2017 MCDS Minimester Catalogue

2017 Minimester Course Catalogue Minimester is a one-week program for all Miami Country Day Upper School students. Minimester affords our students the opportunity to explore exciting and innovative courses that are not part of the regular curriculum, but, at the same time, courses that we recognize as vehicles to provide them with the necessary skills to be competitive as 21st century learners. They are rich educational opportunities that will leave them with lasting learning experiences and memories.

This catalogue contains the course descriptions for Minimester, which will run for four days during the week of March 20-24, 2017 (with some traveling experiences commencing the weekend before and/or extending into the weekend after). Please read each course description carefully, as you make your list of top choices.

Registration this year will be completed through SignUpGenius. Using this platform, students will no longer need to rank their top five choices and hope to be placed in one of them; students will see what is available to them in real time. The registration links will go live first to seniors, then juniors, sophomores and freshman. Please see the calendar at the end of this catalogue for the important dates.

It is recommended (not required) that students and parents use the space below to record their top choices in case their first choice is full by the time they go to register. When creating this list, please keep in mind your interests and your schedule for that week, as well as any costs. Varsity athletes must keep in mind that they should not participate in courses that require leaving town on overnight excursions. It is a requirement that parents provide consent for their child to sign up for Minimester courses; this year the form is available on My Country Day, and is due on September 6th by 4pm.

Please note: Students are required to complete a Minimester each year you attend the Upper School.

Attendance is required and any unexcused absences during that week will result in not having sufficient credits to graduate.

Enjoy! Wonder! Explore! Minimester courses have been developed to help you truly become the Whole Child. Take advantage of the expertise of your teachers and the fantastic educational opportunities they are providing. Minimester is here for you…go for it! !

MY TOP CHOICES ARE… 1. _______________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________ 4. _______________________________________________ 5. _______________________________________________ Experience…Wonder…Create…Delve…Inquire…Enjoy…Seek…Lead…Learn…Marvel…Discover…Share…Appreciate…LIVE

ARTS / DESIGN A Survey of Visual Art Faculty: Mr. Ordonez and Ms. Schultz Class Size: 20 Course Objective: To expose and enhance the student's experience with visual art and to encourage them to think critically about the artworks that that they encounter both within and beyond the museum setting.

Course Description: Interested in video art, photography, painting, drawing and other forms of the visual arts!? Look no further! This class will visit various world-renowned galleries and public museums right here in South Florida. We will tour a broad spectrum of private and public art collections, which house priceless artworks, rare to see in person. Be prepared to be immersed in a wide array of intriguing art that will flood your senses and inspire you to look at the world in a new and unique way.

Anticipated cost: $40 Cost Includes: entrance fees A Total Immersion in the Performing Arts Faculty: Mr. D’Angelo and TBD Class Size: 15 Course Objective: To become enthusiastic patrons of the South Florida arts community and lifelong theater-goers.

Course Description: This course introduces students to the fine cultural institutions that South Florida has to offer and provides them with an immersion experience in theatre and live performance. Students will watch performances either during the day or the evening (based on performance availability). Students will also be given an introduction to acting and have the opportunity to perform monologues, scenes, or songs in their own culminating showcase. The show choices could include Slow Burn's Big River, the Broward Center's Something Rotten, The Florida Grand Opera's Before Night Falls, and Actors Playhouse's All the Way, as well as a guided tour of the Arsht Center.

Anticipated cost: $250 Cost Includes: Tickets to performances for students and chaperones. Depending on price of tickets, we may arrange a group pre-show dinner on one evening.

Design Lab - An Exploration in Fashion Design Faculty: Ms. Pitchman and Mr. Pineda Class Size: 20 Course Objective: The objective of the course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of sewing and fashion design.

Course Description: The course covers machine basics, sketching, measuring, beginning pattern making, cutting, construction, and to that we are adding 3D printing, laser cutting and digital printing. Student will enjoy learning these valuable life skills and discovering the latest advances in wearable technology. The goal is to learn, experiment, and create a wearable garment using all the skills the students will be taught.

Anticipated cost: $450 Cost Includes: All materials and daily lunch Lights, Cameras, Action: Studying the “Silver Screen” Faculty: Ms. Gallup Class Size: 15 Course Objective: Students learn to think about film as more than simply entertainment.

