Camperdown Academy

Knighting Ceremony

May 24, 2013 @ 1:59 PM | permalink

The 7th graders in Diana Carey’s literature class have been studying King Arthur. In an effort to help them better understand the role of a knight during Medieval times, the students embarked upon their own personal quest to become knights. They started as pages and had to complete seven tasks such as sweeping the stairs and cleaning the sinks. Once all seven were completed, they advanced to the position of squire. As a squire they had to complete 14 tasks that involved things such as playing checkers and knucklebones with a younger student, and learning table manners. The students also made shields which represented various aspects of themselves. The Quest for Knighthood culminated with a Knighting Ceremony in which each student was knighted by the queen. After the ceremony, Petra B., Will C., Margaret R., Granger R., Sidney S., and Brice V. enjoyed a Medieval Feast.

 

Camperdown Academy 8th grade students take a class one day a week called Multiple Intelligence Class. The class is based on the theory that there are many ways of learning and processing information. In class, students learn how they are smart, how to accommodate their challenges, and how to advocate for themselves. At the end of the school year, students analyze themselves and all that they have learned and write a letter introducing themselves and explaining their strengths, challenges, modalities, and life-goals. These letters are presented to parents and to Middle School students as a speech to continue developing self-confidence and public speaking skills. Students often use the letter as a tool to help their high school teachers better understand their modes of learning. Congratulations to Jason F., Emily H., Grant C., Thomas H., Sarah M., Langdon K., Nicholas J., Courtney H., Wills H.

 

pictured left to right: Brice V., Margaret R., Sidney S., Petra B., Will C., and Granger R.

 

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Cool Car Reward for Reading Challenge

May 17, 2013 @ 2:21 PM | permalink

 

 

 

On Monday students who completed the Spring Reading Challenge enjoyed an extra recess and strawberry shortcake. They got to see and be photographed with Camperdown alumnus Chris Blickle's silver 2008 Mercedes C63. It has an upgraded interior with bucket racing seats, special Brembo 6-piston brakes, and a race track tuned suspension. He opened the hood so students could see the 450 horsepower engine. Congratulations to those students who earned this reward by reading six or more hours in their free time.

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Annual Sports Banquet and Trip to the Bog

May 17, 2013 @ 2:13 PM | permalink

The sports banquet at Camperdown Academy is held every year to honor the middle school athletes. The three competitive sports at Camperdown are soccer, basketball, and tennis. Each athlete received a certificate for being on the team. Some athletes received special awards such as MVP, Most Improved, Most Hustle, and the Jaguar Spirit Award which is given to the student with the best attitude. Receiving soccer awards were Jason F., Carson R., and Courtney H.. Basketball award winners were Wills H., Joseph O., Jason F., and John Michael W.. Tennis awards went to Langdon K., Will C., Brice V., and Grant C..

 

3rd grade students at Camperdown Academy traveled to Ashmore Heritage Preserve in northern Greenville County to see the rare and endangered plants they have been studying this grading period. Students hiked a mile to see the bog, and were able to observe plants along the trail that they have been studying. The field trip is the culmination of a study on carnivorous plants and mountain bogs.

 

pictured in photo (left to right) 3rd graders Max W., Clint C., Tres B.

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High Tech Math and Structural Engineering

May 10, 2013 @ 6:52 PM | permalink

Ann Copeland’s 4th grade math class is using the mobile iPad lab to work on their long division. Chandler B., Tiliyah D., Emma F., Molly H., Emma K., and Ellie U. are taking their new long division skills and using the Splash Math app to practice the process without frustration. The app does much of the work in each problem, but leaves one or two answers blank. The learning game forces the students to think through the process of long division in order to fill in those blanks. Students enjoy the visuals on the screen and the instant rewards that come from successfully completing a problem.

 

 

Seventh and eighth grade students have been studying the relationship between the forces of tension, torque, and compression as they relate to structural engineering. The students were challenged to build a bridge using a maximum of 200 popsicles sticks, hot glue, and 1 meter of string that would span a gap of 60 centimeters. Success will be measured by the amount of weight each bridge can support. The object of the lesson is to understand how structures should be built in order to be self-reinforcing. The entire school will come out to watch the stress tests as concrete bricks are added to each bridge. Students participating in the project are Jason S., Liam T., Petra B., Will C., David H., Margaret R., Granger R., Sidney S., Brice V., Grant C., Jason F., Emily H., Wills H., Thomas H., Courtney H., Nicholas J., and Sarah M..

Picture: Granger R., Jason S., and Brice V.

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One-Of-A-Kind Artwork

May 03, 2013 @ 10:20 AM | permalink

 

The Camperdown Academy art department is creating one-of-a-kind artwork to be auctioned off at the school's annual auction and dinner. This year's event is being held Saturday, May 4th at the Greenville Country Club and is a Kentucky Derby themed party. Students have spent time drawing patterns and painting the large wooden horse that will be displayed and auctioned off. Hundreds of people are expected at the event which is being held as a fundraiser for the school that serves dyslexic children.

pictured are: 6th graders Isabell J. and Ridgley F.

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Camperdown To Host An Evening with Diana Hanbury King

April 19, 2013 @ 1:54 PM | permalink

 

On May 6, 2013, Camperdown will host a presentation by Diana Hanbury King.  This event will be a memorable evening with a leader and Founding Fellow of the AOGPE.  The seminar is free and is open to the public.  For additional details and information regarding registration please see the attached document.

 DHK_History_of_English

 

 

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Kites Measure Up

March 27, 2013 @ 12:01 PM | permalink

 

 

"DERBY DROP"

All Camperdown students are excited about the upcoming Derby "Drop" for Dyslexia. An annual dinner and auction to raise money for the school will be held on the day of the Kentucky Derby, May 4th. The horse-themed event will be fun for adults, but the students are planning their own fun with a horse-themed fundraiser to be held at the school on Friday, April 19th.  Tickets are being sold for small plots or "deeds" which will be created on the Camperdown soccer field.  Three horses will be able to run around the field and wherever they make a "drop", the person who has a ticket for that plot will win money! Students are busy selling tickets because the top 3 ticket sellers will get to ride the horses. More information can be found at www.camperdown.org.

 

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MAC Computers Allow An Assistive Form Of Technology

April 26, 2013 @ 12:06 PM | permalink

Teacher Zak Stoudenmire is preparing his Language Enrichment students to be able to use both PC’s and Apple computers by creating lessons that show students how to manipulate both platforms. Many of the functions of a MAC such as speech-to-text and text-to-speech can be utilized by the dyslexic students as an assistive form of technology. 5^th graders are currently learning the Apple Keynote presentation software, and are enjoying the very visual displays that add a fun element to the learning process.

 
 

5^th grade drama students Mica B., Garrett B., Beth C., Savoia C., Sam C., Abby F., Kai F., Andy M., Carlisle P., Riley S., Samuel S., Sean T. and Carson R. are working hard on the original play, “The Diminutive Mildred R. Hood”. Teacher Jimmi-Ann Muse is responsible for the script, but the elaborate costumes, staging, and many of the creative characters are a result of collaborative efforts among students. The play revolves around a fractured fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood and her misadventures in the forest. She meets lots of characters from other nursery rhymes and popular culture along the way. Students will perform the play for the school on Friday, May 3^rd.

 

 

 Pictured: Mica B., Garrett B., Beth C., Savoia C., Sam C., Abby F., Kai F., Andy M., Carlisle P., Riley S., Samuel S., Sean T. and Carson R.

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Viewing the night sky with Skylab and preparing for test taking

March 23, 2013 @ 1:21 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, March 20, 2013

>The Camperdown Academy science department enjoyed the portable planetarium, Starlab, on loan from Roper Mountain Science Center. Science teacher Virginia Meador was able to allow students to view a night sky with the constellations drawn to facilitate their learning. The projector then changed the night sky so that students could see the stars with no light pollution. Am Group students invited their parents to join them in the Starlab for a viewing to see how well they had learned the constellations.

>Y Group students have spent a week preparing for upcoming standardized testing by learning to deal with the emotions that can sometimes accompany stressful situations. Grant C., Jason F., Emily H., Wills H., Thomas H., Courtney H., Nicholas J., and Sarah M. spent time in drama class drawing to express their feelings. Students are also learning to do writing sprints and breathing exercises. The 8th graders will have an opportunity to utilize some of the learned techniques prior to each day of testing.

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Camperdown students eat a Royal Breakfast and learn dance steps from around the world

March 22, 2013 @ 4:15 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, March 13, 2013

>Am Group students at Camperdown Academy have completed a unit of study on Roald Dahl’s book The BFG. Students participated in a Royal Breakfast as the culminating activity. The breakfast was very similar to the breakfast that the BFG and Sophie ate with the Queen of England in the book. After eating eggs, bacon, sausages, and Frobscottle, the students presented their final projects about the book. There were BFG cave replicas, dioramas of the BFG snatching Sophie, models of giants, and more. Good job to Tres B., Austin C., Clint C., Ciniyah D., Adams E., Bennett E., Ann-Grayson G., Ethan H., Caroline M., Benjamin R., and Robert T.

>Camperdown Academy parent, Kelli Fenters, spent a week offering a dance residency to students as part of their drama/art curriculum. Each day, students were introduced to different dances from all over the world, and learned many steps to dances like the minuet, waltz and the Charleston. The weeklong classes were a great way to learn the social graces involved with partner dancing, as well as interesting facts about different countries and the origin of various dance moves.

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Special Friends Day and "Walking in the Shoes of the Dyslexic" events bring visitors to Camperdown

March 19, 2013 @ 8:14 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, March 6, 2013

>Camperdown Academy special friends recently visited the school for an afternoon event. The annual Special Friends Day allows students to invite family and friends into the school to see drama presentations, art projects, and an overview of content learning in the classroom. D Group students Samuel S., Riley S., Abby F., Savoia C., and Garrett B. were among the students who had paint on canvas projects on display. There were other visual arts displays as well as song and dance presentations by C and Am Group students. Hundreds of people attended the event and were pleased to be introduced to the Orton-Gillingham Approach to teaching that is used across all areas of curriculum for the dyslexic students.

>The community was recently invited to a Camperdown Academy event titled “Walking in the Shoes of a Dyslexic”. This dyslexia simulation was an opportunity for parents and professionals to personally experience some of the frustrations and feelings of failure that many dyslexic students experience daily. More than 3 dozen people attended the presentation which included hands-on exercises designed to re-create how it feels to struggle with a learning difference. This presentation is offered free-of-charge several times a year as an outreach event.

