MileStone Academy’s 2020 – 2021 Course Description

MileStone Academy classes began September 8th, but we are still accepting enrollment applications and scheduling tours. We updated our program and the classes we are offering this year. We will be using for both virtual and in-person classes. We decided to in-person classes Monday – Thursday 9:30 AM -4:30 PM and Fridays we will be virtual from 8:45 AM -2:00 PM. 

MileStone’s 2020 – 2021 course description is available for your review below. You may request to receive a copy of our course description by email or standard first class mail.

In 2018, we created M.A.P. (MileStone Arts Programming). MAP explores diverse styles, mediums, and cultures in both visual and performing arts. In every subject, MAP encourages students to express their individual creativity and discover their unique artistic voices. Ideas and skills build upon one another from concept to concept and year to year.

(Art Section 1003) Foundations of Art

Students will focus on learning the elements and principles of art. The elements include color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value. The principles include balance, emphasis, unity/harmony, movement, pattern, scale, contrast. Students will learn and apply the elements and principles of art to produce creative projects that reflect their understanding of these concepts.

(Art Section 1004A/1004B) Visual Journal

Students will focus on a different prompt each week, in which they will utilize their sketch books to document and create expressive, and personal creations. Students will analyze works of art that correspond with each given prompt that will reflect on social and global issues. Students will learn how to utilize mixed media, photographs, pictures, text, and writing to create imagery that supports their understanding and viewpoints about ongoing and current issues locally, and around the world.

(Art Section 1007/1008) Publishing and Design

Students will focus on editorial aspects of designing and editing text and images for media such as magazines, newsletters, yearbooks, or any published material. Students will analyze magazines, online articles, advertisements, and books to gain further understanding of concepts and ideas for formatting and publishing editorial works. Students will learn how to format, edit, and design aesthetically pleasing visuals and text to demonstrate their understanding of captivating and unique ideas to engage audiences.

(Art Section 1009) Digital Photography

Students will focus on how to create, edit, and take digital photographs using both a digital camera and/or cell phone camera. Students will capture images of landscapes, people, environments, and scenery as it relates to the given prompt and incorporate creative digital and technical processes. Students will learn about the fundamentals of creating a strong composition utilizing the principles and elements of art to build visual literacy. Students will also participate in weekly critiques to reinforce skills learned and share ideas and work with classmates.

English

The English course provides instruction in basic language skills, integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening, while placing emphasis on the progress of individual students. Course content is based upon students’ abilities and may include vocabulary building, improving spelling and grammar, developing writing and composition skills, reading silently or aloud, and improving listening and comprehension abilities. The course integrates literature of all genres and examines literary elements.

Writing

The writing course builds upon each student’s current writing skills. Students learn about the writing process and how to approach various types of writing. They work on critical-thinking, brainstorming, planning, and drafting. Organization, word choice, voice, tone and writing mechanics are emphasized. Students will read and write various pieces for a variety of purposes and audiences.

African-American Literature

This course examines literature written by African American authors while simultaneously strengthening reading and writing skills. Students will examine various genres of African American literature. They will read, discuss, and write about various aspects of the works. They will reflect upon the values, themes, and historical context and significance of selected works.

Study Skills

This course introduces and supports effective study skills, organizational strategies, and time management skills. Students set goals and implement realistic strategies that work for them. They receive support with current courses and participate in study sessions.

Reading

MileStone will be utilizing Read Theory for reading. Read Theory is a custom web application which adapts to students’ individual ability levels and presents them with thousands of skill building exercises that suit their needs. The program meets national benchmarks and is aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

Read Theory fosters a dynamic classroom environment. Teachers will use the program to provide more individualized instruction, and can track student progress using statistics, graphs, and charts.

Modern History

Modern World History is a year-long course that examines human development during the 20th and 21st century. Students will take a deep dive into topics such as World War II, the Holocaust, the Cold War, Globalism, and the developing Industrial Era in modern Asia to develop an understanding of the world around them. Using primary and secondary sources, students will guide their own discovery into historical events, political shifts, and cultural developments. Students will analyze maps, charts, timelines, and graphs to identify changes in the world. Students will refine their ability to read for understanding; learn to defend their position on a topic; summarize, categorize, and evaluate information in their own words; and use technology appropriately to present information.

Modern U.S. History

Modern U.S. History is a year-long course that analyzes the development of the United States in the 20th and 21st century. Students examine key historical topics such as World War II, the Cold War, the rise of Globalism, and the War on Terror to develop a narrative of how our nation evolved since World War II. Using primary and secondary sources, students will guide their own journey through historic events, political shifts, and cultural developments within the U.S. Students will refine their ability to read for understanding; learn to defend their position on a topic; summarize, categorize, and evaluate information in their own words; and use technology appropriately to present information.

Current Events

Current Events is a once a week course where students will analyze specific topics as they develop. Students will analyze a wide range of news sources to gather information needed for discussion. Throughout the year, students will do a mixture of finding their own news stories that interest them as well as finding sources on specific preassigned topics. Students will refine their ability to read for understanding; learn to defend their position on a topic; summarize, categorize, and evaluate information in their own words; and use technology appropriately to present information.