Course Description: Do you enjoy going to the movies? Do you appreciate film as an art form? Have you ever wondered what leads some films to be deemed classics, while others are dismissed as popcorn fare? If so, this is the minimester for you! You will learn about the tricks of the trade and be able to talk intelligently about how directors create their cinematic masterpieces, along with learning about how the moviegoer’s experience has evolved over time. We will study films within the classroom, and we will take field trips to several of South Florida’s best and most interesting theaters (such O Cinema in Wynwood and Regal South Beach). Popcorn is optional!

Anticipated Cost: $100.00 Cost Includes: admission to all the films we see, the food I provide during the week, one lunch out, and the book I give them at the start of the week

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Potter’s Wheel Faculty: Ms. Mistor Class Size: 10 Course Objective: Students will learn the basics of throwing, trimming, and glazing functional pottery created on the potter's wheel.

Course Description: You can be an artist! The Pottery Mini-“Mistor” course offers students a week-long immersion into all aspects of wheel-throwing pottery: centering the clay, pulling the wall, throwing various forms (such as cylinders, vases, plates and bowls), exposure to the trimming process in order to create a “foot” for a finished piece of pottery, learning about the firing process, making creative glaze choices, pulling handles for cups, mugs and pitchers, etc.

Students will take turns on/off the wheel, on a rotational basis, and will have plenty of hands-on time to hone their skills and create a variety of decorative and functional ware. When not actively throwing pottery on the wheel, students will be completing other tasks and activities related to the process of pottery-making. The instruction will be individualized, with each student progressing at his/her own pace. A mandatory post-minimester commitment from each student will be required, since pieces produced on the last two days will need to be glazed and fired the following week. Note: the size of the class is determined by studio space/constraints.

Anticipated cost: $50 Cost Includes: Materials (clay and glazes). Lunch is provided in the cafeteria since it is on campus.

LAW Our Court System in Action Faculty: Ms. Allen and Ms. Dorn Class Size: 10 Course Objective: To familiarize students with the different phases of our judicial system through observation of and interaction with judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and corrections officers in the Miami-Dade court system.

Course Description: If you are an aspiring attorney or have an interest in the court system, this Minimester is for you!

“Our Court System in Action” will give students the chance to experience the legal system from the perspective of our local county and circuit judges as well as prosecuting and defense attorneys. Over the course of four days, you will have the opportunity to spend time in court with judges and attorneys from the criminal, civil, family, juvenile, and dependency courts. Students will observe trials, hearings, and other proceedings that take place on a daily basis within our court system. On occasion students will have the opportunity to sit with the judge on the bench while the trial or hearing is taking place. The students will not only have the opportunity to observe the hearings, but will also have the opportunity to speak with judges and attorneys about what has taken place in court, ask questions, and learn the different aspects of law practiced within our legal system. During some of our lunch breaks, the students will eat with judges, public defenders, and prosecuting attorneys to gather insight only a few have the opportunity to experience. By the end of the week you will have a greater understanding of our legal system, the law, and what it takes to be a practicing attorney or judge.

Anticipated cost: $40 Cost Includes: lunch

COMMUNITY SERVICE Give Back to Miami Faculty: Dr. Conea and Mr. Lovett Class Size: 20 Course Objective: Students will engage in a variety of meaningful community service projects.

Course Description: Miami is a large and diverse city with a wide array of needs. At MCDS, we encourage students to find different ways to serve our community, at large. Give Back Miami is a community service minimester that addresses the different areas of concentration, including; environment, people, animals, health. Each day we will leave from campus to complete a new activity, working with the elderly in a senior center, feeding the homeless, working with animals and helping children in underserved communities and in a state park. Over the course of the week students will get to explore different service options earning a total of 25 service hours and have the satisfaction of giving back to Miami.

Anticipated cost: $25 and suggested donations to the selected organizations Cost Includes: t-shirt 3!

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WORLD CULTURE / TRAVEL Argentina: From Patagonia to Buenos Aires (departs Saturday, March 18th and returns Sunday, March 26th) Faculty: Mr. Miguez and Ms. Vargas Class Size: 15 Course Objective: Students will learn about the southern most part of the Americas and its different terrains from glaciers to urban living.

Course Description: 9 day-trip to Patagonia and Buenos Aires. Visit the southern most tip of Argentina. Explore breathtaking nature, learn about glaciology and walk on a pristine glacier! Bike around the European atmosphere of Buenos Aires and row in the widest river in the world!

Anticipated cost: $3,525 Cost Includes: Travel, hotels, meals (except for lunches), entrance fees, etc.

Costa Rica Eco Adventure (departs Sunday, March 19th and returns Friday, March 24th) Faculty: Ms. DeBlasio and Mr. Hernandez Class Size: 20 Course Objective: Students explore the ecology of beautiful Costa Rica through adventure. They come to appreciate the value of ecotourism as Costa Ricans (Ticos) treasure the beauty of their country.

Course Description: We fly to San Jose then bus to La fortuna to see the Arenal Volcano to start our adventure. Next day, we will have a thrill ride as we go zipping along the active Arenal Volcano. In the afternoon, we visit a local selfsustained farm where students see local plants growing and how the farmer makes energy from the waste products. On the third day, we move to the Pacuare River and begin our journey to the Pacuare River Adventure Lodge while white water rafting. Students learn about the rain forest by living in it for two nights. Rappelling down trees ,zip-lining through the forest give us a firsthand look at the environment and the fun Tarzan Swing. Students learn about the forest through lectures and focus on medicinal plants. On the second day here, we raft out of the forest and drive to Sitio de Mata. A nearby village in the mountains where the students will see how the locals live. We end the trip with a farewell dinner and on day 5 we reach San Jose again to fly back to Miami.

Anticipated cost: $2,500 Cost Includes: While in Costa Rica, the trip includes all meals, all hotels, all transportation, all tips, all equipment rentals, all rides, and all guides. Students generally bring about $200 cash in US. We are in the jungle for a good part of the trip, but there will be some town time for souvenir shopping. Students might have to pay for about two meals on their own when traveling.

Discover the Silk Road - China (departs Friday, March 17 and returns Saturday, March 25) Faculty: Mr. Rosas and Ms. Xu Class Size: 20 Course Objective: The focus of this trip is to introduce our children to the rich vibrant culture of China, from the early dynasties to China in the 21st century.

Course Description: Students will travel to China to experience and discover the beauty of China's rich 5000 year old culture. We will travel and see the vast regional and cultural differences between Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Students will be able to practice their Chinese language skills, while experience first hand the diverse cuisine, language and history of each region.

Anticipated cost: $3,500 Cost Includes: Travel, hotel, most meals (lunch and dinner), entrance fees and Visa cost. Some lunches will be on the students.

Galapagos Island Highlights (departs Saturday, March 18 and returns Sunday, March 26) Faculty: Mr. Scott Brennan and Ms. Paciorek Class Size: 20 Course Objective: The trip to the Galapagos Islands addresses the all Six Potentials with a special emphasis on the aesthetic qualities of natural environment and our need to consider ourselves stewards of the planet. (cont. on page 5) 4!

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Course Description: This private, 9-day adventure features a guided tour of Quito, Ecuador landmarks, including Independence Plaza, Government Palace, San Francisco Church, and Mitad del Mundo. Students will fly to the Galapagos to tour the Twin Craters, make a highlands visit, view lava tunnels, tour Isabela Island, visit wetlands, Playa del Amor, estuary tunnels, the Wall of Tears, and receive a guided tour of the Grand Tortoise Breeding Center and the Darwin Research Center. Additionally, students will view Flamingo Lake, hike Sierra Negra Volcano, and visit Purto Villamil Beach. There will be a snorkeling adventure in which students will visit Las Tintoreras, see marine iguanas, penguins and the mysterious Sally Lightfoot crabs. The all-inclusive adventure includes airfare, hotel, three meals a day, private bathrooms, and fully guided tours.

Anticipated cost: $3500 Cost Includes: Everything is included, but travel insurance is not factored into the price Jazz, Food and History in New Orleans (departs Monday, March 20th and returns Friday, March 24th) Faculty: Mr. Wicker and TBD Class Size: 18 Course Objective: To gain an appreciation for the culture and History of New Orleans; Discover why New Orleans is considered to be the birthplace of Jazz and the role it plays in the city at the present; To sample the cuisine of NOLA and understand why it is unique to New Orleans.

Course Description: Enjoy the wonderful Jazz, food and electrifying history of New Orleans in this stimulating, activity packed trip.

