Sagemont Life, October 2022

S A G E M O N T

L I F E

Student-Powered Innovation

Curiosity and Innovation In and Out of the Classroom

Mel Nelson, Head of School

Whatdoesinnovationmeantoyou?Thiswasthequestionposedto12thgraderAlroy“Rio”Dilbert.Rioprovidedananswerthat embodiesourfocusatSagemont

Tobeinnovativeistogetuncomfortable,tonotacceptastaticwayoflife,andtocontinueseekingtheadvancementandbettermentof yourself and everything you ' re a part of. Innovation should not just stop at a personal level, but it should invoke progress in your surroundingsandcommunityasawhole

Innovativeandcuriousindividualsareconstantlyexploring!WecelebrateandrecognizeourSagemonteducatorswhohaveakeen understanding that a classroom culture should be a safe space for asking questions, creating, and making mistakes These are essentialcomponentsoffosteringadynamicenvironmentforstudentstoinnovate.Authenticlearningoccurswhenstudentshave theopportunitytocreate Ourstudentsarenotsimplyconsumersofinformation,rathertheycreatemeaningoftheworldtheylive in.

AsIwalkthecampuseseachday,Iamhappilyamazedatthelevelofcuriosityandinnovation.Myheartwarmsasouryounger studentslearnabouthabitatsthroughoutdoorexploration.Astheparentofakindergartener,Iwasamazedasshediscussedher searchforisopodswithmagnifyingglassesinhandandexplainedtomethatanisopodisacreaturethatlivesinmoistplaces Last week,Ilovedseeingthe4thgraderswalkthecampusidentifyingwaysinwhichtoreduceourcarbonfootprintwhileanalyzingthe datatogether Attheupperschoolcampus,ourmiddleschoolstudentscametogetherinamatterofaweek,withfacultysupport,to applywhattheylearnedfromtheircivicslessontoraisefundstodonatetovictimsofHurricaneIan.Andofcourse,Icannotforget howourmiddleandhighschooltheatrestudentstransformedtheBlackBoxintoaone of a kindhauntedhousebydevelopingtheir owncharacters,addingdepthandoriginality.IwishIhad100pagesmoretoregaleyouwiththeamazingworkthatourstudentsare leading.Itistrulyincredibleandamazinglysatisfyingtoexperiencealongsideourstudents.Theyareengagedandempoweredto create Theopportunitiestoexplorethroughreal worldapplicationsareendless

Rio,yousaiditbest Innovationandcuriosityinvokeprogress Iamhonoredtobeapartofanenvironmentthatfocusesonstudents takingchargeincreatingthefutureinwhichtheywanttobe.Thereissomuchtosharethismonth.So,takethetimetoenjoythe discoveriesourstudentsengageineachday!

Sincerelyyoursintransformativeeducationalexcellence, MelNelson

Sagemont Upper School

Felicia Myers, Upper School Principal

Innovative practices are embedded in the Upper School curriculum and culture, from transforming the STEM programs over the past few months to encouraging civics students to utilize lessons learned in the classroom to raise over $1,500 in hurricane relief aid.

Through the Blue Origin organization's Club for the Future, students in 6th grade Astronomy & Space classes created postcards that will be launched into space in a capsule attached to Blue Origin's New Shepherd rocket. The capsule will then float in space 100km above Earth before descending back to the surface with the postcards inside. The students will then receive their space flown postcards back in the mail!

The Student Astronaut Challenge is an aerospace related high school and middle school STEM competition. The top fifteen high school and the top fifteen middle school teams compete in a four event final competition that is held annually at the Kennedy Space Center. This competition includes a Space Flight Simulation Challenge, where teams are required

The Florida Student Astronaut Challenge program is being sponsored by Florida State University, NASA, Blue Origin, and other business partners

https://studentastronautchallenge com/

Students participating in the Student Astronaut Challenge: Thomas Balding (11th); Kiran Sewsanker (8th); Nicolas Sokolik (8th); Nicholas Cushion (6th); Eshan Peshimam (6th); John Matheny (6th)

Mr. Carlson and Dr. Liu at Mission Control training to prepare students for the Astronaut Challenge

s c a ng his learning experience into ol STEM Astronomy/Space and allenge curriculum. ts created Operation: CI (Cancel w their civic responsibility as mpacted most by the hurricane. Under the leadership of John Flores, Canae McQueen, and Kirby Swanson, and assisted by Kristin Sorokin, students displayed our learning outcomes of empathy, citizenship, research skills, innovation, self awareness skills, and their ability to lead.

6th Grade launches postcards into outer space!

Ms Sorokin worked with students to effectively leverage their service projects to solicit the most donations

Ms. Mejias, who has pioneered the coding and robotics program at Sagemont, is a recent recipient of a $16,000 grant from Project Lead The Way (PLTW). PLTW is a nonprofit organization that empowers students to develop and apply in demand, transportable skills by exploring real world challenges through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science.

PLTW

Each PLTW Engineering course engages students in interdisciplinary activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices or robotic arms, or exploring algae as a biofuel source. These activities not only build knowledge and skills in engineering, but also empower students to develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance.

Ms. Mejias has already completed over 80 hours of professional development programming in order to offer Introduction to Engineering Design, where students dig deep nto the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands on projects like designing a new toy or improving an existing product.

Ms. Mejias, a former Civil Engineer herself, also plans to complete Civil Engineering and Architecture training this semester so students will learn important aspects of building and site design and development, and then they apply what they know to design a commercial building. Next year, we plan to expand the programming by offering Aerospace Engineering, where students explore the physics of flight and bring what they’re learning to life through hands on projects like designing a glider and creating a program for an autonomous space rover.

Ms Mejias and her students at a Robotics Competition on October 15th

Ms. Mejias preparing her Engineering students for competition

Sagemont Lower School

At the Sagemont School, the students are presented with real world problems focused on inquiry, discovery, and research These opportunities and projects contribute to a learning environment that fosters student voice, creativity, passion, and interests. Creativity goes beyond games and extracurricular activities. Our students learn through exploration. Creativity brings joy, excitement, and intentional purpose into their educational experience. Our learning environment is an open, innovative, creative, and trustworthy place for our students to take risks, further develop their knowledge, and feel comfortable learning new things.

The Sagemont Signature 7 projects focus on innovation and skills across grade levels. Our teachers have carefully crafted extensive projects that engage, inspire, and sustain our students' love for learning. Through each grade level project, students are continuously developing their problem finding and problem solving skills. With everything we do, reflection is always a part of the process.

Our future innovators and entrepreneurs in preschool are laying the groundwork for the grand opening of Sage’s Little Flower Market, coming this spring. Sage's Little Flower Market started with a concept web, which is a visual diagram that connects abstract ideas and helps the students understand relationships. Each month our youngest learners research a flower and they, of course, started with something they all love, the apple blossom. The students quickly learned that the apple blossom turns into apples! The class collaboratively practiced their marketing skills and number recognition by opening an Apple Market. These activities enhanced the students' vocabulary, social skills, and entrepreneurial experience. Additional project extensions will include collaboration with other students, conducting interviews, and meeting with local business leaders in this field.

Monica Vigna, Lower School Principal

In Pre Kindergarten, our remarkable learners are nurturing natural curiosity and collaboration with their project, Busy Bees. Students enjoyed having an immersive experience as they learn about the importance of bees, pollination, and the impact it has on the environment. During one of their many science experiments, students observed how bees pollinate and deepen their understanding of the pollination process. Throughout these experiments, students navigated through the entirety of the scientific method; defining a question to investigate, generating a hypothesis, gathering data, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

"It was a truly rewarding experience to watch my students' curiosity ignite throughout the Busy Bee project. It was wonderful to watch their excitement, engagement, and enthusiasm throughout all of the related activities!'

Ms. Teran

Our fourth grade students are becoming energy efficient environmentalists! Students will be engaged in an ongoing analysis of our school's carbon footprint. Students have conducted research on how our carbon footprint influences our society and were tasked with formulating ideas on how to reduce this. Utilizing data from both campuses, allowed students to compare energy usage. This data will be thoroughly analyzed to implement a plan to lessen energy usage throughout both campuses. The students created a comprehensive inventory checklist of items that use energy. Next steps in this project will be classifying the data found to help determine a plan to reduce our schools carbon footprint!

Tera Sweeting, Upper School College Counselor

College Fair Student Powered Exploration

It is truly a pleasure watching students explore their future pathways outside of the classroom. It is an important time of the year when seniors begin to submit college applications, write essays, and prepare for their new journey outside of the Sagemont walls.

As the Sagemont College Counselor, I take pride in preparing students with the best options for college, scholarships and so much more. This month has been filled with college visits from all across the United States. In addition, on October 18th, Sagemont hosted over seventy colleges for the Sagemont College Fair. Students had a large role in planning for the college fair. Discussions were held to help guide additional colleges to attend, depending on interests and passions. It was easy to feel the excitement of the students when conversing with their peers about their future!

Students from 9th through 12th grade were able to meet the representatives from their dream colleges, while also having the opportunity to learn about new colleges. It is an important part of the planning process to explore different aspects of the future. At a college fair, you can gather general information about your schools of interest, anything from majors offered to campus life. Even better, standing face to face with a college representative, allows you to go beyond general inquiries; you can ask questions that are unique to your circumstances.

Speak to representatives from colleges and universities

Learn about admissions, testing, enrollment registration, fees, and deadlines

Find out about the college transfer process and financial aid

Speak to experts about college affordability

Elevator speech: explaining why you are the right fit for the college of your dreams!

Making a lasting impression on the college recruiters

On-Campus College Visits

L E G E V I S I T S

O

Sagemont students have had the opportunity to meet with college and university representatives from across the world. Below are the colleges and universities that have visited our campus this school year and the list continues to grow.

Alcorn State University

Barry University

Boston College

Boston University

Bryant University

Clemson University College of the Holy Cross

Colombia College

Dean College

Drew University Eckerd College

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Emmanuel College

Fairfield University

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Flagler College

Florida A&M University

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Memorial Aviation University Florida State University

George Mason University High Point University

Hult International Business School

INTO University Partnerships

Jacksonville University

Kennesaw State University

Lafayette College

Lees McRae College

LIM College

Loyola University Maryland

Lynn University

Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah State University

Seton Hall University Spelman College St Thomas Stetson University Sullivan University

SUNY Cortland Texas A&M University

The American University of Paris

The University of Alabama

The University of Tampa University of Albany University of California Riverside University of Chicago University of Connecticut University Of Delaware University of Florida University of Maryland University of Miami University of Oregon University of Saint Andrews University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Toledo

Valdosta State University Vassar College

Verto Partnerships University Virginia Tech

Miami International Institute of Art & Design

Michigan State University

New College of Florida

New York Film Academy

Nova Southeastern University

Oglethorpe University

Regis University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rider University

Ringling College of Art & Design

Rollins College

Saint John's University Saint Mary's College

School

As you all know, community service is an integral part of the Sagemont program. We believe students learn patience and empathy while getting to see first hand how they can have a positive impact on their local and school communities.

On October 12th, we had our first student led Sagemont Community Service Fair. High school and middle school members of the Innovation Club researched and gathered information about local businesses, parks, events, and organizations. They shared this information with the student body through eye catching posters to evoke awareness and interest in possible community service sites. We learned about a horse rescue sanctuary, pet adoption centers, beach clean up opportunities, a national non profit organization that donates formal dresses to high school students who cannot afford them, and many others. We were very proud of the Innovation Club’s dedication and hard work.

Performing community service has been shown to offer several benefits for young people before, during, and even after their high school years. Volunteering can have a great effect on students' lives professionally, educationally, and personally Teenagers today lead very busy lives, and yet many students work hard to find time to volunteer at different nonprofit organizations Studies are finding that community service opportunities offer many benefits to students, as well as to the communities they serve One study conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that having volunteer experience on a resume boosts the chances of finding a job by 27% Students who complete high school or college normally find that they have not yet gained a great deal of work experience. What they do not realize is that volunteer experience is just as valuable. These learned volunteer skills easily transfer over to a job. As a result, students who list community service activities on their resumes can have an advantage over those who do not.

Community service work has also been shown to offer mental and physical health benefits for young people. Researchers have discovered humans are hard wired to give to others. This means the more students give, the happier they feel. Students can increase their self confidence through the feeling of achievement they get from donating their time. Additionally, volunteering boosts teens’ social skills and gives them confidence. Doing good for others and the community provides a natural sense of accomplishment When our students complete their service hours, their parents and teachers celebrate their sense of Lion’s pride.

There is no greater experience than serving together as a family! When you practice community involvement as a family, not only are you helping others but you are also teaching your child valuable life lessons as well. Not only that, but it is also an excellent way to bond with your child, no matter their age You may quickly discover that you and your family benefit more from community service than those that you are giving! Overall, making community service a priority for you and your kids will help your family make memories and also help your kids develop positive habits to carry into adulthood! So, community service is a “give and a take ”

School Counseling

Career development sparks curiosity and motivates students approach their school work creatively. Students in elementary sch love career exploration. Their natural curiosity, imagination, sense of adventure perfectly mesh with creative and innovat investigations of the world of work, allowing teachers and sch counselors to make career exploration fun and exciting.

In the early Pre K 1st grade years, we introduce students to careers within their community. These community careers include; doctors, firefighters, police officers, mail carriers, bakers, teachers, and construction workers which help our communities prosper. The next step is the introduction to the tools of their trade. For instance, a baker uses measuring cups and spoons. This tool relates to measuring as a math skill, a concept Pre K 1st grade students learn in their classes. The key message is that careers matter and children can accurately understand careers as early as kindergarten. Another opportunity to spark curiosity and innovation in our students is their participation in the Lower School Campus annual Career Day. For example, the students experience a hands on presentation from the Fire Department. Firefighters discuss their training and what school subjects prepared them to be firefighters. The students can connect school to the world of work, igniting their natural curiosity and creativity, and making career exploration so much fun.

Second and third grade students are introduced to a range of career pathways and clusters. They are provided with the opportunity to understand the connections between groups of careers, while also understanding key differences between them. Fourth and fifth grade students are encouraged to develop a lifelong learning mindset and the importance of continuing on to postsecondary training for any career they pursue.

At the Lower School Campus, we focus on organizing a developmental appropriate annual Career Day in January, along with a Career Awareness program. The programs enhance student interests, curiosity, innovation, and career related skills. Sagemont began the Career Awareness program more than a decade ago. This program invites professionals to speak in each grade level at least twice a year. It is flexible and provides parents who want to talk about their careers.

Last week, as part of the Career Awareness Program, Santiago Molina, a Materials & Processes Engineer and a current MBA student at the MIT Business School, gave a presentation to fifth grade students. The students had the opportunity to ask questions and satisfy their natural curiosity about his career as an engineer at

Maritza Zea, Lower School Counselor Contact Information: Lower School Campus: PK3 5th Grade Maritza Zea 954.384.5454 extension 3417 Email: mzea@sagemont com

Boeing, a leading global aerospace company. He addressed their ideas and questions with passion. He showed them examples of innovation, encouraging them to keep inquiring and driving change throughout their schooling years. To the Sagemont students, Career Day and Career Awareness are always fun. Students don’t realize how much they are learning. Before the event, the teachers work with students to prepare relevant questions about the careers and professions they will be exposed to. After the presentations, the classes reflect on their experience. Thank you letters are written by students expressing excitement and gratitude about careers they may never have considered.