Health

Students will define: What is health. We will discuss life expectancy and quality of life. The aspects of health that are important to overall well-being Physical Health, Mental and Emotional Health and Social Health. These topics will be discussed in detail. We will look at the Health Continuum that balances between illness and wellness. Students will also learn how identify health risks. Health risks included: heredity, environment, media, technology, healthcare, behavior, and culture. We will evaluate health risks and their short-and-long term consequences. Students will also learn about what they risk factors they can and cannot control. Lastly, students will learn how to take responsibility for their health. This includes good decision-making skills and learning what tools are necessary to stay healthy throughout their lifetime. These objectives will teach them how to live a long and productive life.

Physical Education

Each quarter the students will learn 2 sports. The first quarter I will start with 8 weeks of soccer followed by 9 weeks of football. The other sports will be listed and handed out at the first week the students are in school before they go to all online learning. That is a total of 17 classes for the first marking period. The class will be divided up into sections. The first 5-10 minutes will be an icebreaker activity along with a question of the day relating to sports. The next 10 minutes will be the history of the game of soccer and the differences between American soccer and European soccer, and some of the basic rules. Each week more rules will be introduced. Next ten minutes will be the physical skills taught with a demonstration by me. A new soccer skill will be introduced each week. Also, in this ten-minute spot, each week I will cover a different position on the field and what their responsibilities are. The last ten minutes of the class will either be a soccer app. they can play or a short video we watch showing how the professional players play the game.

Consumer Math

Students will learn to use basic math skills in real life situations like shopping, calculating taxes, estimating monthly budget, calculating interest rate for a loan, etc.

Applied Math

Applied mathematics involves the application of mathematics to problems which arise in various areas, e.g., science, engineering or other diverse areas, and/or the development of new or improved methods to meet the challenges of new problems. It is learning how to use math for practical use. This may include statistics or probability theory.

Study Skills Math

In Study Skills Math emphasis will be placed on understanding how mathematical problems work and its process. Math involves many formulas, equations, and procedures. For some students it can be difficult to remember everything. With Study Skills Math, understanding is more important than knowledge.

Environmental Science

Students will develop an understanding of the issues threatening Earth and the impact humans make. They will learn ways to become responsible stewards of our planet. Environmental classes will explore careers in environmental sciences. Stem projects will introduce students to ways in which they can impact their own habitats and the World.

Financial Literacy

The goal behind teaching financial literacy is to help students develop a strong understanding of basic financial concepts—that way, students can handle their money in an effective manner.

Coding

Coding is the fundamental skill for jobs such as software development. There is currently a shortage of software developers worldwide, so learning to code can be an easy route into an open field of work. It can mean you are quicker to learn other aspects or tech, plus mean you are more digitally fluent. In today’s ever more digital job market, this can only be of benefit.

Design and Publishing 

Publishing is one of the biggest sectors that require professionals with proper skills and knowledge for future job potential. Students will learn how to prepare data, familiarity with various graphic design software and proofing work to release to parents, staff, and students.

Reflective Journalism

Students will reflect upon and share their personal and communal experiences. A supportive, reflective journalism group for students to share experiences through writing, listening, drawing, designing, and other creative expression.

Essential Life Skills

Students will learn about 7 essential life skills that are critical to success in school and life. These life skills are based on executive functions; they bring together our social, emotional, and cognitive capacities to problem solve and achieve goals. The following are 7 skills students will be learning:

• Focus and Control: Young adults need this skill to achieve goals. This includes paying attention, exercising self- control, remembering rules, and thinking flexibility.
• Perspective Taking. This involves understanding what others think and feel. It forms the basis for young adults understanding of the intentions of parents, teachers, and friends. Students with this skill are less likely to get involved in conflicts.
• Communicating. This is the skill of determining what one wants to communicate and realizing how it will be understood by others.
• Making Connections. This Life Skill is at the heart of learning: figuring out what is the same, what is different, and sorting them into categories. Making unusual connections is at the core of creativity and moves young adults beyond knowing information to using information well.
• Critical Thinking. This skill helps students analyze and evaluate information to guide their beliefs, decisions, and actions. Students need critical thinking to make sense of the world around them and to solve problems.
• Taking On Challenges. Young adults who take on challenges instead of avoiding or simply coping with them achieve better in school and in life.
• Self Directed, Engaged Learning. By setting goals and strategies for learning, students become attuned and better prepared to change as the world changes. This helps children foster their innate curiosity to learn and helps them realize their potential.
• Job Readiness Class. This course prepares students for meaningful careers. The course provides not only basic life skills training necessary, but also teaches how to obtain and create important documents, such driver’s licenses/state Ids, and resumes. These documents are crucial for a young person’s long- term success in their employment and educational goals, They’ll also learn how to work productively, both independently and in team environments, and other essential soft/hard business skills including time management, problem-solving, business communication, and more.

This class will rotate with several activities including: