – August 1 Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

#103 Instrumental Music Camp

Do you play a band, jazz band (guitar, bass guitar, or piano) or orchestra instrument? Come join all the fun music at the Summer Instrumental Music Camp. During this 4 week session you will have the opportunity to continue to improve your playing skills while we learn individual and group songs. We will use a computer based program called Smart Music which can be tailored to all different levels of abilities. Beginners are welcome to join. Please specify your instrument on the registration form. At the conclusion of the program, a concert will be open to family and friends. Let's make this a very musical summer!

Instructor: Melissa Clark, Instrumental Music Teacher July 8 – August 1 Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

#104: Web Design, “Green” Technologies & Robotics

In this fun and exciting course, students will learn how to develop and design a personalized website that is well organized and grabs people’s attention. They will use their website to document their exploration of Robotics and “Green” Technologies. Beyond web design, the students will build solar powered race cars and electricity generating wind mills that they get to keep and take home. We will use these two items to explore and research concepts of “Green” technologies to discover why they are important to our future. After the “Green” Technologies experience, we will build robots and have class competitions that include such things as completing a certain task, obstacle courses, and table battles.

Instructor: Lonny Robtison, Technology Teacher July 8 – August 1 Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.#105: “Lights, Camera, Action”

Students in the "Lights, Camera, Action" Theater class will practice basic acting techniques and work with a partner or in small groups to present short dialogues. Students will learn techniques of improvisation as well as reading and delivering a written piece. Students will also write short scenes together and act them out as a class. The class will culminate with a play of short vignettes which will cover the genres of drama and comedy.

Instructor: Bridget Bail, LMS Drama Director July 8 – August 1 Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

#106: “Get a Jump Start on Health” Fun and Fitness for Teens

This program is designed to help middle school students get healthy and fit in a fun way. Teens will learn the importance of nutrition and how great nutrition can help to create a foundation for good health. In addition, teens will have the opportunity to learn basic cooking skills so they can show off their cooking ability for family and friends. Using real-life kitchen appliances, we’ll whip up some tasty treats while observing important kitchen safety rules. Last but not least, we’ll head toward the great outdoors to work off some calories while romping and exercising in our well-tended sports fields. So bring yourself, bring some friends, and get a jump start on your health!

Instructor: Kristin Kuziora, Health and Physical Education Teacher July 8 – August 1 Time: 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

#107: Modern Music Mania: Instrumental Boot Camp

Are you ready to take your music skills to the next level? Have you ever wanted to learn the tricks of the music trade? Then music boot camp is for you! Using modern styles of music such as pop, blues and jazz we will explore chord progressions, improvising and music composition. On your instrument of study we will focus on proper playing, practicing and phrasing (including breathing and bowing) techniques. The camp will end with a small music performance to celebrate our learning! All instruments are welcomed; there is something for everyone at Instrumental Boot Camp! Please specify your instrument and if you are currently borrowing a district instrument on your registration form.

Instructor: Sharin Rello, Instrumental Music Teacher July 8 – August 1 Time: 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

#108: Genocide (rising 8th - 9th grade students)

Students will learn the history of intolerance and bigotry by analyzing the history of genocide. Human rights violations and challenges to social justice will be discussed and students will witness how events led to acts of atrocity in places such as Armenia, Bosnia, Rwanda, and Darfur and to groups such as Jews and Native Americans. Recognition and prevention will be discussed through issues of conscience, ethics, and moral responsibility. Students will participate in independent and collaborative activities.

. Instructor: Shannon Stromenger, Social Studies Teacher July 8 – August 1 Time: 10:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

#109: Conversaciónes

Do you really want to learn to speak Spanish? Then turn off Dora the Explorer and come be a part of “Conversaciones”! This 4-week IMMERSION Spanish course will be taught primarily in SPANISH, and focuses on pronunciation, language comprehension, and building communication skills. Students will learn to communicate in Spanish through a variety of interactive activities, including songs, dialogues, and basic conversations. Students should expect to leave this course knowing how to initiate and hold conversations in various situations, including but not limited to: meeting someone for the first time, a visit to the doctor, and a shopping excursion.