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Arrowsmith Program Open House and students creating continent gameboards

March 19, 2013 @ 8:06 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, February 27, 2013

>Camperdown Academy is holding an Open House for their Arrowsmith Program on Thursday, February 28 at 6:30pm. This is an opportunity for the community to learn more about the brain training program designed to strengthen weak cognitive skills for students with learning disabilities. This program is unique because it addresses the root causes of a learning disability rather than managing its symptoms. Most students enrolling in the program will show improved academic ability, higher standardized test scores, and increased cognitive test (IQ) scores.

>All Camperdown students spent time last week researching, designing, and creating gameboards for each of the 7 continents. The lesson is part of the year-long interdisciplinary unit on geography. Ann-Grayson G., Emma K., Sarah M., Collin T., Chandler B., and Elizabeth O. were part of a group that was using paint to create a gameboard that would teach others about specific geographical features.

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Hands-on learning for Am Group social studies students and Camperdown math teachers

March 19, 2013 @ 7:52 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, February 20, 2013

>Camperdown Academy’s Am Group has created a model of a Cherokee village as the class continues to study South Carolina’s regions in social studies. The model includes a palisade, or tall log wall surrounding the village for protection, and asis, or winter homes, made by each student. Campbell A., Tres B., Austin C., Clint C., Ciniyah D., Adams E., Bennett E., Ann-Grayson G., Ethan H., Caroline M., Ben R., Robert T., and Max W. constructed asis from daub—clay and grass mixed together for thick walls, and wattle—bark and branches for the roofs. This tactile building experience reinforced the vocabulary learned from the histories of the Cherokee, Catawba, Edisto, and Yemassee peoples.

>Math Department and Lower School teachers spent last Friday morning exploring hands-on math. Two faculty members from Trident Academy in Mt. Pleasant provided an overview of the multi-sensory Math-U-See curriculum their school has adopted. The curriculum utilizes manipulatives to enable students to visualize the math concepts of counting, place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. With practice students come to be able to “see the blocks in their head.” Rebecca Shaw, Jeremy Bullinger, Ann Copeland, Terrianne Jones, Susan Newton, Ashley Henderson, Sherrill Livernois, and Myrtie Carter are excited to introduce the techniques to their classes.

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Volunteers rescue at-risk readers

February 07, 2013 @ 4:08 PM | permalink

The Greenville News, January 28, 2013
Guest Column
Volunteers rescue at-risk readers
By Maxine Bennett

     As part of a team of dedicated volunteers who help young, underprivileged children become better readers, it is with pride that I invite like-minded people to join us as we work to rescue at-risk readers. Our trained tutors work pro-bono, on a one-to-one basis to help children who cannot afford private tutoring to learn to read.
     Participating in this program is ideal for people who do not have a background in teaching and who have never been taught how to teach someone to read.
     The Augustine Literacy Project in Upstate South Carolina trains tutors using proven teaching techniques. A derivative of the Orton-Gillingham method with teaching materials from the Wilson Reading System are used in this structured programs resulting in improved reading ability and classroom work.
     The project has operated since 1997 in North Carolina and 2006 in the Upstate. South Carolina currently has 15 tutors working with 18 students in the area.
     The Augustine Literacy Project is based on long-term tutoring relationships between volunteers and children. After the two-week training, the tutors work with children for two 45-minute sessions per week at school during the school day.
     The tutor works with the student for one full school year, during which improvement of more than one grade level has been seen.
     After completing a year of pro-bono tutoring, the tutor is free to market his or her services for a reasonable fee. Many tutors also remain a part of Augustine.
     Our motto, “Teach one Child, Change Two Lives,” is played out in practically every lesson. The joy expressed by our tutors shows the great satisfaction they get as they help these youngsters. And the beaming smiles on the faces of the children as they realize they can read, speaks volumes.
     Applications for Augustine Literacy Project tutor training will be accepted until the end of March. Go to www. augustineproject-upstatesc.org for details. The 2013 training class will be held July 15-26 in downtown Greenville.
     Contact Maxine Bennett, director, at 864-270-9488 or email her at augustine.upstatesc@gmail.com.

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Y Group students are "teachers for a day" and keyboarding taught as an assistive technology

March 19, 2013 @ 7:38 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, February 13, 2013

>Camperdown Academy's Y Group students were "teachers for a day" on Learning Fair Friday. Emily H., Sarah M., Courtney H. & Grant C., Wills H., Liam T. & Langdon K., Nicholas J. & Thomas H., and Jason F. taught Multiple Intelligences to the A through M Group students. TheY Group students spent weeks with a mentor teacher preparing lesson plans that explained their chosen intelligence, and created a variety of activities to bring each concept to life. Lessons ranged from building towers as an exploration of spatial judgement, to using poetry to explore rhythm and rhyme through musical intelligence, to exploring bodily kinesthetic intelligence by teaching vocabulary words while working through an obstacle course. The Y Group “teachers” dressed professionally and enjoyed time in the teachers’ lounge during breaks between classes.

>Camperdown Academy keyboarding students are working hard at improving their accuracy and speed with their typing. Starting in 4th grade, every student receives daily instruction that teaches the keys in alphabetic order. Proficiency levels are measured as students work through the practice exercises at their own pace. As an added benefit, spell-check skills are taught using the knowledge students have about the six syllable types to help them accurately spell words. Keyboarding is one of the assistive technology options that will help prepare the dyslexic students for future success in the classroom.

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The tutorial department's Greek "bugs" and our 100th day of school paper chain

February 07, 2013 @ 11:01 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, February 6, 2013

>The tutorial department at Camperdown Academy is working on the understanding of prefixes, suffixes, and roots by creating Greek "bugs." Knowledge of these word parts assists students in defining unfamiliar words. Students pick two Greek roots from a list of common roots that would be easy to illustrate. The students then draw an insect or creature on the front of a note card and write the Greek roots that correspond to the meaning. On the back of the note card, students write the meaning of the roots and a common word that contains each root. M and Y Group students have created words such as "fort-o-duct" and "chrom-o-corp." Students spend one hour every school day with a tutor to focus on areas where they might continue to struggle.

>To celebrate the 100th day of school, each Camperdown student finished the following sentence "I am 100 days smarter because..." and wrote it on a strip of paper. The entire school gathered to link those strips of paper together to create a paper chain that was 100 links long. This was a great way to celebrate individual student achievement while recognizing a milestone in the school year. Helping to celebrate learning by linking the chain together was Max W., Caroline M., Dawson H., Ciniyah D., and Ana P.

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D Group experiences "Way Cool Science" and Riley Lawlor is published

January 31, 2013 @ 9:35 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, January 30, 2013

Virginia Meador’s D Group science class at Camperdown Academy recently attended a program designed to let students participate in science experiments dealing with matter. Students experienced both physical and chemical changes in matter by doing things like freezing a plastic ball in liquid nitrogen and then throwing it against a wall to see it shatter. Another class favorite was learning how glow sticks are made and the chemical reaction that takes place when they light up. Participating in the experiments were Beth C., Garrett B., Savoia C., Riley S., Abby F., Carlisle P., Andy M., and Kai F..

Congratulations to Camperdown Academy E Group student Riley Lawlor on having a poem published! Riley worked with his tutor, Christine Smith, on a poem titled “Wind” which he then submitted to Creative Communication for consideration in an upcoming publication. Thousands of entries were not accepted, and we are proud of Riley for being the only student at Camperdown Academy to receive this honor.

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A busy week for social studies classes and a milestone reached in our Cognitive Classroom

January 24, 2013 @ 10:32 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, January 23, 2013

>The Social Studies Department at Camperdown Academy has been busy this week. E Group students visited the Museum and Gallery at Bob Jones University. The students saw many different ancient relics from the Egyptian, Hebrew, and Roman cultures. As part of the experience, students were able to dress in a toga and use the same kind of counting system the ancient Romans used. D Group students presented their version of The Boston Tea Party in a skit complete with period costumes. Students played the roles of colonists, Indians, and Samuel Adams. Garrett B., Abby F., Andy M., Carlisle P., Beth C., Riley S., and Savoia C. participated in the play that was presented to the whole school.

>The Cognitive Classroom at Camperdown Academy, which utilizes The Arrowsmith Program, has reached a new milestone. The Arrowsmith Program is a program of intensive and graduated cognitive exercises that are designed to strengthen the underlying weak cognitive capacities that are the source of a student’s learning disabilities. As each level is mastered students move on to more challenging work. As a class of 20 working together, the students have achieved 300 masteries so far this school year! Congratulations to: Mica B., Campbell A., Thomas B., Sam C., Dawson H., Isabelle J., Langdon K., Frances M., Lindsey M., Elizabeth O., Joseph O., Ana P., Grayson S., Jason S., Liam T., Riley W., Max W., and Alex Y.

www.arrowsmithschool.org/

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The new year brings new reading programs for students and a 40 million year old set of fossils

January 24, 2013 @ 9:49 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, January 16, 2013

>Camperdown Academy students kicked off the new year with a Six Hour Reading Club reading program. The A through E Group students' reading program is sponsored by Six Flags. Students who read a total of 6 hours by February 22 will receive a free ticket to Six Flags to be used during the 2013 summer season. Camperdown is sponsoring a similar program for M and Y Group students by providing them with a trip to Barnes and Noble to pick out a free book when they complete 6 hours of reading.

>D Group student Abby Force donated a set of fossils to the school that are more than 40 million years old! Science teacher, Virginia Meador, will use the donation to teach about fossils. Students will then have the opportunity to create their own fossils using Plaster of Paris. The fossils will also become a part of the science department's “Gee Whiz” collection which is used to amaze younger students and interest them in science. The majority of the specimens donated were shark teeth.

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Handmade topographical maps provide multi-sensory awareness and CA's 4th graders' diligent study provides holiday meals for our homeless neighbors

January 24, 2013 @ 9:38 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, January 9, 2013

>Camperdown Academy’s Am Group created topographical maps as part of their study of the state of South Carolina. The maps were made from clay to help students gain a better understanding of how South Carolina’s terrain gradually descends from mountainous regions in the Upstate to sea level at the coast. Manipulating clay to make the maps provided a multi-sensory awareness that is not available from simply reading a textbook. Congratulations to the following students for completing the project: Tres B., Austin C., Clint C., Ciniyah D., Adams E., Bennett E., Ann-Grayson G., Ben R., Robert T. and Max W.

 

>Star Group students in Ms. Ann Copeland’s math class rose to the challenge when she said that a holiday meal at the Greenville Rescue Mission would be provided for every correct answer on their multiplication facts quiz. As a result of the focused work of Chandler B., Tiliyah D., Emma F., Molly H., Emma K., and Ellie U., 147 Christmas dinners were provided for some of Greenville’s hungry families through Miracle Hill Ministries.

