The Phoenix Program: Grades 4 - 6 |
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Twice-exceptional children negotiate a complex world, both socially and academically. At this stage of development, it is critical to provide 2e students with the support they need to transition to the rigorous demands of a college-prep high school and life beyond. The Bridges Phoenix Program helps develop curiosity, self-esteem, creativity, empathy, social thinking, resilience, autonomy, executive functioning, decision-making, and productivity. The Bridges Phoenix Program considers the unique learning profiles of asynchronous learners. Students receive comprehensive services that accentuate positive growth socially, academically, and emotionally.
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
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Phoenix Math
The Phoenix Math program covers content from basic mathematics to pre- algebra. Each class caters to the individual needs of the students and moves at a pace that accommodates each student’s abilities. There are opportunities for the students to develop their skills through guided, math-related projects. The curriculum is presented through engaging group work, direct instruction and math games to develop enthusiasm and appreciation for the role of mathematics in our lives. Phoenix Science In this sequence, students learn about the processes and structures related to our beautiful Earth. We explore the atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere and they do so as scientists. We also explore biological sciences of the human body, all the while knowing that the earth and biology are intricately interconnected. We work both individually and in teams to complete laboratory experiments, analyze and interpret data, tackle research projects, present findings through written and oral presentations and relate what they learn to daily life. Phoenix Humanities Phoenix Humanities explores the people, ideas, and events that have shaped the world into what it is today. The students’ journey through history uses art, science, philosophy, literature, and technology as tools for learning about the past. They also learn how to become full participants in history by developing their reading, writing, and research skills. By learning about ancient cultures, they formulate questions that will help them learn about their own culture and, ultimately, themselves. Project-based and Problem-based Intersessions Twice per year the Phoenix students actively engage in project- or problem-based learning experiences. The students work in interest or talent areas of their choice to help solve a problem or create a finished project as a group. These projects can be subject-based such as a study of baseball and statistics in Math, or a Humanities project like the study of Rome or Egypt — complete with the building of a pyramid, the mummification of a fish, or the building of The Coliseum. An example of a Science project might be the study of astronomy and how the stars, moons and planets affect life on Earth. These sessions last approximately two weeks. Students will choose to work as a scientist, artist, writer, statistician, builder or musician depending on the student's own interest or talent. Advisory We offer a rich advisory curriculum. While we infuse these topics into every class and every moment of the day, we also take the time to focus specifically on development of social and emotional intelligence and executive functioning. Topics include, but are not limited to, teamwork, community building, hygiene, nutrition, public speaking, budgeting, finance, and civics. Students and advisors develop rich, collaborative relationships that support the students and families throughout the year. |
Phoenix Drama
Phoenix Drama helps students develop skills including physical and focus preparation, performance exercises and the ability to shift focus. Through classic improv games by masters like Viola Spolin, and by performing a culminating short dramatic interpretation, students enhance awareness of themselves and others, and participate meaningfully as part of a group. Phoenix Art This course coordinates a variety of art activities and integrates the study of art history and art, which coincides with the humanities curriculum, aesthetics and art production. Students explore original ideas through a variety of media, and develop a portfolio of class projects to be included on their website. Phoenix Music Program Phoenix Music Program introduces students to standard instruments, performance styles, technology, and media in music. Students are introduced to a new instrument/topic each week. Topics include: Percussion, Voice, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Technology, History & Appreciation, World Instruments, Rock Band and Special Guest Performers. After a warm-up drum circle, most break into smaller groups for listening sessions and teacher demonstrations. The lesson ends with all students getting hands on time with the instrument of the week. The class culminates with a full-scale band experience where students get to rotate around all instruments in a real rock band setting. Phoenix Fitness This class makes all kinds of sports fun and accessible for all students. Students are introduced to a range of sports and games, and practice the skills and teamwork, which allow them to succeed in these and other cooperative activities. Students are assessed on their positive participation in activities, commitment to always trying their best, and cooperating respectfully with teachers and peers. Phoenix Enrichment Clusters Enrichment clusters are full-day classes scheduled every Friday (unless there is an Intersession project) in which students explore new or familiar areas of interest, passion or talent. Enrichment clusters may include Phoenix Newspaper, Game Theory, Cooking, Music, Film and Film Criticism, just to name a few. |
Student Support Facilitator
Our Student Support Facilitator provides multiple ways of working with our Phoenix students and faculty, providing support both in the classrooms, in small groups and individual discussions. The student support helps build verbal and non verbal communication skills, listening skills, problem solving, appropriate expressions of emotions, effective methods for self-regulations, conflict management, self-reflection, self-advocacy and building confidence throughout the entire school life of the Phoenix student.
Our Student Support Facilitator provides multiple ways of working with our Phoenix students and faculty, providing support both in the classrooms, in small groups and individual discussions. The student support helps build verbal and non verbal communication skills, listening skills, problem solving, appropriate expressions of emotions, effective methods for self-regulations, conflict management, self-reflection, self-advocacy and building confidence throughout the entire school life of the Phoenix student.
