2007 Grants — Interest Based Workshops
This SEF grant of $4,750.00 will benefit all 950 students at Oak Middle School. It’s focus is to help foster a positive culture and climate throughout the middle school by establishing stronger connections between and among peers, students, and staff.
Students will chose an activity from a catalog made available by the teachers. Some students will serve as student leaders to teach a workshop with a faculty member. The workshops will take place during the school day and last for approximately 90 minutes.
What the student ultimately chooses to do in their workshops was not what made this grant attractive to the SEF board, but rather the collaboration required between staff and students to plan, prepare, and execute these workshops. This is another good example of our mission statement to foster enrichment and innovation in our schools.
Here Is How The Grant Was Used To Make Learning Fun!
The Interest Based Workshop catalog was completed, and on February 15, 2008 the 950 participated in the workshops.
Crime Scene Investigation
Taught by Mr. Mullarella and Mr. Dunn
Want to learn how to solve crimes? This intriguing workshop teaches you the basics for crime-solving. This active class walks you through the mechanics of dusting for fingerprints and uses real-life examples to explain scientific properties in a crime-scene setting! This is an active class some come prepared to investigate and solve the crime!
Easy After School Snacks
Taught by Mrs. Militello
Calling all snack buddies! Students will learn how to make (and sample!) four easy snacks that you will be able to make at home using normal household ingredients. Note: Please indicate if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Mayan Ruins Exploration
Taught by Mr. Burke
“Travel” with Mr. Burke through Mexico, Central America, and South America to explore this mysterious and interesting ancient civilization. Known for everything from elaborate rituals and their massive temples, to creating the Mayan calendar, as well as their mysterious extinction, this workshop is part discussion, part video, and part hands-on activity. Grab your archaeology hat and come explore!
Chinese Brush Painting and Calligraphy
Taught by Mrs. Duscheneau and Catherine Kwan
Come and learn the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy writing! In this workshop, students will not only learn the craft of this writing technique, but they will also learn how to use ink stones and wells to grind and create their own ink! Students will then use the ink and special brushes to practice this writing technique and create their own artwork.
Mexican Paper Cutting
Taught by Mrs. Geilda and Mrs. Tomlinson
Come learn about the art of Mexican paper cutting with two of our favorite Spanish teachers! Students will discuss and learn about the art of paper cutting with special emphasis on Mexican-themed paper cutting. Participants will have the opportunity to make a small papel picado (punched paper) banner as well as tissue paper flowers.
Origami for Beginners
Taught by Mrs. O’Connor and Mrs. Desai
Students will explore creative ways to make beautiful artwork by learning the ancient Japanese art technique of folding paper to create animals, shapes, and flowers. No previous experience with Origami is necessary.
Origami II
Taught by Mr. Rosenthal
What happened to all that paper? Students will use the ancient Japanese art technique of folding paper to create multi-colored 3-D cubes and explore their properties. No prior experience with Origami is necessary.
Volleyball for Beginners
Taught by Mr. Denolf and Mr. Ahlin
Ready, Set, Serve! Learn the basic rules of volleyball. Students will learn and experience the basics of the game as well as techniques such as bumping and setting. This is an active class, so come prepared to play!
String Art
Taught by Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Suri
In String Art students will create there own unique geometric string patterns. Each student will have the opportunity to stitch segments with colored thread through a pattern of holes poked in cardboard. By using this method it is possible to create almost an infinite variety of intricate and beautiful designs.
Simple Gifts you can Make for your Friends
Taught by Mrs. Poitras and Mrs. Binder
Thoughtful gifts do not have to cost a lot of money. Come and see what the power of your imagination and a few dollars can do by using low-cost items to create gifts that you could give to friends or family for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
Board Game Bonanza
Led by Mrs. Wallach
Compete against your friends, across teams or even across grades in this board games workshop. Students can choose from a library of games that include Scrabble, Monopoly, Life, Uno, or you can choose to bring in one of your own games to share.
Crazy for Yarn!
Taught by Dr. Thompson and Mrs. Moran
Knitting and Crocheting is all the rage! Learn to make items such as scarves, blankets, or hats by learning the basics of these skills during this workshop. Note: Students are encouraged to bring their own needles and yarn.
Let’s Golf!