Instructor: Senorita Katz, Spanish Teacher July 8 – August 1 Time: 10:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

#110: "Let Your Creative Juices Flow!"

Are you a creative writer hoping to publish your work? Are you looking for people who feel the same way? If you are hoping to continue improving your writing style, would like to enter writing competitions, and/or would like to publish in Literary Nation next school year, then this workshop is for you! We'll let our creative juices flow as we write...whatever we want! We will enjoy the opportunity to focus on writing short stories, poetry, lyrics, and memoirs!

Instructor: Petrina Pappas, Language Arts Teacher July 8 – August 1 Time: 10:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

Workshop Descriptions – 2 Week Courses

#201: Mosaics

Students will begin their journey of mosaic making by studying mosaics dating back over 4,000 years from Rome, China, Italy and Mexico. Using the art of our past, we will create our own mosaic projects, including a hang able mirror and sun catcher, and will use glass, mirrors, ceramics and found objects to create original works of art. To help in our creation, we will explore the world of tessellations and how math can help in artistic designs in creating patterns. The work of famous artist MC Escher, who is most known for his mathematical artworks, also will be studied to help enhance our mosaic creations.

Upon completion of their personal mosaics, students will travel to The Art Museum of Princeton University to see the newly reinstalled Roman Mosaic Restoration Project, where students will speak to museum curators to learn how the mosaics were restored and their importance on future art.

For this mosaic class, students will need to bring a hammer, kitchen towel and ten15-gallon zip lock bags.

Instructor: Jen Skorupa, Art Teacher July 8 - July 18 Time: 9:00 -10:30 a.m.

#202: “Windows Movie Maker 101”

Get a head start on what you’ll need to succeed at LMS and beyond! This course will focus on learning and using cool, creative video tools that can be used for school projects and presentations. You will create your own video, download music, record a narrator’s track, and apply special effects and transitions. This class is ideal for beginners or for those who want to improve their video editing skills.

Instructor: Priscilla Taylor, G&T Teacher July 8 – July 18 Time: 9:00 -10:30 a.m.

#203: “Pirates!” From Blackbeard to Jack Sparrow, adventurous pirates have captured our attention with their tales of treasure, scary deeds, and infamous pirate language (Avast matey!). This LMS class will explore pirate culture as we navigate both history and language arts – along this route, we’ll investigate the history of privateering. Plus, you’ll create your own notorious pirate character and write a stormy short story worthy of any pirate’s gold.

Instructor: Priscilla Taylor, G&T Teacher July 8 - July 18 Time: 10:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

Workshop Descriptions – 2 Week Courses

(Choose 2)#204: History of Rock and Roll

This course will trace the roots of rock 'n roll from its origins in blues and rock 'ability to present day styles. In addition to the musical styles, students will also look at the cultural, economic and social influences that shaped the American musical phenomena.

Instructor: Shannon Stromenger, Social Studies Teacher July 8 – July 18 Time: 9:00 -10:30 a.m.

#205: American Film

Using films and clips from many American original and newer classics, students will explore film history and American culture by learning vocabulary, analyzing films, and viewing films for their purpose in economics and as an art.

Instructor: Shannon Stromenger Social Studies Teacher July 22 - August 1 Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

#206: 90-Second Newbery Filmmaking Class

The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is a video contest in which filmmakers of any age are challenged to make movies, 90 seconds or less, that tell the entire story of a Newbery award winning book. During the first week of this two-week summer class, students will read the 2013 Newbery Award winning novel, The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. While reading, students also will plan and storyboard their ideas for a 90-second Newbery film. During the second week of class, students will shoot and edit their video for submission to the contest. Students will learn basic storyboarding and video editing, as well as how to tell a story visually.

For more information about the novel: http://theoneandonlyivan.com/ For more information about the film festival: http://jameskennedy.com/90-second-newbery/

Instructor: Gabrielle Casieri, School Librarian July 22 – August 1 Time: 10:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m.