Anticipated Cost: $1,850 Cost Includes: Everything London Calling: A Literary, Historic and Cultural Immersion In All Things British (tentatively departs Friday, March 17th and returns Friday, March 24th) Faculty: Mr. Stephen Brennan and Ms. Pesce Class Size: 15 Course Objective: The purpose of the course is to provide students with an immersion experience in Britain's capital, taking in the variety of historical and cultural offerings available; from theatre to cuisine, royalty to football, Harry Potter to Jack the Ripper.

Course Description: From Shakespeare to Dickens, Elizabeth I to Harry Potter, experience a taste of British literature, theatre, and history. In our visit across the pond, we will take in all things Albion; touring famous literary, theatrical and historical sites, including the Globe Theatre, the Tower of London, and Harry Potter World. Further escapades will take us to the changing of the guard, Westminster Abbey, Parliament, and the London Eye. We'll take in an evening at London’s West End Theatre District, retrace the steps of Jack the Ripper, the Beatles and Winston Churchill. As well as all this, we'll visit London’s bohemian markets and high end neighborhoods, eat some of the city's wide and varied cuisine, and sing ourselves hoarse at a soccer match.

Anticipated Cost: $3,550 Cost Includes: flights, accommodations, breakfast daily, entrance fees (does not include: lunch and most dinners) Remember? The Alamo (tentatively, students will spend a day and a half on campus and Wednesday, March 22nd through Saturday, March 25th in San Antonio) Faculty: Dr. Davies and Ms. Kelly Class Size: 15 Course Objective: Learn the real history behind the Battle of the Alamo one of the most famous battles in American history.

Course Description: “Remember the Alamo,” is one of the most famous phrases in all of American history. Immortalized in books, song, popular movies and TV, the last stand at the Alamo provides a fascinating study of history and culture.

Much like the phrase, the physical structure of the Alamo itself, originally founded as Spanish mission in 1718, is iconic.

We will explore what “Remember the Alamo” means through a variety of different experiences including watching films, studying artifacts, class discussion and a “field trip” to San Antonio to visit the Alamo and other relevant historical sites. The tour of the Alamo will be led by a leading authority on the history of the Alamo. Other highlights of the trip will include historical bus and walking tours, a Segway ghost tour, and an evening stroll on the San Antonio river walk.

Anticipated cost: $1200 Cost Includes: Travel, tours, and breakfast (students will need money for lunch and dinner while in San Antonio) 5!

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JOURNALISM Miami Shooting Safari Faculty: Ms. Davis and Mr. Brown Class Size: 10 Course Objective: Participants will explore some the wonders of their community, create digital stories and gain or improve interviewing, writing and computer skills, all in four days.

Course Description: Uncover secrets that lie in our own backyard, right here in Miami, using a video camera, an interview, and some computer editing skills. Two of the days will be spent on campus, two out in the community and by the end of the fourth day, we'll have a short documentary letting people know how unique Miami can be. No prior experience needed.

Anticipated cost: $50 Cost Includes: Lunch and snack off campus 1 day, Flashdrive (8GB), Reporter's Notebook

MATH / SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY Make ‘n Hack V2.0 Faculty: Ms. Long and Mr. Cahill Class Size: 12 Course Objective: Designing & 3-D printing objects using CAD software, Programming Arduino Boards, and exploring technology interests Course Description: Make ‘n Hack V2.0 opens the Franco Innovation Center up for you to explore. What Will You Create? Always wondered how 3D printers work? Design your own idea using CAD software and print it. Curious how circuits work with programs? Could you turn your old gameboy into a drone controller? Use Arduino boards and simple coding to create your own tech gadgets and explore electronics.

Anticipated Cost: $75 Cost Includes: Materials for experiments and circuit projects Safari Adventure South FL Faculty: Mr. Sverkounos and Ms. Lucchi Class Size: 20 Course Objective: To gain an appreciation for biodiversity, and discover the issues facing endangered or threatened animals and plants through interactive hands-on experiences, presentations, and personal encounters with nature’s fascinating creatures.

Course Description: This is a local expedition throughout South Florida where you will be able to enjoy a new level of comfort with nature, and explore animals and plants like you never have before! We will visit zoos, animal farms, botanical gardens, science museums, aquariums, and even go on safari. Our trips will also include airboat rides, an IMAX movie, and the best part of our adventure: hands-on interactions with wild animals and plants. Pet a sloth, hug a kangaroo, feed a camel, hold an alligator, and private time with a wolf pack. It promises to be an unforgettable experience!