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Gingerbread houses display architectural and engineering skills

January 18, 2013 @ 4:15 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, January 2, 2013

Camperdown Academy C Group students put their architectural and engineering skills to work before Christmas break while creating and designing their own "gingerbread houses." Using graham crackers and frosting, they built multi-level houses from the ground floor up. The outcomes reflected their refined spatial and motor skills. Intricate trimmings of spice drops, peppermints, candy canes, M&Ms, and LifeSavers adorned and defined windows, porches, and railings. Good work by Jack B., Emily F., Henry H., Noah K., Graham M., Ashton M., Watson R., Clifton S., and Millie S.

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Students create embossed holiday gifts

January 18, 2013 @ 4:09 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, December 26, 2012

Y Group students at Camperdown Academy combined an art lesson on embossing with an opportunity to make Christmas presents for their family. Each student was given a heavy piece of aluminum foil to serve as a frame for a mirror. Using an original drawing, students traced a design onto the foil and then rubbed that impression into the foil in order to create a three-dimensional look. Some finished products were also colored with Sharpies to give the appearance of Mexican tin work. Students completing the project were Grant C., Jason F., Emily H., Wills H., Thomas H,, Courtney H,, Nicholas J, and Sarah M.

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Y Group travels Greenville to learn city history and A Group decorates the school for the holidays

January 09, 2013 @ 10:00 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, December 19, 2012-

>Meg Coffey's Y Group English Language Arts class is working on a project about the history of Greenville. Students select historical sites within Greenville County such as Chick Spring Hotel and Donaldson Air Force Base. Students include a write-up and a photograph of themselves at five sites of their choice, as well as at Springwood Cemetery and Duncan Mill. Students are also required to interview a long-time Greenville County resident. To get the photographs taken, students spent a day traveling around the county stopping at 27 sites; including the Upcountry History Museum where they had a guided tour for the exhibit "Through the Lens: A Photographic History of Greenville." Wills H., Nicholas J., Thomas H., Emily H., Liam T., Sarah M., Courtney H., Grant C., and Jason F. all completed notebooks on the history of Greenville.

>A Group students have decorated the tree in the lobby at Camperdown with handmade ornaments. Students used modeling dough and strung beads on pipe cleaners. The finished tree has candy canes, holly leaves, ball icicles, gingerbread men, wreaths, bells, and stars. For the class tree they strung Fruit Loops for a garland. They are also completing a study of Hanukkah and will celebrate with a traditional Hanukkah meal.

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Students design and build Aesop's Fables dioramas and honor a fallen alumnus through caring for our soldiers

January 07, 2013 @ 1:08 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, December 12, 2012

>Camperdown Academy Am Group students have been studying Aesop’s Fables, focusing on characters, settings, sequencing, and the morals of the stories. As a final project, they had to recreate a scene from one of their favorite fables in a diorama. First, they had to draw a detailed picture of what they wanted to create. Next, they had to make a list of supplies. After that, they worked from the “back” (painting/decorating the background) to the “front” (characters and other items in the foreground) of their diorama. Finally, they had to write a paragraph about their work.

>Camperdown Academy alumnus Bo Hicks was recently killed in action in Afghanistan. The school spent an afternoon talking about Bo and his service to our country, and what it means to be in the military. Students then made cards for both deployed and wounded soldiers thanking them for their service. Student Council decided to support the work of the Greenville Upstate Blue Star Mothers organization by conducting a drive to collect recommended items for care packages. Students are bringing in items ranging from toiletries to food items and even magazines and clothing. The newly elected student council members for this school year are Courtney H., Carson R., Graham M., Robert T., Taliyah D., Beth C., Frances M., Will C., and Jason F.

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Celebrating our classmates during Potlatch and learning about the electromagnetic spectrum

January 07, 2013 @ 12:31 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, December 5, 2012

>Camperdown Academy A through Y Group students recently celebrated their annual Potlatch ceremony. The idea of a Potlatch was borrowed from the Native Americans, and is a way for students to highlight the special qualities of each member of the Camperdown family. Students use the skills associated with observation, creativity, organization, written expression, and oral presentation to make gifts that describe the attributes of each person. Secret partners are chosen and carefully observed while students work with teachers to create a story or poem that is then presented in a school-wide assembly.

 

>M and Y Group Science classes at Camperdown Academy traveled to the Roper Mountain Science Center as part of an ongoing unit on light. Students watched a demonstration lesson on the electromagnetic spectrum, specifically UV and visible light, and learned about how each element has a unique light spectrum that it emits when it's energized. Liam T., Petra B., Will C., David H., Granger R., Sidney S., Brice V., Grant C., Jason F., Emily H., Wills H. Thomas H., Courtney H., Nicholas J., and Sarah M. attended the off-campus class.

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Field trip enhances Middle East study and students create scenery for drama productions

January 07, 2013 @ 11:56 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, November 21, 2012

>Campderdown Academy M Group students are studying Muslim civilizations and the religion of Islam. To get a better understanding of Middle Eastern culture, the students went to the Pita House for lunch, then visited a Muslim mosque. The students observed how Muslims worship and pray to their god, Allah. There were also explanations about the use of carpets, why ladies are kept separate from men, and why shoes are removed. The students who went on this educational experience were David H., Will C., Brice V., Granger R., Petra B., and Sidney S.

>Star through E Group students are working hard to paint scenery set pieces for the school Drama Department. The pieces will be used with different productions throughout the school year. The first play to utilize the new scenery pieces will be an M and Y Groups  production of Romeo and Juliet scheduled for December 4.

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Learning and practing the election process and using geometry to create art

December 11, 2012 @ 4:20 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, November 14, 2012

>Students at Camperdown Academy have spent the past 6 months simulating the process of how the President of the United States is elected. M Group students created the Jaguar Academy Government party and Y Group students created the Camperdown Academy Kids' Right party complete with platforms and issues they support. Those parties solicited candidates for the office of President of Student Council. E Group students handled voter registration for any student who wanted to be registered as a party member or an independent voter. Candidates had to campaign and select a vice-president as a running mate. Election booths were built by D Group for the election held on November 7. Middle school students studied the entire election process from the rules set up in the Constitution to qualify, to primaries and caucuses, conventions, Election Day, and the Electoral College. Ninety-one percent of registered voters turned out for Election Day and elected Student Council officers and members for the 2012-13 school year. They are: President, Courtney H.; Vice President, Ahser H.; Secretary, Andrew S.; Treasurer, Carson R.; and class representatives: Graham M., Robert T., Tiliyah D., Beth C., Frances M., Will C., and Jason F..

>Art teacher Jimmi-Ann Muse is working with Star, D, and E Group students on geometric shapes. Each student was given a paper square to make a checkerboard design that features simple patterns of squares alternating between two colors.
Students used simple geometric tools to make lines and circular shapes, then defined a pattern within the boundaries of the overlapping shapes using color.  Each student's square was joined together to make a large paper quilt which is hanging in the front office of the school.

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"Walking in the Shoes of the Dyslexic" dyslexia simulation to be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2013

December 11, 2012 @ 2:59 PM | permalink

Camperdown Academy and the
SC Branch of the IDA

“Walking in the Shoes of a Dyslexic”
Dyslexia Simulation

with Heidi Bishop, Fellow/AOGPE, President, SCBIDA

Please join us on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at 6:30pm,

in Camperdown Academy’s Big Room.

As parents or professionals working with dyslexics, you already have a good conceptual understanding of the difficulties individuals experience in their learning. But you might not be able to fully appreciate the frustrations and feelings of failure that these individuals experience daily.

This presentation is designed to show you how it feels to have a learning difference.

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Pat Golus at 864-244-8899 or pgolus@camperdown.org

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CA welcomes Fall with campfire fun and a visit to an Upstate orchard

December 11, 2012 @ 4:06 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, November 7, 2012

>Friday, October 26, was Camperdown Academy’s 3rd Annual Campfire Fun. A through Group students and their families joined teachers for an enjoyable evening outdoors. As families arrived, some gathered around the fire to chat while others joined in a game of kickball. Then it was time to cook hot dogs over the campfire and enjoy dinner and s'mores. Kids and adults played nighttime games of Googala Monster, Night Eyes, and Killer Ball.

>Camperdown Academy C Group students spent some time at Windy Hill Apple Orchard in York County last week. Students marched through an apple orchard maze, watched a demonstration on the art of making cider, took a hayride around an apple orchard, then jumped in hay stacks to gather enough straw to make a scarecrow. Collin T., Noah K., Ashton M., Emily F. Millie S., Graham M., Watson R., Henry H., Clifton S., Jack B., and Ms. Sherrill Livernois also enjoyed fresh doughnuts and apple cider. Students brought doughnuts back to the school to slice and eat fractional parts of their whole doughnut as part of a Math lesson.

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5th Annual 5K4D Run for Dyslexia will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 9 a.m. at Conestee Park.

November 08, 2012 @ 11:24 AM | permalink

Please join us on Saturday, December 1 as
Camperdown Academy hosts its 5th Annual 5K4D Run for Dyslexia.

Enjoy a scenic trail run at Conestee Park or

slow down the pace in our 1 Mile Family-Friendly Walk.

This is an event the whole family will enjoy!

 

8:00 - 8:45 a.m.    Race Day Registration and Packet Pick-Up
9:00 a.m.    Kids Zone Activities Begin 
* Snacks, refreshments, face painting, and play area.
9:00 a.m.    5K Start
9:10 a.m.    Family-Friendly Walk Start

Awards & prizes will be given for the top 3 male & female winners in each age group.

Location: Conestee Park
840 Mauldin Road
Greenville, SC 29607

Entry Fees:
$25—Before November 12, includes T-shirt (see below)
$30—Day of Race

Race t-shirt is long sleeve tech material

T-shirts will be guaranteed for people registered BEFORE November 12. All runners pre-registered AFTER that date will receive a t-shirt, but might not receive them by race day. On-site registrants will not be guaranteed a t-shirt; however, we will do our best to provide everyone a shirt! So please register early!!

 

For group and team discount pricing,
please contact Laney Stansell lstansell@camperdown.org

 

To register, visit the 5K4D page at www.setupevents.com/ or download the brochure: 2012_5K4D_brochure_final.

 

If you would like to make a donation:

> Information about Camperdown Academy and the 5K4D: about5K4D

> Donor Form: donor_PDF

 

> Your donation is 100% tax deductible.  As a donor, you, your business, or your organization will be recognized as a patron of the Camperdown Academy 5K4D Run for Dyslexia.

