Program Enhancements

Program Continuity

Throughout 2015-16, much of our teacher professional work will continue to center creating continuity of learning across our grade levels and divisions based upon skills, dispositions and knowledge. The additional time that we will be gaining for teachers to collaborate will be applied directly to this work. Because we were able to make significant progress with writing, Humanities, modern language, technology and art this year, we will be focusing more closely on science and math in 2015-16. All teachers will continue to work on sharpening the learning intentions and success criteria that frame their work with students and on contributing to our ongoing conversation about assessment.

The Farm at Holmes Partnership

In order to increase our students’ awareness of where food comes from, broaden their perspective of what Self Help can mean, and encourage them to think carefully about what they put into their bodies, Wooster School is increasing our existing work with the Farm at Holmes. We have already begun this process by bringing the Freshman class to a work day at the farm, and we will be taking each grade in the Upper School there next year. The Sophomores and Seniors will get overnight trips, and the Freshmen and Juniors will be there for one day each. We are also working with the Farm staff on a middle school program to create assured farm experiences in 2015-16 as well. Finally, school work days will include the option to work on the farm and our new Environmental Advocate Prefect, will be looking at opportunities to expand what we grow on campus, as well.

The Center for Social Impact and Innovation

Beginning in the fall of 2015, the Center for Social Impact and Innovation is Wooster’s new home for student fundraising and community service. In addition to service learning opportunities, students will learn the skills and dispositions of social entrepreneurs while they work to develop meaningful solutions to real world problems. Students involved in the Center for Social Impact and Innovation will learn to be social problem identifiers, then impact solution designers. In addition to providing opportunities for all Wooster students, the Center is home to the Wooster School Social Impact Fund, an Upper School student advised fund which will provide grants and micro loans to Wooster student and community organizations interested in creating meaningful social change. Students interested in philanthropy and community service should contact Mr. Honeycutt at matt.honeycutt@woosterschool.org.

Aldrich Museum Partnership

After a very successful program with our 9th Grade this year, Wooster will be entering into a partnership with the Aldrich Museum in Ridgefield that will assure an experience with the museum for every Wooster student in 2015-16. Unlike more traditional “visit-based” programs, our work with the Aldrich will be designed to have students thinking and writing about art, while also delving more deeply into the creative, design, and cultural elements of art and museums. The partnership will also provide some exciting opportunities for individual students and teachers to work closely with the museum and its exhibiting artists.