Sagemont Athletics

Shane Marcey Director of Athletics

The Sagemont Athletic Department is always looking for ways to improve the experiences for our athletes, families, staff, and spectators. The women’s varsity volleyball team hosted their annual tournament on October 7th and 8th to promote both the school and the department while raising funds for the program. In doing so, the girls looked for more innovative and efficient ways to run the event. They created custom QR codes for parents to scan for real time tournament results from both playing sites, a digital concession menu visible throughout the gym, and utilized an app to preorder your food items. The event was a huge success and the team was able to raise substantial funds for the program.

In other news, we are wrapping up another successful fall season! Women’s volleyball competes for their 3rd District Championship on October 21st, while our women’s golf and swim teams begin their postseason runs the following week. And just like that, the winter sports seasons are among us! Boys middle school soccer kicked off on October 17th and our men’s basketball and varsity cheer will start on Halloween! Be on the lookout for more information regarding our other winter sports offerings in the near future…..GO LIONS!!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oct 21: Women's Volleyball District Championship; 6pm @ Boca Raton Christian School

Oct 31: Men's Basketball & Competitive Cheer begin

Innovation & Technology

Estefania Martinez, Innovation & Technology Coordinator

We as Sagemont educators are innovative in the classroom every day with the numerous ways we utilize technology. The use of technology can enhance a lesson and allow for a much deeper understanding of the standards being taught.

Students across grade levels particularly enjoy the opportunity to generate slideshows based on topics being learned. It is wonderful watching them add their own unique personality to their presentations by incorporating images, animations, and soundtracks. Students create engaging and thorough reviews of the information to then share with their peers.

Additionally, our third fifth grade classrooms have incorporated video clips into their presentations. Our students genuinely enjoy creating videos to show the amazing things they have learned. Recently, our third graders created engaging videos to provide a comprehensive review of their new vocabulary words.

Teachers in grades PK 12th grade participate in virtual field trips. Virtual field trips allow our students, no matter their age or physical location, to explore and experience the world around them. Students can deep sea dive into the ocean, explore historical landmarks, or visit a foreign country.

Our teachers engage our students by fostering a technology rich and innovative environment in which they fall in love with the curriculum.

Why is innovation important in technology?

Technological innovation creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to find and establish new possibilities. I am happy to share that I am currently working with one of our 11th graders, Miguel Moreda. Miguel hopes for a future career in the computer software industry. Through our partnership, I am able to provide him with opportunities to explore his interests and seek out new challenges. I am looking forward to working with Miguel, alongside other students, to continue to ignite their love for technology and innovation while inspiring them to lead and take risks.

A Day in the Life

Written by Sagemont Life student editor, Serena Mair

12th grade student, Ria Tomlin, exemplifies Sagemont’s target focus and mission for student exploration, expression, and innovation focused educational experience. Ria’s daily educational experience at Sagemont goes far beyond the classroom through her various leadership skills in creating a more student-driven environment for our school. As a leader on the Club Board of Directors, a student powered leadership group responsible for the procedural and technical workings of school clubs and club events, Ria’s position as Co chancellor helps within the formation of the organization in the extracurricular opportunities offered to our students. Her leadership plays a foundational role in her daily schedule at Sagemont and offers the ability to explore tasks and other roles necessary for application in the career world.

Additionally, Ria has committed years of dedication to the school’s Interact Club and is currently serving as President. Through her efforts alongside the club’s sponsor, Ms.Yasmin, Interact has become one of the leading clubs on the school’s campus with a keen focus on working toward promoting service in the local community, frequently participating alongside the Rotary Club of Weston’s events. With skills expanding far past the classroom, Ria remains dedicated toward Sagemont’s learning outcomes of educational excellence through her pursuit of the AP Capstone Diploma, a nationally recognized diploma awarded at high school graduation to those who have successfully completed the 2-year Seminar and Research program alongside additional passing scores on other AP examinations of the student’s choice.

As a college preparatory school, Sagemont looks to provide the best possible educational experience for talented minds through the provision of a rigorous curriculum, including being a provider of the College Board’s Capstone Diploma program. Students, like Ria, are encouraged to take advantage of the resources available to them through The Sagemont School to form a reflective senior year focused on skills development and application to the world outside of Sagemont. Ria’s steps toward leadership in every day spent here at Sagemont have not only made a mark on our school’s student innovation focus and experience but remarkably formed an admirable path for younger Sagemont students looking to make their mark as well.

Ria Tomlin 12th Grade

Sagemont Inn t S tli Sht agemont Inn t S tli ht

Zac Carreno

3rd Grade

Who is your favorite innovator?

"My favorite innovator is David Baszucki, the creator of the game ROBLOX because he did lots of coding and lots of programming that allows millions of people to have fun and connect in the digital world."

What co-curricular activities do you take part in, both at school and outside of school?

"I do coding at CODE NINJA, reading and math at KUMON, and Tennis Classes. In school I am a teacher's helper and sometimes I help my classmates with math."

What is your favorite subject?

"My favorite subject in school is Innovation Lab because we work with a lot of technology, coding, and cool tools to help develop games and new inventions."

What are you most excited about this school year?

"I am most excited about a future project in my class regarding inventing something new, on my own. "

Sagemont Inno S li Sh agemont Inno S li h 6th Grade

Gianna Aguera

What does being innovative m

"Being an innovator means to me to be resourceful and find solutions to problems. By looking at problems from different angles gives me the ability to understand the complexity of the problem. Furthermore solving solutions to everyday problems we face as humans. There are many innovations that have helped us prosper and be more efficient at what we do on a daily basis. This is one of the reasons why I love innovation, and everything that comes with it. The opportunity to solve these types of issues and create a better system or tool to further our reach as innovators. “Every day brings a new problem with a new solution to be figured innovatively”

What are you most excited about at Sagemont this school year?

"What I am most excited for this year is, learning new things and taking risks. One thing that I am most excited for is all the freedom and how independent I can be in middle school. Teachers are great and very resourceful and willing to help you after school or early in the morning if help is needed. I am looking forward to all the new opportunities that Sagemont can offer this school year and the following years to come at Sagemont."

What is your favorite subject?

"My favorite subject is Coding. In coding, you learn something new every day which is amazing to me. I love electronics, building, and putting things together. In robotics, we get to build the robots and program them. My favorite part is when we program the robots to dance and follow the beat of the music. My favorite hobby is Equestrian and I love boating! I love to solve problems and brainstorm ideas because there is always a solution to everything in this world. "

Sagemont Innovator SSpotlight agemont Innovator Spotlight

Jatavia Sweeting

10th Grade

What does being innovative mean to you?

"Innovation means the ability to think outside the box when faced with challenges that are both within and outside of my control. To me, it means, GET IT DONE!"

In what ways are you innovative?

"I find innovation by constantly challenging myself to find new ways to complete simple tasks. I challenge myself by either taking less time to complete one task or by multi-tasking to complete more than one task at a time."

What is your favorite subject?

"My favorite subject is Math because it is a Universal Language. We all need money so when I'm learning and teaching, I often use money as an example to make my point."

What extracurricular activities do you take part in, both at school and outside of school?

"I participate in the Sagemont Robotics Club, NJHS Club, Culinary Club, Ivy Rosettes (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority) and Young Women Facing their Future Charitable Organization"

What do you think is the biggest problem currently facing our society?

"I think the biggest problem currently facing our society is that people don't understand conflict resolution. It seems that most students are damaged by rejection when rejection really is the opportunity to become a better version of yourself. Too often, students turn rejection into conflict when communication can solve most issues."

Sagemont Alumni SSpotlight agemont Alumni Spotlight

Andrew Roopchand

Sagemont Class of 2007

Sagemont Class of '

Mortgage Broker & Real Estate Broker

Life After Sagemont:

"Since graduating from Sagemont, I started my first business and sold it before I turned 25. I then moved to New York where I lived in the city and sold some of the city's most beautiful apartments and townhomes. I was lucky enough to find a great mentor named Howard Lorber, who truly showed me what my potential could be. I was featured on a few episodes of Million Dollar Listing, New York. All in, my team and I sold over $100,000,000.00 in Manhattan real estate. New York was amazing and I still go back as often as I can but I missed my family and decided to make the move back to South Florida. I opened up my own mortgage brokerage, Accredited Home Loans, which I currently manage. Now I get to spend more time with my family and still do what I love."