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"Walking in the Shoes of the Dyslexic" dyslexia simulation on Tuesday, December 11

November 13, 2012 @ 9:39 AM | permalink

 

Walking_in_the_Shoes_of_a_Dyslexic___12_11_12

 

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Jaguars soccer team has great season and M Group visits Renaissance Faire

November 13, 2012 @ 10:47 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, October 31, 2012

>The Camperdown Academy Jaguars soccer team had a great season! The Jaguars totaled 20 goals and their record was 3-4-1. The players worked extremely hard and improved on their soccer skills. The Jaguars team included: Ridgley F., Thomas B., Langdon K., Grant C., Courtney H., Jason F., Jason S., Sidney S., Will C., Carson R., Andrew S., David H., Petra B., Joseph O., Thomas H., and John Michael W..

>Camperdown Academy M Group students are studying 16th century European-style art and history in preparation for an upcoming performance of Romeo and Juliet. Petra B., Will C., David H., Joseph O., Granger R., Sidney S., Catherine H., Jason S., and Brice V. recently traveled to a Renaissance Faire to soak up the atmosphere of that time period. The trip to Concord, North Carolina also gave students the opportunity to see a jousting demonstration complete with knights, horses, and sword fighting. All of the students dressed in period clothing for the trip.

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D Group practices public speaking skills by putting on a Columbus Day play and A Group practices Math skills by painting pumpkins

November 08, 2012 @ 5:42 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, October 24, 2012

>A project designed to teach public speaking skills while learning history resulted in Camperdown Academy's D Group Social Studies class performing a play about Christopher Columbus on Columbus Day. The students dressed up and played the roles of Columbus, King Ferdinand, Queen Isabella, and many more! They told the story of how Columbus never gave up his dream of proving the Earth was round and finding a water route to the East by sailing west! The actors were Sean T., Kai F., Savoia C., Riley S., Garrett B., Beth C., Carlisle P., Samuel S., and Andy M..

>Camperdown Academy A Group students Philippe C., Trina F., and Charlie V. have been working on shapes, colors, and fine motor skills by painting small pumpkins. The class put on special painting shirts and took turns with paint colors to fill-in the shapes they had drawn to create a face for each pumpkin. In the process of creating the face, Math concepts such as size and angles were also introduced. Teacher Myrtie Carter says combining classroom teaching with holiday fun is a great way to keep her young students engaged and learning!

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Camperdown students learn about mountaineering and growing up

October 22, 2012 @ 3:24 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, October 17, 2012

>Professional mountaineer Ron Sanga visited Camperdown Academy to talk about his quest to summit the highest mountain on all seven continents. The presentation was part of Camperdown’s year-long focus on geography. Sanga talked about his career repairing high-rise buildings before joining an elite group of people who are climbing the highest peaks on each continent. Students were able see the enormous amount of equipment necessary to stay warm on the upper reaches of Mt. Everest, as well as how Sanga fed himself and stayed hydrated. Special boots and a breathing apparatus made it possible for him to climb to a 29,000 foot summit. Along with mountaineering equipment, Mr. Sanga takes small school supplies such as pencils and erasers to children in the schools near his climbing destinations. Students Clint C., Jason S., Nicholas J., and Asher H. were able to try on some of the gear and experience what it feels like to be suited up for a freezing climb.

 

>Camperdown girls in Am through Y Groups, along with their moms, just completed the “Girlology” course. Dr. Melissa Holmes presented the mother-daughter program which is focused on walking girls through their transition to adolescence. Interactive activities and discussions were designed to offer medically accurate information in the 2 hour seminar.

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Science class in Congaree National Park and an "All-Star" book fair

October 22, 2012 @ 3:12 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, October 10, 2012

>E Group students at Camperdown Academy recently traveled south of Columbia to visit the Congaree National Park. Jeremy Bullinger's science class is studying wetland ecology and took a Ranger-guided canoe tour through a flood plain as part of their field trip. Thomas C., Ridgley F., Riley L., Carson R., Frances M., Grayson S., Elizabeth O., and Lindsey M. witnessed several different habitats including hundreds of whirligig beetles living on surface film. Many reptiles and spiders were observed such as the Fisher Spider which dives underwater and catches minnows.

 

>Camperdown Academy students attended the annual book fair during the first week of October. The theme of this year's fair was All-Stars, and every book purchased earned money to help grow the school library. A "Bagels N' Books" breakfast event was held for parents to grab breakfast during carpool drop-off and explore the book selections with their children.

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Learning geography with mandalas and creekbed science with wet feet

October 15, 2012 @ 12:00 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, October 3, 2012

>Camperdown Academy Drama and Art teacher Jimmi-Ann Muse had students make mandalas as part of the ongoing school-wide interdisciplinary focus on geography. On the back of each circular art project there is a place for each continent and students can add material throughout the year. Flags from each continent are placed on BBQ skewers and made to radiate out from the mandalas like the spokes of a wheel. Students have decorated the hallways with these colorful projects.

>Star Group students are exploring a creek on the Camperdown Academy property as part of their science curriculum. Teacher Virginia Meador put on waders and led the class down the creek in search of animal tracks, signs of flooding, effects of erosion, and underwater springs. Students walked down the creek so that they could experience the differences in the floor of the creekbed and how that changes the water flow. The visits to the creek will continue for several weeks as students will also track the temperature of the water and how it changes. The following students were excited to get wet as part of their science class: Chandler B., Emma K., Anna-Elizabeth B., Ellie U., Warren F., Robert H., Alex S., Mac B., Tiliyah D., Emma F., and Molly H..

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Middle School students experience the political process firsthand and Star Group students tend the garden

October 15, 2012 @ 11:50 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, October 26, 2012

>Students at Camperdown Academy are involved in electing their Student Council president the same way the United States elects a president. Political parties have been developed and candidates are being recruited by the two parties: JAG (Jaguar Academy Government) and CAKR (Camperdown Academy Kids' Rights). Carole Simpson, a former campaign strategist, spoke with the two parties to help develop their plan for selecting good candidates, organizing volunteers, and finding the issues that hit home with most of the voters. Voter registration takes place on specific dates and times as the parties work to encourage all students to get registered. Ms. Simpson, a Greenville attorney, shared her experiences in Washington, DC and Texas where she helped coordinate and run many local and national campaigns. According to Petra B., "Ms. Simpson taught us about her experiences . . . and how you should present your party in order to get votes." On election day it is all about getting out the vote because, in a small environment, every vote counts! All E Group (voter registrars), M Group (CAKR party officials), and Y Group (JAG party officials) students attended the presentation.

>Star Group students are making weekly visits to the GreenGate Community Garden for a hands-on lesson in science. Ellie U., Ryan B., Emma K., Anna-Elizabeth B., Molly H., Robert H., Mac B., Warren F., Tiliyah D., Emma F., and Chandler B. are learning basic gardening skills. Students are giving back to the community while learning how to propagate plants by rooting and deadheading old flowers to improve blooming. Students will also learn about harvesting and eating what they grow.

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Camperdown students present summer reading projects and play Nine Square

October 15, 2012 @ 11:19 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, September 19, 2012

>Camperdown Academy students created spectacular summer reading reports and projects. First, students read a book specially chosen for them by their Orton-Gillingham tutor. They wrote a traditional book report about this book. Tutors have been impressed with students' description and evaluation of the authors' work. Presentations of these reports in class sparked classmates' interest in trying well-recommended titles. Furthermore, students chose an additional book from a list of recommended summer reading. Students creatively reported on this book using a variety of projects. Some made board games, while others compared characters, built models, or created brochures. We are very proud of their hard work during summer vacation.

>Camperdown Academy students have a new addition to their playground this year called "9 Square in the Air." This simple game is played with students standing under a grid structure made up of multiple squares. One student stands under each square and the "King" stands in the middle and hits a ball up in the air through his square. Each player must return the ball into another player's square in order to avoid elimination. Camperdown kids line up everyday to play this new game! A second structure has just been added to the playground to accommodate more players.

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CA students strengthen motor skills for cursive writing and their brains in the Cognitive Classroom

September 19, 2012 @ 3:27 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, September 12, 2012
>The students in Camperdown Academy’s A Group colored butterflies to hang in their classroom as a fine-motor strengthening activity. Holding the crayon with a three-finger pinch grip helps train the hand for cursive handwriting. When they turn on the fan, the butterflies dance around the "sky" lights. The proud students are Trina F, Philippe C, and Bella F.

 

>The Cognitive Classroom at Camperdown Academy is off to a successful start. After the first year of offering the brain training program, students have made great gains in the areas of attention, memory, processing speed, reading and math speed and fluency. The Camperdown Academy Cognitive Classroom is based on the Arrow- smith Program and its 30 year track record of improving academic achievement through individualized cognitive programs. This year, seventeen students in Star through Y Groups are participating in the program. Sam C, Catherine H, Dawson H, Langdon K, Frances M, Lindsey M, Elizabeth O, Ana P, Grayson S, Jason S, Liam T, and Alex Y are all in their second year of the program.

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Camperdown students walk the USA and the world

September 18, 2012 @ 11:04 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, September 5, 2012

>This school year at Camperdown Academy is all about geography and how it can be blended into each area of study. Students in A through Y Groups divided into seven groups to represent the continents of the world for their interdisciplinary unit on geography. Each continent group traveled to sessions that included landforms, the Seven Wonders of the World, living culture/arts, world literature, geocaching/explorers, weather, and Antarctica. At the end of the sessions, the continent groups worked together to prepare a short report that was presented in a student assembly. Students were able to walk on and learn from large-scale paintings of maps of the world and USA located on the Camperdown Academy basketball court. The following students learned about landforms across our country by striking poses to represent mountains, rivers, and peninsulas: Wills H., Langdon K., David H., Petra B., Frances M., Isabelle J., Riley S., Tiliyah D., Emma F., Bennett E., Henry H., and Watson R..

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M and Y Groups explore D.C.

June 22, 2012 @ 2:46 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, June 6, 2012

M and Y Group students from Camperdown Academy have enjoyed a wonderful week in Washington, DC. Their busy week began with the students exploring Luray Caverns in Virginia. After Luray, the students headed to the Air and Space Museum at Dulles, the home of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Besides touring the White House and U.S. Capitol Building, the students were able to visit the monuments and museums of Washington. Among the highlights for the students were The Holocaust Memorial Museum, The Museum of Natural History, and The Vietnam Memorial. Everyone also enjoyed a trip down the Potomac River to Old Alexandria. The nighttime view of the monuments was a big hit with the group. Everyone returned hoarse, educated, and exhausted. Students on the trip included Maddie S, Sarah M, Amy F, Grant C, Nicholas J, Thomas H, Lawson S, Jason F, Alex B, Henri C, R.H. R, Will S, Wills H, Colin F, Langdon K, Liam T, Emily H, and Courtney H.