Anticipated cost: $175 Cost Includes: entrance fees to zoos, museums, animal farms, etc.

Wetworks - Marine Biology Outside the Classroom Faculty: Mr. Konen and Dr. Bernstein Class Size: 15 Course Objective: To get some hands on experiences observing and sampling the local marine environments Course Description: This minimester will go snorkeling twice in the Keys to observe coral reef habitats. In addition we will spend a day kayaking at Oleta to a spot where we will use dip nets to sample some of the benthic fauna. Finally we will tour the University of Miami aquaculture facility on Virginia Key. Some experience snorkeling is required for this minimester. Depending on the weather in March, the ocean is not necessarily a great place to learn "on the job."

Anticipated cost: $110 (depends upon enrollment) Cost Includes: everything except food (students will need to bring lunch each day)

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Unlock the Mysteries of Microsoft Excel: Business Modeling & Decision Analysis Faculty: Mr. Hutsko Class Size: 10 Course Objective: Students will learn how to use the functions of Microsoft Excel.

Course Description: Spend a week learning about the power of the world's most popular spreadsheet program and its applications with solving & modeling real-life problems.

Anticipated Cost: $40 Cost Includes: Book

WELLNESS / ATHLETICS / RECREATIONAL Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear Faculty: Ms. Martinez and Ms. Lara Class Size: 20 Course Objective: This Minimester offers inspiration as students challenge themselves physically and creatively.

Course Description: Tap into your creative and physical potential as you challenge yourself with a wide variety of activities. Explore the world of gymnastics at an elite training center where U.S. silver-medalist, Danell Leyva conditions.

Practice grace and agility at the rink with an ice-skating session. Increase stamina and flexibility with a yoga class.

Finally, dabble in music, art, and poetry as you seek to live a more creative life.

Anticipated cost: $270 Cost Includes: Everything Chess Faculty: Mr. Henley and TBD Class Size: 32 Course Objective: The Spartan Chess 2017 Minimester offers participants an opportunity to learn the history, culture and basic tactics and strategy of the royal game and play in competitions such as simultaneous exhibitions, blitz and bughouse tournaments.

Course Description: The Spartan Chess 2017 Minimester will feature a combination of activities that can be beneficial to beginners as well as advanced players. The history and culture of chess presentations can be enjoyed by all. Technical instruction such as tactics and strategy will be adjusted to players levels. There will be a review of the Magnus Carlsen – Sergey Karjakin World Championship Match to be played at the Fulton Market, South Street Seaport in NYC during the month of November. Other special events will included a screening and discussion of Hollywood produced chess themed movies such as “Pawn Sacrifice” – the story of Bobby Fischer, starring Toby McGuire. “Magnus, The Movie” is expected to be released into theaters very soon as well. There will be a review of online chess resources and playing sites with each participant receiving a tournament regulation Staunton design chess set and vinyl chessboard as well as an online www.chesskid.com or Internet Chess Club membership.

Anticipated cost: $50 Cost Includes: Everything College Prep: Cooking and Real Life 101 Faculty: Ms. Charles and TBD Class Size: 20 Course Objective: This course shows you how to enter college life with confidence by learning how to cook delicious food in a dorm room setting, balance a checkbook, DYI college projects, and use real-life learning into making you into a prepared citizen of everyday life.

Course Description:!At MCDS, our students are very well prepared for their college classes. Are you, however, prepared for college OUTSIDE of your classes? Do you know how to change a tire? Sew on a button? Can you create and follow a budget? More importantly, do you know how to cook? Can you make a masterpiece out of ramen noodles?

What can you do with a mustard, mayonnaise, or ketchup packet? What do you do if you are starving and the dining commons is closed? This is the perfect minimester for you! This minimester will blend fun, food, and real-life learning into making you into a prepared citizen of everyday life. We will start each morning focusing on life-skills, and then spend each afternoon in the kitchen creating simple dishes full of flavor that you will make easily in your own college dorm room! You don’t want to miss out on the on the college culinary fun!

Anticipated Cost: $125 Cost Includes: Everything 7!

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Get Fit! Stay Fit! Faculty: Ms. Sennett and Ms. Jackie Smith Class Size: 20 Course Objective: Get Fit Stay Fit will get you to move your body in new ways!

Course Description: Ever thought about being the next "America Ninja Warrior" or maximizing your physical potential through innovative and exciting training. Join us and participate in creative workouts that challenge your mind, body, and soul. Activities to be included aerial yoga, cable water skiing, kickboxing, and culinary classes just to name a few.

"Get Fit Stay Fit" emphasizes the importance of wellness with a focus on physical fitness and nutrition.

Anticipated cost: $280 Cost Includes: Everything Parks and Recreation Faculty: Mr. Slotnick and Ms. Pierce Class Size: 16 Course Objective: Students will learn about the history, resources, and ecosystems in South Florida's State and National Parks.

Course Description: The National Park Service is 100 years old on August 25, 2016. As we celebrate the centennial, we invite you to participate in this Parks and Recreation Experience to learn, discover, be inspired, or simply have fun in national and state parks.

National ad state parks contain many of our nation's most treasured landscapes. To truly experience and explore these special places, we will discover their beauty, biodiversity, and inspiration.

We will "Explore Nature" and learn about the natural resources in parks, from the rocks under our feet to the sky overhead and everything in between. You will be asked to focus on the parks we visit through the lens of your passion.

This could be photography, painting, writing, or any venue that opens your mind and heart to the natural beauty of the world.

We will visit John Pennekamp State Park where we will explore the reefs in a 4 1/2 hour snorkeling adventure.

We will travel to Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, know as "the Amazon of North America," where we will hike and discover one of the most productive estuarine ecosystems in the world. Another stop will be Tradewinds Park where we will horseback ride and explore the largest butterfly and hummingbird garden in the world. On our last day we will explore the Everglades in a private ecotour boat ride.

"Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountains and the sea, are excellent school masters, and teach us more than we can ever learn from books," said Sir John Lubbock. Let us learn from Parks and Recreation!

Anticipated Cost: $455 Cost Includes: food and all recreational services Salsa and Sweat Faculty: Mr. Turf and Ms. Gomez Class Size: 25 Course Objective: Working the body and soul by learning the fundamentals of salsa, while cross-training through intense physical activity to inspire lifelong health and wellness Course Description: Getting in shape has never been more intense, more diverse, or more fun! In Salsa & Sweat, you will not only learn how to dance salsa, but you will also work your body through intense and popular cross-training exercises. We begin every morning by learning the basics of the dance that is so fundamental to any social gathering in Miami--salsa! With guidance from expert instructors, you will perfect the "rueda," a group-danced salsa. Every afternoon, we head to the gym...but not any old gym! Barry's Bootcamp, SoulCycle, Orangetheory, and Flywheel are the hottest exercises around! These intense physical activities will help you learn how to truly cross-train and keep your body and soul healthy for life. Whether you are an avid exerciser or somebody who is looking to explore new exercise regimes, Salsa & Sweat is waiting!

Anticipated cost: $250 Cost Includes: All salsa and workout classes

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The Whole Child Faculty: Ms. Whittington and Dr. Lightfoot Class Size: 20 Course Objective: Spend a week exploring the six potentials that define the whole child at Miami Country Day! Course Description: We want to honor Miami Country Day School’s mission to educate the “whole child.” Each day of the four-day minimester will focus on one of the six potentials. For a focus on the physical, we will spend a day at Oleta River State Park where we can enjoy kayaking or mountain biking. Our social element of the day will be a picnic. For the aesthetic, we will take in a show and, perhaps, visit an art museum. We’ll combine the intellectual and emotional for a day of community service and reading for pleasure. Our week will end with spiritual bliss – think ultimate relaxation and meditation. Join us on the journey of discovering the whole you.

Anticipated cost: $250 Cost Includes: Meditation/Yoga Instructor Cost; Theatre Ticket; Dinner; Lunches Yoga and Mindfulness Faculty: Ms. Sardina and Ms. Marra Smith Class Size: 30 Exercise, yoga, and nutrition — the ultimate Minimester for active people. Tone your body and spirit while learning to live a healthier life. This class will explore how the confluence of yoga, mindfulness and nutrition can promote personal growth and inner peace. Through twice daily yoga classes and classes on nutritional healing, meditation, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy, students will be guided into various levels of awareness, and ultimately take home the tools, knowledge and inspiration they need to make yoga a regular part of their lives.

Anticipated cost: $300 Cost Includes: Everything except lunch for two days

POTENTIAL ADDITIONS If trips are canceled due to inadequate enrollment, the following minimesters will be offered.

South Florida- See It Like a Native Faculty: Mr. Wicker and TBD Class Size: 20 Course Objective: To gain an understanding of the history and environment of South Florida; Learn why the Everglades are important to our area and why they are unique to South Florida; See and learn about different species of plants and animals that can only be found in the Miami area.

Course Description: Spend four days exploring parts of South Florida off the beaten path, go kayaking in the Keys, fishing off Key Biscayne, a Boat Tour of the 10,000 islands in the Everglades. Ride a bike for 13 miles in Shark Valley with alligators up close and see beautiful birds fly overhead and wade in the water right next to the bike trail. It is a chance to see sights in your own area that you would probably never get a chance to see unless you go on this minimester.

Anticipated Cost: $225 Cost Includes: transportation, food , admission to Parks, bike rentals, kayak rentals, and boat tours

A Taste of Miami Faculty: Mr. Miguez and Ms. Vargas Class Size: 20 Course Objective: Students will have a gastronomic discovery of the world without leaving Miami.

Course Description: “A Taste of Miami” will explore the wealth of world cultures found in Miami, while educating the students’ palates. Students will have the opportunity to hear and learn about the historical background and language of the different countries that are represented in our surrounding community as they taste various cuisines. Think culinary adventure and you have the essence of this Minimester.

Anticipated cost: $150 Cost Includes: Everything

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Living Green Faculty: Mr. Scott Brennan and Ms. Paciorek Class Size: 20 Course Objective: The objective of the course is to provide students with engaging, fun, hands-on, environmentally conscious activities in the Miami area.

Course Description: Students will take a cooking class, tour local green-certified buildings, visit an organic farm, and dine in a green-certified, 5-star resort. They will also learn how businesses and organizations in Miami are trying to reduce their impact on the environment and adapt to minimize the effects of climate change.

Anticipated cost: $200 Cost Includes: Everything

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To!register!for!a!Minimester:! ! Sign&up!using!SignUpGenius!–!a!link!and!directions!will!be!emailed!to!you,!and!a!practice!sign&up!will!take!place!on!

August!31st!during!the!Minimester!Fair.! ! Submit!Parental!Consent!Forms!by!3pm!on!Tuesday,!September!6th.!All!parental!consent!forms!must!be!submitted! via!My!Country!Day.!You!will!not!be!allowed!to!register!until!you!submit!this!form.!!

NOTE:!If!you!register!for!something!that!your!parent!did!not!approve,!you!will!be!removed!and!will!not!be!allowed!to! register!until!Drop/Add!is!over.!

Priority!Registration:!

• Priority!will!be!given!based!on!grade!level.!! o The!following!schedule!will!be!used!on!September!7th:! " 12th!grade!will!begin!to!register!in!advisory.!! " 11th!grade!will!begin!to!register!at!break.! " 10th!grade!will!begin!to!register!at!lunch.!! " 9th!grade!will!register!after!school.! o The!following!schedule!will!be!used!on!September!12th!and!13th:!! " 12th!grade!will!begin!to!register!in!advisory!on!September!12th.! " 11th!grade!will!begin!to!register!at!lunch!on!September!12th.!! " 10th!grade!will!begin!to!register!in!advisory!on!September!13th.! " 9th!grade!will!begin!to!register!at!lunch!on!September!13th.!

• A!student!can!receive!a!five&minute!registration!advantage!if!the!parental!consent!form!is!submitted!prior!to!Sept!6th.!!

• NO!STUDENT!WILL!BE!ALLOWED!TO!REGISTER!FOR!A!MINIMESTER!(REGARDLESS!OF!THEIR!GRADE!LEVEL)!IF!THE! PARENTAL!CONSENT!FORM!HAS!NOT!BEEN!TURNED!IN!BY!4PM!ON!SEPTEMBER!6th.!!

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31 2017 MM Fair

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6 *Parental Approval Forms Due via MCD

7 Registration for all grades - trips only

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13 Registration for 10th and 9th grades only

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20 Multipurpose block meetings

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29 Evening Parent Meeting for Travel MMs (MANDATORY)

30 *Consent Forms for all local MMs Due via MCD

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6 *Financial Commitment and Consent Forms for Travel MMs Due

7 Note: Accounts will be billed in October and all payments will be due on Friday, December 9th.

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