How did Sagemont ignite your passions?

"Sagemont gave me a peek into what the world can be. I grew up in an area where everyone looked like me. Sagemont showed me what else is out there and really made me want to see what I was missing out on in life".

Sagemont Staff Inspiration:

"Ms Safont! She gave us some of the best advice, most of which I still carry with me today She reminded us to enjoy the moment, to enjoy high school, and to soak in this time with our friends because it's something we won't ever get back, and it's something I have applied to my life. I also have always admired Ms. Safont's confidence, it was contagious! She made our entire grade feel this sense of pride and confidence in who we are because she carried herself that way. Ms. Safont was the best and a true inspiration. I might not remember all the science stuff but I do cherish all the life lessons and for that, I will always be grateful."

Words of Advice:

"Be a rebel (within reason) don't let anybody make decisions for you. You are the captain of your ship choose the path you think is best for you. Follow your passion and never forget your values. And my most important piece of advice... Do what makes you happy."

Grade!

& ACTIVITIES

SSagemont agemont

Staff SSpotlight taff Spotlight

UPPER SCHOOL TEACHER EDUCATION

Southeastern

of Science,

of

HOW DO YOU IGNITE CURIOSITY AT SAGEMONT ?

I have the joy of teaching a richly diverse population of students. I enjoy igniting their curiosity by gaining a deep understanding of their interests and passions. I believe that students should be consistently engaged in hands-on learning challenges. My students have the freedom in class to communicate and share ideas and concepts with their classmates. Through collaboration and risktaking, the students build and program robots from scratch!

HOW DO YOU EQUIP YOUR SAGEMONT STUDENTS TO TACKLE THE REAL WORLD ?

I equip my 6th 12th graders to tackle rigorous learning tasks through various critical thinking exercises. Building on their skills and interests helps to foster a mindset of productivity and ultimately provides a clear career pathway. I promote career mapping in my classroom by providing meaningful opportunities for my students to connect their skills to the real world.

SSagemont agemont

Staff SSpotlight taff Spotlight

UPPER SCHOOL TEACHER EDUCATION

New School University

Bachelor of Arts, Literature

New School University Master of Fine Arts, Drama

HOW DO YOU IGNITE CURIOSITY AT SAGEMONT ?

By teaching in all aspects of the modality, and applying the verbal lessons to activities that put them into action. Theatre is my passion and that passion is palpable. I will show them the many aspects of the theatre and they will fall into a place that they will enjoy.

HOW DO YOU EQUIP YOUR SAGEMONT STUDENTS TO TACKLE THE REAL WORLD ?

Previously, I was a college professor for 13 years. I plan to give my students the tools to be in tune with everything they will learn in college. They will be more prepared than any other students because of my background.

FIFTHGRADE

Mr.Rielisa Sagemontgraduate!

SSagemont agemont

Staff SSpotlight taff Spotlight

LOWER SCHOOL TEACHER

EDUCATION

Florida Atlantic University

Bachelor of Elementary Education

HOW DO YOU IGNITE CURIOSITY AT SAGEMONT ?

I ignite curiosity in my students by showing them our amazing world. This can be done by providing opportunities for exploring new technologies, amazing discoveries, and wonderful places around the world. By showing my students what the world holds, I can create challenges for them to generate their own innovative ways to help enhance our world. Allowing my students to be creative and take responsible risks fosters a classroom culture of curiosity.

HOW DO YOU EQUIP YOUR SAGEMONT STUDENTS TO TACKLE THE REAL WORLD ?

I equip my students with the tools necessary to tackle the real world. I encourage my students to take ownership of their discovery and learning. Opportunities are provided for my students to learn through research, collaboration, and real world application.

Staff SSpotlight taff Spotlight

LOWER SCHOOL TEACHER EDUCATION

Florida International University

of Science, Music Education Concentration, Piano &

Florida International University Master of Music, Music Management Production

Music

HOW DO YOU IGNITE CURIOSITY AT SAGEMONT ?

I ignite curiosity by providing individualized instruction to all of my students. I believe in the individuality of teaching, even in a group class. I use multiple manipulatives, visuals, and songs that promote students' creativity, imagination, and wonder When planning, I plan around these 7 elements: Main Goals, Repertoire, Performance, Critical thinking, Improvisation, Composition, and Listening. By loving my profession and being passionate about it, I am also fostering a sense of wonder, discipline, and professionalism within my students.

HOW DO YOU EQUIP THE SAGEMONT TEAM TO TACKLE THE REAL WORLD ?

My students start learning how to read music as young as Early Childhood. We then progress to composing by hand and utilizing Garage Band in 2nd grade They begin singing in two part ensembles in 3rd grade and they begin playing more complex ensembles in 4 and 5 grades. In general, they learn how to be supportive of each other, how to work collaboratively in a team, and how to listen to and analyze pieces of music. We focus on how to be respectful and use constructive feedback as a tool for improving and enhancing skills I encourage students to use their creativity and apply it to new knowledge acquired These are great skills for life!

Sagemont'sNew

Partnerships Partnerships

The Sagemont School is excited to be partnered with Code Ninjas and their team of experts this school year. Code Ninjas will be working with our students during their Innovation Lab special. Students will be exposed to STEM principles while boosting their critical thinking skills.

Kindergarten - First Grade Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of Computer Science. Students will build small robots and explore various coding platforms.

Second - Third Grade

Students will be exposed to STEM fundamentals through various hands-on learning activities. Students will explore essential robotics elements (beams, shafts, standoffs, etc) while completing robotics builds. Coding platforms will be utilized to enhance their foundation and prepare them for upcoming challenges.

Fourth - Fifth Grade

Students will build and cod will control all motor functi a

Code Ninjas After School

Code Ninjas is a learning experience unlike any other. Led by expert instructors, you WILL experience breakthrough moments, triumphs that make you proud, and challenges that make you grow. With each line of code perfected, each video game developed, a robot created, you build real-life skills to forge a bright future. All while having a blast!

The Sagemont School’s Parent Teacher Organization

Sagemont Families, the holiday season is in full swing at the Lower School campus! Halloween Bash has created excitement and lots of buzz in the PTO and throughout the campus. We are so fortunate to be able to bring back this Sagemont family event again! The PTO has been planning and pulling all of our resources to make this event SPOOKTACULAR for all those attending.

We are also looking forward to having our Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon for our Lower School students, teachers, and staff members on Friday, November 18.

Thank you to all of our Room Parent Coordinators, Specialist Coordinators, and our Sagemont Families for attending our monthly PTO meetings! We appreciate your support and your collaboration in making our children’s school experience so memorable.

Important Date: November 9th PTO Meeting at 8:45 am in the Multi Purpose Room (MPR).

Join the Lower School PTO!

Lower School Upper School

The Sagemont PTO, along with their amazing volunteers, have made this Halloween one to remember. What a treat it has been for the staff and students to enter their classrooms and see spider webs hanging from the ceiling, witches on the doors, pumpkins on the tables, ghosts swaying from up above, graveyards in the corners, and cats creeping through the windows. Just take a look at the pictures below.

Sagemont is in full Halloween mode and all of the festivities will begin on Friday, October 28th. There will be music, games, a movie, candy, a costume contest, a school wide scavenger hunt, and photo opportunities for all to enjoy!

Join us for our next PTO meeting on Wednesday, November 2nd. Join the Upper School PTO!

STUDENT-POWERED Innovation!

An academic environment in which students are encouraged to pursue passions, challenge the status quo and analyze their impact on the world.

Purposefully designed curriculum and instruction inspires academic excellence through intellectual exploration, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Students are encouraged to take responsible risks and develop a deep understanding of social responsibility as active agents of change.

Kristin Sorokin