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Student athletes recognized at CAJY Awards night and M Group students are knighted

June 22, 2012 @ 2:34 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, May 30, 2012

>Several Camperdown Academy middle school student athletes were recognized during the Camperdown Academy Jaguars Yearly (CAJY) Awards night. Both team and individual accomplishments were awarded for students participating in competitive soccer, basketball, and tennis. Winners of the Jaguar “Spirit” Award were: John-Michael W, Grant C, and Courtney H. Congratulations to the three students chosen to receive the Jaguar “MVP” award: Will S for soccer, Wills H for basketball, and Sam S for tennis. For all students, the ultimate reward is the camaraderie that is established on the field/court that carries over into the classroom.

 

>M Group students in Diana Carey’s literature class have been studying King Arthur. In an effort to help them better understand the role of a knight during Medieval times and what it took to become a knight, the students embarked upon their own personal quest to become knights. They started as pages and had to complete seven tasks such as sweeping the stairs and cleaning the sinks. Once all seven were completed, they advanced to the position of squire. As a squire they had to complete fourteen tasks that involved things such as playing checkers and knucklebones with a younger student, learning table manners, and how to set the table. The students also made shields which represented themselves. Along their quest they had to identify the parts of a castle and a sword and memorize the Code of Chivalry. The Quest for Knighthood culminated with a Knighting Ceremony in which each student was knighted by a queen following the rituals of the Middle Ages as closely as possible. After the ceremony, the students and their parents enjoyed a Medieval Feast.

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Mrs. Meador recognized as Outstanding Science Educator

June 22, 2012 @ 2:18 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, May 23, 2012

Mrs. Virginia Meador, a Camperdown Academy science teacher, was recently nominated for the Outstanding Science Educator and Teacher of the Year award in Greenville County. The Greenville County Science Teachers Association sponsors the annual award to recognize the contributions made by science teachers in schools across the county. Mrs. Meador would like to thank Roper Mountain Science Center for nominating her!

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Camperdown students explore endangered plants at the bog and make Johnny Cakes

June 22, 2012 @ 2:16 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, May 23, 2012

>Elementary students at Camperdown Academy traveled to Ashmore Heritage Preserve in northern Greenville County to see the rare and endangered plants they have been studying this grading period. The students hiked a mile to see the bog, and were able to observe plants along the trail that they have been studying. A horned bladderwort was spotted for the first time in 5 years worth of study at this location.

 

>Camperdown Academy Am Group students made Johnny Cakes as part of a lesson about comparing and contrasting using Venn Diagrams and measuring. This project also ties in with a literature study of the book The Sign of the Beaver. Characters in the book like to eat Johnny Cakes. A taste test was held following a comparison of different recipes and their ingredients. Ryan B, Chandler B, Anna-Elizabeth B, Mac B, Riley C, Tad D, Emma F, Warren F, Emma K, Avery P, Alex S, and Ellie U made two different recipes and compared ingredients and cooking time.

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Y Group shares their Multiple Intelligences and middle school students explore the mechanics of block and tackle

June 22, 2012 @ 1:53 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, May 16, 2012

>Camperdown Academy offers a class called the Multiple Intelligences Class to the Y Group students who are transitioning to high school. This course teaches the students to recognize their strengths and challenges. They learn how to be a leader and how to advocate for themselves. For the culminating activity, each student writes and presents a speech about what they have learned about themselves. The purpose of the speech is to to talk about the particular ways they learn best, including their strengths, and ways they cope with challenges. The final product can be something the students will share with their future teachers and employers. Congratulations to the following students for completing this class: R. H. R, Henri C, Will S, Maddie S, and Amy F.

 

>Camperdown Academy middle school students have been spending time in the Science Lab exploring the mechanical advantage of using a block and tackle set-up. Given challenges, the students had to put together systems using single pulleys, double pulleys, carabiners, and climbing rope. They noticed the effect of friction on the efficiency of the system, and constructed a machine capable of lifting a student into the air relatively easily.

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First Chris Blickle Reading Award winners announced and A and C Groups visit GreenGate Community Garden

June 22, 2012 @ 12:48 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, May 9, 2012

>Camperdown Academy is proud to announce that 42 of our 85 students have received the Chris Blickle Award for Reading this year. The award is named in honor of former Camperdown student, and current SEW EURODRIVE Operations Manager, Chris Blickle. Teachers have given the awards based on the number of pages read, and difficulty of the book. In addition, 11 students are being honored with going Above and Beyond! Congratulations to Robert T, Riley F, Campbell A, Ethan H, Tres B, Carlisle P, Carson R, Mica B, Walker R, Jason S, and Amy F. These students exceeded their goal, and will receive a trip to Barnes and Noble where they can pick out a new book. All students receiving the reading award had their picture taken in a Lotus racing car, brought to the school by owner, Max Shaffer.

   

>A and C Group students are continuing their science unit on wildflowers, and recently visited the GreenGate Community Garden to work on flower identification. Students are learning both the scientific and common names by visiting the Gardens and spending time outside observing the vegetation on Camperdown’s campus.  A Groupers have also been studying the creek environment and making daily observations.

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See pictures from the 2012 5K4D Run for Dylsexia

May 24, 2012 @ 2:33 PM | permalink

Click on the following link to view pictures from the 2012 5K4D:  5K4D-May 12, 2012

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Greenville Derby Dames donate to Camperdown; middle school tennis team squares off against the faculty; Star Group visits the South Carolina Cotton Museum

June 22, 2012 @ 12:36 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, May 2, 2012

>The Greenville Derby Dames strapped on their roller skates for a skating demonstration at Camperdown Academy. Students in Groups A through Y watched as the roller derby league players demonstrated how to skate, stop, fall down, and win a skating bout! The Derby Dames were dressed in team attire and took questions from the students. The Greenvillle Derby Dames also gave a donation to Camperdown Academy to help support the non-profit school for kids with dyslexia.

 

>Camperdown Academy Jaguars middle school tennis team members Colin F, Langdon K, Courtney H, Grant C, David H, Brice V, and Jason F faced off against the faculty and staff in the annual competition. David H is the only student to beat a staff member … congratulations on beating science teacher Mr. Jeremy Bullinger.

>Camperdown Academy Star Group students Carson R, Beth C, Riley S, Savoia C, Carlisle P, Mica B, Samuel S, and Andy M recently went to the South Carolina Cotton Museum in Bishopville. The students learned about a cotton gin that separates the fiber from the seed. They also got to touch the different grades of cotton as part of their museum tour.

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Camperdown students create anti-bullying pledge and mural for the school; A-5 and A Groups meet reptiles and amphibians

June 22, 2012 @ 12:22 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, April 25, 2012

>Carol Ann Good, a Camperdown Academy art teacher, is currently working on a collaborative project with the entire student body to study anti-bullying techniques through art. Students are using a collage and painting technique to create a three-paneled mural and pledge that will promote self-esteem and teamwork. The created panels will be a gift from the 2011-2012 student body and will become a permanent part of the school gallery. The lesson is designed to enable students to advocate for themselves and others in the school and community.

 

>Camperdown Academy A-5 and A Group students are learning about the differences between reptiles and amphibians. Philippe C, Orion S, Jack B, Emily F, Graham M, Levi S, and Collin T examined animals such as the Tiger Salamander, Bullfrog, and Black Rat Snake on a recent trip to Roper Mountain Science Center. The field trip included visiting the pond on Camperdown’s campus to count how many turtles the students could find and identify.

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Y Group studies physics through bridge design and E and M Groups celebrate National Theatre in Our Schools Month

June 22, 2012 @ 12:12 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, April 11, 2012

>Y Group students have been studying the relationship between the forces of tension, torque, and compression as they relate to structural engineering. The students were challenged to build a bridge using a maximum of 200 popsicles sticks, hot glue, and 1 meter of string that would span a gap of 60 centimeters. Different bridge designs included a truss, a beam bridge, and an arch design. Success was measured by the amount of weight each bridge could support. Each bridge supported a minimum of 5 pounds, but both a truss and arch bridge supported 50 pounds before collapsing. The object of the lesson was to understand how structures can and should be built in order to be self-reinforcing. The entire school came out to watch the stress tests as concrete bricks were added to each bridge. Congratulations to R.H. R, Maddie S, Will S, Henri C, and Colin F for a job well done.

 

>E and M Group students kicked off their study of Romeo and Juliet with a PowerPoint and pantomime acting presentation to other Camperdown Academy students. The dramatization was part of a month-long celebration of National Theatre in Our Schools Month. Sidney S, Catherine H, Petra B, Jason S, Will C, Granger R, David H, and Austin G took questions from students following the presentation. The exposure to Shakespeare is preparing the students for high school English.

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D Group uses stick bundles to learn about quantity and weight

June 21, 2012 @ 4:19 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, April 4, 2012

Congratulations to Mrs. Heidi Bishop's D Group math students Hallam C, Alex Y, Dawson H, and Cole H for counting thousands and thousands of sticks! What started as a small class project to work on quantity and weight while simultaneously working on place value, turned into almost 4 months of Friday class time. The students initially grouped sticks into quantities of ten, then bundled these tens into hundreds, and finally bundled ten groups of hundreds to make a thousand. The students felt the thousand and guessed its weight. Guesses ranged from 4 pounds to 80 pounds. In actuality, the average weight was 3.25 lbs. The students wanted to see how much ten thousand would weigh, so they estimated the final weight to approximately 32.5 pounds by multiplying by 10. They had a lot of fun working together as a group and in a systematic way to create the ten thousand. After this activity, they have a more realistic sense of quantity and weight, which was the purpose of the project.

  Hallam C, Alex Y, Dawson H, Cole H

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C Group learns about schooling in past times and the student body collects for Harvest Hope Food Bank and March of Dimes

June 21, 2012 @ 4:06 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, March 28, 2012

>Students in C Group enjoyed a full day of activities at Roper Mountain Science Center recently. While visiting a one-room schoolhouse, they talked about the differences between that period and the present time by comparing and contrasting the change in clothes, studies, number of grades in one classroom, and length of time spent in school during the last ninety years. They were captivated with the handmade toys and games available at recess. Campbell A, Tres B, Austin C, Bennett E, Riley F, Ann-Grayson G, Ethan H, Ben R, Robert T, and Max W also spent time doing chores that children would have been responsible for many years ago.

>Camperdown Academy student council members are organizing a food drive for the Harvest Hope Food Bank. Students have been sending in canned goods and personal care items for the month of March in an effort to fill the shelves at this local food bank. Several large boxes full of donations will be taken on Friday, March 30th, to Harvest Hope. In addition, students have been filling jars with dimes for D Grouper Grayson S's "March of Dimes Drive."  Way to go Camperdown Academy Jaguars!

From left to right: Frances M-D Group, Grayson S-D Group,

and Cassidy V H-Y Group.