Taught by Mrs. Billings
Listen, learn and practice with a golf professional! In this class, not only will you get tips and advice from a real golf pro, but you will also have a chance to practice and hone your putting skills! This class will be part lecture, part question and answer session, and part activity. Note: Students should bring their own putters to this activity.
Do you Sudoku? (2 sections)
Taught by Mrs. Swidler, Mrs. Goddard, Mrs. Bard, and Mrs. Hogan
In this class, students will use their problem solving skills to learn how to solve number puzzles. We’ll provide the strategies and the puzzles. You bring your brain and your pencil! This class is appropriate for all levels from beginner to advanced!
Hip Hop Line Dancing
Taught by Mrs. Early and Mrs. Nikula
Calling all dance lovers! Come learn the latest dance craze-hip-hop line dancing! This is an active class so come prepared to dance. No prior dancing experience is necessary.
Yoga for Everyone! (2 sections)
Taught by Ms. Minio and Mrs. Holdash
Yoga helps to promote relaxation, awareness, strength, and flexibility in the body and mind by combining deep breathing and physical postures. This class will help athletes to build strength and flexibility, will provide a good workout for those teens looking to try a new activity, and will help to reduce stress and anxiety by using deep breathing to increase body awareness. This yoga class is appropriate for students of all levels and abilities. This is an active class so wear loose, comfortable clothing. Note: Bring a beach towel with you to class.
Student Ambassadors
Led by Mrs. Barsom
Join Mrs. Barsom as she plays hostess to some of our special guests that have been invited to spend the afternoon during our interest based workshops. Student ambassadors will work with Mrs. B. to guide our guests around the school and through various workshops, making sure that their visit to Oak Middle School is an enjoyable one! Special guests may include Dr. Bent, Dr. Evans, and members of our local newspapers. Note: This workshop is only open to 5 students.
Asian Artworks
Taught by Mrs. Davis and Ms. Taft
Explore the beauty of Japanese culture and art through poetry and floral arranging. Students will use special flowers to create beautiful arrangements, known as Ikebana in the Japanese culture. This workshop will also explore the art of Japanese poetry, known as Haiku. Students will learn the mechanics Haiku poetry and then use their creativity to create poems in this style.
JKE Jewels
Taught by Mrs. Egan, Emily & Katie Cooper, and Julie Shamgoshin
Learn the art of jewelry making from some of the best in the business! Join Katie & Emily Cooper and Julie Shamgoshin for an afternoon of fun. Students will use beads, wire, bead boards, and other jewelry making tools to create their own necklace or bracelet. A discussion around what it takes to start your own jewelry making business will also be part of this activity. This activity is open to students of all levels and abilities.
HTML Made Easy
Taught by Mrs. Hadavi
Learn the computer programming language HTML! Join Ms. Hadavi for a workshop on Hyper Text Markup Language, which is the language of the internet. Students will work on computers to learn the programming language that provides the code for all websites.
Stained Glass for Beginners
Taught by Mrs. DiLeo and Mrs. Scibelli
In this workshop, students will learn how to take pieces of colored glass and use them to create beautiful stepping-stones for our school courtyard. No previous experience with stained glass is necessary. All levels and abilities are welcome!
Track and Field
Taught by Coach LaRose and Mr. Rutan
Join Coach LaRose, along with Mr. Rutan for an afternoon of physical activity in this track and field workshop. Students will learn the basics of track and field events and participate in the triple jump, long jump, and running events. Note: This is an active class. Students should wear comfortable clothing, gym sneakers, and come prepared to participate!
Heartsaver CPR in Schools
Taught by Dr. Sefton
The American Heart Association’s Heartsaver CPR in Schools Course is designed to teach middle and high school students the lifesaving skills of CPR. This course also offers a credential or course completion card upon successful completion if the student wishes to test for it. Students will learn how to perform the basic skills of CPR in adults and children. This workshop is ideal for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or anyone interested in saving a life!
Fly Fishing in February!
Taught by Mr. Starczewski and Officer Mentzer
What is fly-fishing anyway??? In this workshop, Mr. Starczewski and officer Mentzer will teach you everything you need to know about this sport! Learn about the types of equipment and accessories needed for this activity, practice essential knots for: spooling a reel with backing and line, tying leader to line / tippet to leader, and tying a fly to the tippet, learn the proper technique for fly-casting, and participate in a fly-casting demonstration (weather dependant) and competition. No prior experience in fly-fishing is necessary! Note: Weather permitting, part of this activity may be occurring outdoors. Students should bring coats, hats, gloves, etc…to this activity.
The Art of Papermaking
Taught by Mrs. Kunar and Mrs. Zeitek
Homemade paper can add a creative touch to your journal, scrapbook, or homemade gift. Come get your hands dirty with Mrs. Kunar in this hands-on workshop! Students will learn and experience the process of making paper from start to finish.
Guitar Hero Challenge!
Taught by Ms. Surozenski and Ms. McDonald
Challenge your friends in the battle of hand-eye coordination and musical talent in the game of Guitar Hero: Legends of Rock!! While awaiting your chance to battle as a rock star with dueling guitars you will be challenged with rock trivia. Are you ready to ROCK???
Edible Gifts
Taught by Mrs. McCarthy and Mrs. Amdur
Calling all bakers! Oak Middle School’s favorite bakers are at it again and they are bringing the chocolate with them! Students will learn to make 2-3 edible gifts that you can sample and take home. Give these delightful edibles as gifts or enjoy them for yourself. If you love to be in the kitchen and enjoy making gifts for others, this tasty gift-making workshop is the one for you! Note: This workshop is not appropriate for students who have food allergies, as some of the ingredients used may include nut oils.
Modern Card Games
Taught by Mrs. DePalo
Learn some modern ways to play cards. We will play at least three different kinds of card games. Not only will you have fun, you will meet people who like to play cards. Cards games will include solitaire, bridge, and cribbage.
Photography in Action!
Led by Mr. Pizzuto
Work with Mr. P. to document this fabulous event! Mr. P. will be roaming around the building on workshop day with his digital and video cameras, snapping pics and splicing video clips of the workshops and he needs your help! Responsible students working with Mr. P. will be given a digital camera to borrow for the day to go around to the different workshops and take pictures with him. Pictures taken on this day will be made available for all to see around the school and in our yearbook! Note: this workshop is limited to 5 students.
Percussion Discussion
Taught by Mr. John Loud
Join Dr. Schwartz’s husband for an introduction to hand percussion instruments from around the world! Feel the beat of world music in this workshop, as you are introduced to instruments and rhythms from the Latin America and West Africa regions of the world! Learn, listen, and play! This workshop is recommended for musicians, but all are welcome.
Project Linus
Taught by Mrs. Gasper and Mrs. Piascik
Join Mrs. Gasper and Mrs. Piascik in this great workshop! Students will be making “security blankets” which will then be donated to children who are sick in hospitals. Project Linus was created after a woman named Karen Loucks-Baker saw a picture and article in Parade Magazine that featured a small child who was sick with cancer carrying her security blanket back and forth to her chemotherapy treatments because it made her feel better. Mrs. Loucks-Baker decided that she wanted to make a difference and started the first chapter of Project Linus in the Denver Area. No prior experience with sewing is necessary. Join them for an afternoon of service and help make a difference!
Bowling Basics
Taught by Mr. Yonker
Fresh off of his team’s win from the Shrewsbury High School booster club fundraiser, Mr. Yonker still has his bowling shoes on and he’s ready to share his knowledge with you in this active workshop! Learn proper bowling technique and tricks of the trade to be the best bowler you can be! Grab your bowling shoes and bring your friends for this interactive workshop! No prior bowling experience is required. Note: This activity takes place at AMF Bowling and ends at 3pm. Students must be picked up by a parent at AMF at 3 pm. Signed permission slips by your parents are a must to attend this workshop.
Guitar Jam Session
Taught by Blake Jeznach, Nick Huang, Mitch Borage, Collin Weitz, Stephen Trudeau (and Mrs. Cleary too!)
Like to play guitar? Want the chance to practice with others and learn a few new things? ? This guitar workshop has something for everyone! This workshop will be divided into two sections. The amateur (just starting out) group will work on basic chords, string names, using picks, finger plucking and how to read tab. The intermediate group (been playing for a little bit) will work on pitch bend, vibrato, scales, pinch harmonies, tapping and tremelo picking. Note: You will need a guitar to participate, or you can partner with a friend who has one. This workshop is open to anyone who has a love for guitar!
Creative Writing
Taught by Mrs. Daly and Ms. Tombeno
Calling all writers! This workshop is designed to get your creative juices flowing, learn from other writers, and share a piece of work in progress! We'll talk about your personal writing process, how you get past "writer's block", read about how other authors write, and have a chance to share on just work on pieces that we are currently creating.
History of Video Games
Taught by Mr. Ponticelli and Mr. Kewriga
Video game gurus Mr. P and Coach K. are teaming up to bring you this workshop on the evolution of video gaming! They’ve seen it all-from the “ancient”, first-ever video game ‘PONG’ to the latest high tech gaming systems/games. Part presentation/discussion, part hands-on activity where you can actually sample various gaming systems, students will experience hands-on, the evolution of gaming!
Anime for Beginners
Taught by Ms. Poteet
Learn about the Art of Anime! In this workshop, students will learn about the history and different genres of Anime cartoons. Students will have the opportunity to view video clips, graphic novels, and create their own anime cartoon! All that is required for this workshop is an interest in anime!
Air Force In Action!
Taught by Mr. Winters
Are you curious about the Armed Forces? Want to know more about the Air Force’s role in military activities and peace keeping missions around the world? Then go around the world with our very own Air Force Veteran Mr. Winters for an engaging discussion about our armed forces! Mr. Winters has been deployed in many parts of the world during his time in the Air Force and has many interesting stories to tell! This discussion uses power point, video clips, photos and more to demonstrate all of the important roles that our armed forces play in the world community.
Mardi Gras Mask Making
Taught by Mrs. Luukko and Ms. Hilton
Leave it to Mrs. Luukko and Ms. Hilton to bring Mardi Gras to Oak Middle School! Come celebrate with Mrs. Luukko and Ms. Hilton in this hands-on workshop. Students will not only learn about this longstanding celebratory tradition but you will have the opportunity to create your very own Mardi Gras mask. Start thinking of your theme and come join in the fun!
Colonial Metalworking
Taught by Mr. Beer and Mrs. Morin
Want to create using metals such as brass, copper, or tin? Mr. Beer and Mrs. Morin are teaching the craft of colonial metal working in this unique workshop! Students in this workshop will learn about and use traditional metal working machines and procedures to manufacture their own candleholder made from your choice of one of three metals.
Chess Tournament
Led by Ms. Barrell and Mrs. Powers
Mrs. Powers and Ms. Barrell have decided to set up the chess sets! Challenge your friends or outwit an unknown opponent in this mental competition. Come and test your skills against some of Oak Middle School’s best in an afternoon quietly exciting chess matches!
Make Your Own Music
Taught by Mr. Clark
Music man Mr. Clark is bringing his love for music to our interest-based workshop day! Explore the world of music composition, notes, rhythm, melody, and sounds. Mr. Clark will teach you the basics and you will learn to create your own sounds in this hands-on music session! Note: this workshop is open only to grade 7 students.
Spring Fling Jewelry
Mrs. Lal, Mrs. Kirk, and Mrs. Sherr
Would you like to make a beaded bracelet with matching earrings? Choose from 5 spring colors or mix and match! Using Memory Wire create a one of a kind bracelet and a pair of dangle earrings-Come on down to room 307 and make some dazzling Jewelry!
Girl Power!
Led by Mrs. Jonaitis
Gather up your girlfriends for an afternoon of gabbing at Mrs. Jonaitis’ Girls Only Rap Session! Want to know how to handle those weird, icky situations? Have questions about how to deal with relationships? Trying to get a handle on all the drama that’s going on? Mrs. Jonaitis has the answers and will help you to navigate through life in a way that allows you to honor yourself, respect others, and develop your personal power. Note: This workshop is only open to grade 8 girls.
Geodesic Dome Building
Taught by Mrs. Rose
Leave it to math whiz Mrs. Rose to come up with a way to make a geodome so big that you can climb into it! In this workshop, you will learn to make geodomes large and small. Students will use various items such as pipe cleaners and coffee stirrers to create their own smaller geodomes and then work together as a team to create a large one! Note: Students should bring a large plastic bag with them to this workshop.
Dance, Dance Revolution
Taught by Mrs. VonBehren and Mrs. Furtado
Lower the lights, turn up the music, warm up your feet, and get ready to challenge your schoolmates to get the highest score and become the Oak DDR Idol! This dancing phenomenon comes to Oak Middle School where pairs of performers will go head-to-head in the live DDR challenge. Put on your dancing shoes and come join in the fun!