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Y Group designs, builds, and launches rockets to test Newton's Law

June 21, 2012 @ 3:55 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, March 21, 2012

Camperdown Academy Y Group students finished their study of Newton’s laws of motion by building rockets. Students built them in teams of two. Each group also made altimeters, and calculated the apex of the rocket’s path using trigonometry. Newton’s third law “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” made them appreciate the many difficulties in aviation. The entire school came out to watch the rockets launch. The highest rocket traveled 173 meters. Good job to Henri C, Colin F, R.H. R, Will S, and Maddie S.

From left to right: Maddie S, R.H. R, Henri C

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Camperdown takes to the stars, holds the Blarney Bash Auction, and offers a Camp Creekside overview

June 19, 2012 @ 4:26 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, March 14, 2012

>An inflatable planetarium made a recent stop at Camperdown Academy for
students to study the stars. All students in A through Y Groups were able to experience the celestial tour. Two projection cylinders were used to show both the night sky and the different constellation forms. A star projector was able to show the motion of the stars as they rise in the eastern sky and set in the western sky. Am Grouper Mac B said it was “marvelous”, while many other students talked about
feeling like they were floating.

>Camperdown Academy is excited about the Blarney Bash on Saturday, March 17th. The annual fundraiser has an Irish theme this year, and will offer lots of food, fun, and fabulous auction items. Some items to be auctioned off include a Disney trip, Litchfield beach house, even a dove hunting trip in Argentina! Money raised will help the Scholarship Program at Camperdown Academy. The Scholarship Program
helps those students who struggle with dyslexia and need to receive the specialized instruction, but cannot financially afford the tuition.

>A recent open house and information night was held for parents to talk about a summer camp opportunity at Camperdown Academy called Camp Creekside. This camp is designed for Upstate students ages 5 to 12 who are struggling in school, particularly in the area of written language. Campers receive two-on-one intensive tutoring daily, as well as small-group math instruction and language enrichment. Afternoon activities include swimming, art, and field trips. You can find out more at www.camperdown.org.

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Y Group students are teachers for a day, Camperdown celebrates Special Friends Day, and the Blarney Ball Drop for Dyslexia is March 9

June 19, 2012 @ 4:19 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, March 7, 2012

>Camperdown Academy’s Y Group students were “teachers for a day” on Learning Fair Friday. Colin F, Amy F, Henri C, Maddie S, Cassidy V H, Will S, and R.H. R
taught Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences to their fellow students. As A through M Group students rotated to assigned classrooms, the “teachers” taught a 30-minute lesson plan that included an explanation of their chosen intelligence, careers that utilize that particular intelligence, people who exhibit its characteristics, and a variety of activities that brought the concept to life. The “teachers” chose an intelligence with which they have an affinity; then worked with a mentor staff member for several weeks to plan how to present the information in the most effective way and to each age group. Learning activities ranged from running an obstacle course to teach bodily kinesthetic, making marine life impressions in clay for naturalist, and solving brain teaser problems for logical.

Learning Fair, from left to right: Colin F, Amy F, Henri C Maddie S,

Cassidy V H, Will S, R.H. R (all in Y Group)

>Special Friends Day was held recently to showcase art and drama work, as well as content class projects and writing done by students in A through Y Groups. Students invited friends and family to the afternoon event that included a school tour, short presentation of drama skits, and multiple displays of artwork.  Star Group students made faux fossils using clay, string, wire, found objects, glue, tissue paper, and pastels. D and E Group social studies classes built pyramids using LEGOs.

>Camperdown Academy students are excited about the Blarney Ball Drop for Dyslexia coming up on March 9th at noon. Students are selling golf balls for $10 each in an effort to raise money to support the school Scholarship Program and other special projects. The golf balls will be dropped onto the lower athletic field by a helicopter and cash prizes range from $100 to $1000. You can purchase a golf ball and have an opportunity to support the school and win by visiting www.camperdown.org. The ball drop is being held as part of the activities surrounding the annual Camperdown Academy auction and dinner being held on St. Patrick’s Day.

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Camperdown students learn about library resources and LMI Aerospace, Inc. funds math teacher training

June 19, 2012 @ 3:40 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, February 29, 2012

>M Group students took a field trip to Greenville County Library's downtown branch. Students learned how to use their library card to access the library from home, and discovered the Teen Page that offers homework help for multiple subjects. Students also learned how to use the Citation Tool for research papers, and spent some time exploring the wealth of information available in the South Carolina
Room. The following M Groupers participated in this trip as preparation for writing reports in MLA format: Alex B, Grant C, Jason F, Emily H, Thomas H, Courtney
H, Nicholas J, Langdon K, Sarah M, Lawson S, Liam T, John Michael W.

>Camperdown Academy is excited to have the opportunity to offer specialized math training for its teachers titled “Teaching Elementary Mathematics Using Alternative Strategies & Modalities”. A generous grant from LMI Aerospace, Inc. is making this multi-day intensive training course available. Michael Schliesman, company representative, recently stopped by Camperdown Academy to present the check to the school. The training is geared for teachers who work with students that have language-based learning disabilities. The interactive course features innovative methods to manipulate numbers using minimal language demands. Camperdown Academy would like to thank LMI Aerospace, Inc. for the generous donation!

From left to right: LMI Aerospace representative Michael Schliesman, Head of School Dan Blanch, Ellie U, Sidney S, Math Department Chair Rebecca Shaw, Grant C

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Camperdown teacher Mrs. Heidi Bishop is appointed to South Carolina Dyslexia Task Force

June 19, 2012 @ 3:30 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, February 15, 2012

Camperdown Academy is proud to announce that teacher Heidi Bishop has been chosen to sit on the recently formed South Carolina Dyslexia Task Force. Mrs. Bishop is also the current President of the South Carolina Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Recent legislation has paved the way for this task force to be formed as a way to study various instructional practices and strategies that benefit students with dyslexia, and examine the ways in which current state policies affect those students. The General Assembly has acknowledged that these issues must be addressed because many school-age children with dyslexia are never properly diagnosed and do not receive the necessary specialized educational programs. Camperdown Academy is a school that specializes in providing excellence in the education of dyslexic children.

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Camperdown students celebrate Black History Month and travel with The Magic School Bus

June 19, 2012 @ 3:21 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, February 15, 2012

>A Group students at Camperdown Academy are learning about seven of the black leaders that stand out in history. This lesson is part of a study celebrating Black History Month. While researching Harriett Tubman, the students built small gingerbread houses to represent the Underground Railroad. LEGO men were used to represent the slaves traveling north from house to house to find freedom. Good job to first graders Jack B, Emily F, and Collin T.

A Group: Jack B, Collin T, Emily F

>C Group students continued their study of the environment with a trip to the Peace Center to see a performance of The Magic School Bus Live! The characters on stage traveled from the arctic to the equator using dramatic special effects to highlight how global warming may be affecting our environment. The musical challenged children to consider new ways to save energy.

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Camperdown Academy's Evening Seminar Series presents "Walking in the Shoes of a Dyslexic"

April 10, 2012 @ 12:41 PM | permalink

Dyslexia Simulation
with
Heidi Bishop, Fellow/AOGPE, President, SCBIDA

Please join us on

Thursday, April 19, 2012

at 6:30 p.m.

in Camperdown Academy’s Big Room.

This seminar is free and is open to the public.

As parents or professionals working with dyslexics, we have a good conceptual understanding of the difficulties individuals experience in their learning while still not being able to appreciate the frustrations and feelings of failure that these individuals experience daily.  This presentation is designed to show us how it feels to have a learning difference.  If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Pat Golus at 244-8899 or pgolus@camperdown.org.

camperdown.org/pages/resources/default.aspx

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Camperdown celebrates the Chinese New Year, visits SEW Eurodrive, and creates art for the annual art show

April 11, 2012 @ 5:20 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, February 8, 2012

>Camperdown Academy students recently recognized the Chinese New Year as part of a lesson on cultural awareness. Am Grouper Avery P. and her mom, Jennifer, helped teacher Susan Newton explain traditions, foods, and customs of the Chinese New Year to the student body. To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, students made shakers and paper lanterns.

Front row, left to right: Ellie U, Anna-Elizabeth B, Emma K, Emma F, Avery P
Back row, left to right: Chandler B, Riley C, Tad D, Warren F, Ryan B, Alex S

>SEW Eurodrive recently hosted M and Y Group students for an educational field trip. The students were taught about torque, magnetic fields, and locating objects in 3-dimensions. They watched as iron was painted, cut, and shaped into gears in a robotic assembly line. Then they saw the gears checked for precision. The students were impressed with the array of applications for which gearboxes are used, and were grateful to have the opportunity to tour such an impressive facility.

>Ms. Jimmi-Ann Muse is helping Star through Y Group students create artwork for the annual art show. Star Groupers are creating faux fossils out of canvas board, clay, string and wire. D and E Groupers are doing watercolor and ink drawings of trees, and creating sun catchers by painting on silk. M Groupers are creating a kinetic sculpture incorporating geometric-designed gears and movement. Y Groupers are creating watercolor self-portraits in a psychedelic style while incorporating the Beatle's Yellow Submarine song into their compositions.

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Camperdown students learn about the political process and campaigning firsthand

April 11, 2012 @ 4:56 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, February 1, 2012

The M and Y Group Social Studies classes at Camperdown. Academy are learning what it takes to create a political party and establish a candidate to represent that party.  Both Groups have created their own party to represent the students of Camperdown Academy.  In order to get a better understanding of what it is like to run for a political party, the following students attended a rally for Governor Rick perry to see how candidates campaign to become President of the United States: Alex B, Grant C, Jason F, Emily H, Thomas H, Courtney H, Nicholas J, Sarah M, Lawson S, Henri C, Amy F, Colin F, R.H. R, Will S, and Cassidy V.  The students also experienced a town hall meeting in Greer as they listened to Perry give a speech and answer questions.

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Camperdown Academy Announces Open House for the Cognitive Classroom

February 16, 2012 @ 12:49 PM | permalink

 1^st school in South Carolina to offer Brain Training

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CA Students learn about SC's regions by creating topographical maps and about the "Wonders of Light"

January 27, 2012 @ 6:12 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News on January 25, 2012:

>Mrs. Newton's Am Group students have been studying the state of South
Carolina. The students created topographical maps of the state using clay in order to better understand how the state is separated into regions that are mountainous in the Upstate and gradually descend to sea level at the coast. Being able to experience the changes in elevation and foliage by manipulating clay has given them a multi-sensory awareness of the state that they would not get from reading a textbook. Congratulations to the following Am Groupers for successfully completing the project: Ryan B, Chandler B, Riley C, Tad D, Emma F, Warren F, Emma K, Avery P, Alex S, and Ellie U.

From left to right: Warren F and Chandler B

>Camperdown Academy Star Group students recently attended the "Wonders of Light" demonstration at Roper Mountain Science Center. Mica B, Garrett B, Beth C, Savoia C, Andy M, Carlisle P, Carson R, Samuel S, and Sean T were able to observe the light spectrum through different elements such as neon and hydrogen. Students also saw a demonstration with infra-red lasers and witnessed electricity travel through a student as part of the hands-on activities. The students are wrapping up a series on light as part of their Science curriculum.

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CA's Cognitive Classroom places 3rd in the international "Word Marathon"

January 20, 2012 @ 7:30 PM | permalink

On Wednesday, November 30, 2011, the Camperdown Cognitive Classroom competed in an international "Word Marathon" against all of the other Arrowsmith schools in the US and Canada. For 40 minutes every student did the Word exercise as fast as he or she could write, and our class averaged 69 lines per student! (The benchmark expectation is 24 lines per period.) Congratulations to all of our students for helping Camperdown place 3rd out of all the schools we competed against! (A school in Toronto, Canada placed first, and a school in Brooklyn NY placed second.)

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Discover how our Cognitive Classroom is helping students learn in the January 2012 issue of Upstate Parent magazine

January 20, 2012 @ 7:26 PM | permalink

Y Group student Cassidy Van Houten and D Group student Alex Young share how the Arrowsmith Program that comprises CA's Cognitive Classroom is making a difference in their lives.  Read the article online (pages 24-26):

  greenvillenewssc.sc.newsmemory.com/default.php 

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CA students use spatial and motor skills to create gingerbread houses and their generous spirit to collect toys for needy children

January 20, 2012 @ 7:08 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, December 28, 2011:
>Camperdown Academy C Groupers put their architectural and engineering skills to work while creating and designing their own "gingerbread houses." Using graham crackers and frosting, they constructed multi-level houses from the ground floor up. The outcomes reflected their refined spatial and motor skills. Intricate trimmings of spice drops, peppermints, candy canes, M&Ms, and LifeSavers adorned and defined windows, porches, and railings. Each house has its own unique story. A true winter wonderland! Great job to: Max W, Austin C, Tres B, Riley F, B, Campell A, Robert T, Ethan H, and Bennett E.

 Max W

>The Camperdown Academy Student Council held a school-wide toy drive in response to a shortage of donations to the Salvation Army this year. Students heard on the news that there were not enough donations for all of the needy children to receive toys, and Student Council spent the last three days of the 2011 school year gathering donations from Camperdown families. In a 48-hour time period, close to 200 new, unwrapped toys were collected! The toys were delivered to the Salvation Army on the last day of school. Thank you to all of our students and their parents for the generous donations.

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CA students hold Math class at BI-LO Grocery Store and learn about India

January 20, 2012 @ 6:53 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, December 21, 2011 and January 4, 2012:

>Camperdown Academy Am Group students recently had math class at a BI-LO grocery store. The purpose of the exercise was to practice adding, subtracting, rounding, estimating, and following directions. Prior to leaving for the store, students studied a floor lay-out to determine where their products might be located. Students brought $20.00 and a grocery list of 5 items that they were going to buy. The field trip had children comparing store brand versus national brand and estimating the cost of multiple items prior to check-out. It was a new experience for students to handle the money and change at the check-out counter. There were several days of follow-up exercises in the classroom utilizing their BI-LO receipts and change. Good job to our "shoppers": Ryan B, Chandler B, Riley C, Tad D, Emma F, Warren F, Emma K, Avery P, Alex S, and Ellie U.

From left to right: Emma F, Avery P, Ellie U

>Aparna Duhkelar, a Hindi language professor at Furman University, visited the E Group social studies class at Camperdown Academy. Social Studies teacher Jimmy Tillery is teaching the class about Ancient India. Ms. Aparna gave great information about the way of life and culture of India. She brought in pictures, maps, money from India, a marble slab of the Taj Mahal, and wore an Indian outfit. "Having someone from the actual place you are teaching about will give the students a much better understanding of the culture and history of that country," Mr. Tillery said. Students also got to taste Indian food as part of their learning experience.

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A Group students practice fine motor skills while decorating for the holiday

December 16, 2011 @ 6:33 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, December 14, 2011

>Camperdown Academy A Group students practice fine motor control through a variety of activities throughout the school year. During the month of December they will make Christmas ornaments for the front office tree and decorations for their classroom tree. By strengthening the fine motor control of the fingers and hand, the child’s ability to hold a pencil, form written-letters, and orient words within the primary lined paper is positively impacted. They will make a Fruit Loop garland; mold play dough ornaments; color, cut, and glue; string beads onto wreaths, and create wrapping paper for under the tree. Good work to first graders Jack B and Collin T!

From left to right: Jack B, Collin T

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Camperdown celebrates The Feast and Potlatch

December 12, 2011 @ 9:22 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, December 7, 2011

>This is the 23rd year that Camperdown Academy Y Group students have hosted the annual Feast. This homecoming event is a chance for current and former families to enjoy food, activities and games together. Y Group students Henri C, R.H. R, Will S, Amy F, Colin F, Cassidy V, and Maddie S continued with the long-standing tradition by baking and decorating cookies for all to enjoy. The students traveled to Laurenda's Family Restaurant in Greer to use the professional kitchen to learn how to bake and then ice cookies using pastry bags. More than 100 people came out for The Feast, spending several hours together on the Camperdown Academy campus.

>Camperdown Academy students recently celebrated Potlatch. Potlatch began many years ago as a way to highlight the special qualities of each member of the Camperdown Academy family. Although the idea of a Potlatch was borrowed from the Native Americans of the Northwest, it is in no way a religious ceremony. It utilizes the skills associated with observation, creativity, organization, written expression, and oral presentation. Students secretly draw names then spend several weeks observing and learning about the person. Students will prepare a form of written expression celebrating their Potlach partners in the form of a story, poem, cinquain, or sensory poem. Students will choose appropriately descriptive Native American names to represent their secret partner such as "Laughs with Great Thunder". To present the works, the student body gathers as each person reads his or her gift to their secret Potlatch partner.

From left to right: Brice V -E Group, Will S - Y Group, Riley F - C Group

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CA students on the road

December 06, 2011 @ 3:20 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, November 30, 2011
>Camperdown Academy E Group students traveled to the Barrier Islands for an environmental field trip. The students participated in several team-building activities, and especially enjoyed the mud pit. They took a hike through the maritime forest and participated in an environmental debate. The trip was a great mixture of fun and learning. Students participating were: Petra B, Thomas G, Austin G, Catherine H, David H, Sam S, Jason S, and Brice V.

>Y Group students Henri C, R.H. R, Will S, and Maddie S completed a project known as the Greenville Notebook Project. This was a month-long cross-curricular project in Language Arts and Social Studies classes. Students were provided with information on nearly 40 historic sites in and around the Greenville area. A field trip to 24 of those sites allowed students the chance to be photographed and make a selection of 12 sites to include in their notebook. Two sites were required: Springwood Cemetery and Dunean Mill Village. Students performed research in books and online, and used MLA style to write a biography of each of their chosen sites. In addition, students had to locate a long-time Greenville resident to interview and include the write-up in their notebook.

From left to right, front to back: Henri C, R.H. R, Will S, Maddie S

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CA Performing Arts students showcase their talents in Dinner Theatre fundraiser.

November 28, 2011 @ 11:57 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, November 28, 2011

>Camperdown Academy recently celebrated the 2nd Annual Campfire and Cookout. Am and Star Group students joined teachers for an enjoyable evening outdoors on the upper lot. As families arrived, some gathered around the fire to chat while others joined in an exciting game of kickball. Then it was time to cook hot dogs over the campfire. When bellies were full, the students donned glow sticks and joined teachers in a game of Flashlight Hunt. They ended the evening with ooey, gooey S’mores and a few more flashlight games. The weather was perfect, the fire was warm, and the evening was entertaining.

>Camperdown Academy Performing Arts students participated in a fundraising dinner and theatre event for the Drama Department. Am through E Group students  performed in Greer at Laurenda's Family Restaurant to a sold-out house! Laurenda Norris, mother of a Camperdown Academy graduate, hosted the event for the school. Students created an innovative evening entitled, "Families, Inc." The production included monologues and dialogues that illustrated family life. Scenes involved intimate families, extended families, communities, and the world family. Much of the evening consisted of student-generated scripts! Aspiring actors delivered with great poise and professionalism as the school family came together for an evening of fun and delicious food.

Am Group Students, in the front row left to right: Alex S, Avery P

In the back row: Ellie U, Warren F

>M Group Literature students have been studying Heroes in Greek Mythology, and recently presented their final projects. Students were asked to choose a modern-day hero that had similar characteristics and accomplishments to some of the ancient heroes. Students wrote papers and presented oral projects in the form of videos, power point slides, and posters for subjects such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and the
founder of Tom's Shoes, Blake Mycoskie. Congratulations to the following students for a job well-done: Lawson S, Sarah M, Emily H, Courtney H, Grant C, Alex B, Jason F, Nicholas J, and Thomas H.

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CA students collected donations and money for the Greenville County Humane Society.

November 17, 2011 @ 9:26 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, November 16, 2011

>Camperdown Academy students held a school wide collection to raise money and collect items for the Greenville County Humane Society. Almost $150 was collected, as well as various wish list items that the Humane Society uses on a daily basis such as newspapers, paper towels, Clorox wipes, disinfectant cleaner, baby wipes, canned pet foods, beds, collars, and leashes.

M and Y Group students took a field trip to drop off the donations and take a tour of the facility. Students visited with puppies and kittens in their special “nursery,” played with the older animals, and finished up with a visit to the supply room where they saw firsthand how their donations will make a difference.

Students who attended were Frances M, Alex B, Grant C, Jason F, Emily H, Thomas H, Nicholas J, Langdon K, Sarah M, Lawson S, Liam T, John Michael W, Henri C, Amy F, Colin F, R.H. R, Will S, Maddie S, and Cassidy V.

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A visit with the River Monster at Camperdown Academy

November 10, 2011 @ 2:02 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, November 9, 2011

>The River Monster is a project for Star Group students at Camperdown Academy. This monster is not scary at all. It is made up of all of the student's vocabulary words. There is mountain range hair, source eyes, a river's mouth for his mouth, tributary veins, a delta shaped tongue, a below sea level belly button, erosion sneakers, and much more! The River Monster helps the students to understand and visualize the United States landforms in a fun and unique way! Students participating in the project are: Samuel S, Carson R, Garrett B, Mica B, Beth C, Savoia C, Sam C, Kai F, Carlisle P, and Sean T.

The River Monster with Star Group students. . .

From left to right in front row: Sam C, Mica B, Carson R, Carlisle P;

Back row: Kai F, Garrett B, Jimmy Tillery/teacher, Sean T, Beth C, Savoia C, Samuel S

>The E Group science class at Camperdown Academy has been testing the water quality of Brushy Creek by searching for macroinvertebrates. They were able to find and identify several species, including dragonfly, mayfly, and caddisfly nymphs. Several pollution-sensitive species were found, indicating that the water quality is fair. The water quality of the creek has improved during the past decade. The class will be building on this information in their next unit on ecosystems and biomes. The E Group science class plans on testing Brushy Creek again in the spring to see if there is any seasonal variation.

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C Group students are classifying speech sounds and the Jaguars soccer team has a successful season

November 10, 2011 @ 10:38 AM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, November 2, 2011

>Camperdown Academy C Group students are learning to describe and classify their speech sounds on the basis of their motor characteristics. They identify their speech helpers using multi-sensory techniques such as mirrors, air drawing, and breath sounds so they experience speech sounds on a conscious level. They discriminate and describe unvoiced/voiced pairs of consonants, and associate them with labels that describe their characteristics. This sound-label association works on their phonological and phonemic awareness skills.

>The Camperdown Academy Middle School had a competitive soccer team this year, playing 13 matches with other area schools. The team fought like true "Jaguars," and never gave up. They showed poise, sportsmanship, and determination on the field. The coaches and fans could not be more proud of the student athletes that participated.

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Camperdown students partner with community in garden initiative

November 08, 2011 @ 3:19 PM | permalink

City People, Greenville News, October 12, 2011

>Camperdown Academy Am and Star Groupers have been helping in the community garden of adjacent neighborhoods, Wellington Green and Kingsgate. The neighborhoods formed GreenGate Community Initiative and partnered with the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation division to plan a park area in land that abuts Camperdown Academy. The community garden is one of the early components being developed on the land. Camperdown Academy has offered their building for community meetings, and students have been using the Camperdown Academy Greenhouse for starting the seeds and providing labor in the garden. Am Group students Ryan B, Chandler B, Anna-Elizabeth B, Riley C, Tad D, Emma Floyd, Emma K, and Avery P kept the seeds in the greenhouse watered throughout the spring. This fall, Star Group students Mica B, Garrett B, Beth C, Savoia C, Sam C, Kai F, Ana P, Carlisle P, Carson R, Samuel S, and Sean T are providing weekly assistance in the community garden as part of their science curriculum.

Star Groupers Kai F, Mica B, and Sean T tend the GreenGate Community Garden

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October CAP Meeting Minutes

November 08, 2011 @ 3:05 PM | permalink

CAP Meeting

October 26, 2011

• Welcome
• Holiday Parties
• The Feast – Sarah Greer and Rosie Udouj
• Reading Tips by Mr. Dan
• Dates for Your Calendar:

1. October 27th Thursday 6:30-8:00 PM Dyslexia Simulation
2. October 28th Friday Halloween Parties
3. November 18th CAP Meeting
4. November 18th Friday The Feast
5. December 16th Friday Christmas Parties
6. February 10th Friday Valentine’s Parties

Thank You’s:

1. The Cottinghams for hosting the Oyster Roast
2. The Walkers for hosting the Oyster Roast
3. The Denneys for Providing the Barbeque
4. The Pooles for Lots of Help at the Oyster Roast
    

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A & C Group students participate in community service project and October is "Dyslexia Awareness Month"

November 08, 2011 @ 2:57 PM | permalink

City People, Greenville News, October 19, 2011

>The A and C Group students at Camperdown Academy have completed a community service project in Art class to benefit NHC HealthCare nursing home of Greenville. They spent two weeks planning and creating the perfect pumpkin faces using angles, lines and curves to cheer residents and staff alike. The pumpkins will spend the month on tables and in hallways to help decorate the facility. Those participating in the project were Jack B, Collin T, Campbell A, Tres B, Austin C, Riley F, Ethan H, Ben R, Robert T, and Max W.

A Group students Collin Tand Jack Bshow off their decorated pumpkins.

>Camperdown Academy students are proud that October has been chosen as "Dyslexia Awareness Month" by the state of South Carolina, as well as many area cities including the city of Greenville. This recognition is an important step in educating the community about the language-based learning disability which is the focus of all teaching, training, and outreach at Camperdown Academy.

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Camperdown Greenhouse on WYFF-Channel 4

October 27, 2011 @ 1:26 PM | permalink

Click on this link to watch video from the October 26 broadcast:  www.wyff4.com/video/29596110/detail.html

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Literature class learns the 12 Labors of Hercules by creating a course on the school campus

October 06, 2011 @ 6:11 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, October 5, 2011

>Diana Carey’s M Goup Literature class is studying a unit on Heroes in Greek Mythology. To help the students learn the 12 Labors of Heracles in correct order, the class mapped out a course on the school grounds. They chose a location for each of the twelve Labors which represented some major aspect of the Labor and then ran the course during class. As they stopped at each location, they could recall the Labor as well as the important details. To further help the students learn the details surrounding Heracles, Mrs. Carey created “Heracles Jeopardy.” The game included eight categories with six questions in each category and two Daily Doubles. The students enjoyed the competition as well as learning the pertinent facts. Good job to Nicholas J, Jason F, Lawson S, Alex B, Thomas H, Emily H Courtney H, Sarah M, and Grant C.

From left to right back row: Nicholas J, Jason F, Lawson S, Alex B, Thomas H
Front row: Emily H, Courtney H, Sarah M, Grant C

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September CAP Meeting Minutes

October 03, 2011 @ 3:21 PM | permalink

CAP Meeting
September 30, 2011

Dan Blanch (Head of School)

• E Group to Barrier Island Environmental Center
• D Group to Clemson
• AM & Star Groups Campout

Teresa Cottingham (Auction Chair)

• March 17, 2012 at Huguenot Mill
• Funds scholarships and student seeds
• Solicitations begin now and are very important
• Packets are ready
• Looking for sponsorships

Betsy Poole and Whitney Ramseur (CAP Chairs)

• Oyster Roast - October 8th
  • Social event for Parents and CA Staff
  • Set up Thursday, October 6th 8:00am
  • Set up Saturday, October 8th 2:30pm
  • Contact Betsy or Whitney to join us
• Book Fair – Chair Renee Masaschi
  • Monday – Friday October 3rd – 7th in Large Portable
  • Volunteer Needs:
    • Wednesday 12:00-1:30 Linda Young
    • Wednesday 1:30-3:00 Vanessa Ollar
    • Thursday 10:00-12:00
• Need a Chair for Feast & Special Friends Day
  • Friday, October 18th, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
  • A gathering of Alumni
  • Sarah Greer and Rosie Udouj volunteered
• Need a Chair for Beautification Committee
• Dates for Your Calendar:
  • October 3rd – 7th Monday – Friday Book Fair
  • October 7th Friday, 13th Thursday Fall Conferences (AM-Y)
  • October 8th, Saturday Oyster Roast (adults)
  • October 13th Thursday, 14th Friday Fall Break – No School
  • October 21st Friday Fall Conferences (A & C)
  • October 27th Thursday 6:30-8:00 PM Dyslexia Simulation

Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon from The Lowder Group- -Guest Speakers:

• The Lowder Group’s 3 Part Goal:
  • Traditional Counseling
  • Assessment (Holistic Approach)
  • Sports Psycology
• Setting Goals for your Children:
  • Awareness – Can do / Cannot do
  • Strengths, Weaknesses, Passions
  • Courage to do something different
  • Accountablility
• What is Success?
  • Achieving Your Goals - ones you can control
  • Pursuit of a Worthy Goal
  • Redefining Success for Your Child and Family
• Drew comes to CA every Thursday
  • Began January 2011
  • Teaches topics such as decision-making, frustration, dealing with peers…
  • Consults with teachers
  • Zak recommends children to Drew
  • Parents or teachers may refer students to Drew
  • Children may have individual meetings with Drew; parents will be notified
• Habitudes Curriculum:
  • Character Building, Social Development
• Each child developed 1 individual & 1 academic goal
  • “As a Man Thinketh, So is He.”
    • Less than 3% of American adults write down goals that they review daily
  • SMART Goals:
    • Specific: aim small, miss small
    • Measurable: outcome goals - easiest
    • Process goals – effort
    • Aggressive yet achievable/attainable
    • Relevant
    • Time Orientation – by when?
  • Don’t do for them what they can do for themselves
    • Engage and give great effort with your performances
    • Encourage child to take initiative
    • Measure progress by pursuit of goal
    • Be intentional about setting goals for each child
    • Write out and post where they can see every day
    • Praise true effort
    • Consequences
    • Motivate your child in the way he best responds (5 Love Languages)
    • Help children motivate themselves, feel loved and successful

The Meeting was adjourned until the

next CAP Meeting on Wednesday, October 26th at 11:00.

Present at the Meeting:

• Dan Blanch
• Milt Lauder
• Drew Brannon
• Whitney Ramseur
• Betsy Poole
• Linda Young
• Kim Barrett
• Jami Hammond
• Julia Altman
• Dennis Bell
• Teresa Cottingham
• Vanessa Ollar
• Sarah Greer
• Jennifer Plourde
• Rosie Udouj
• Andria Leland

 

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Y Group presents Joke Show and students decorate bottle tree with organizational goals

September 29, 2011 @ 5:56 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, September 28,2011

>Camperdown Academy’s drama department and teacher Ms. Jimmi-Ann Muse have been busy with several projects. Y Group students Henri C, Amy F, Colin F, R.H. R, Will S, Maddie S, and Cassidy V presented the Joke Show to students in A through M Groups. This annual event is an opportunity for students to begin the year with a good laugh, while gaining poise and self-confidence in the area of public speaking and performance.

>Camperdown Academy students are creating year-long organizational goals as part of a new art project. Those goals are placed into Japanese paper lanterns which they will hang on the "bottle tree" created to showcase student work by artist-in-residence Bob Doster. Along with the bottle tree, Mr. Doster and the students created a jaguar sculpture of the school mascot to show off their Camperdown Academy Jaguar pride. Both the bottle tree and the jaguar, visible immediately upon entering school grounds, inspire a sense of pride and student involvement to all who visit.

From left to right C Group students: Max W, Austin C, Tres B, Riley F, Ben R,

Campell A, Robert T, and Ethan H

>Following a study and performance of Romeo & Juliet, M and Y Group students will be attending the upcoming Carolina Renaissance Festival in Concord, North Carolina. Students will attend in costume while improvising a character from that period.

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Camperdown students use music to learn coordinates on globe

September 29, 2011 @ 5:40 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, September 21, 2011

>Jimmy Tillery's Social Studies classes are using singing and dancing to learn how to pinpoint coordinates on the globe. D Group students Andrew S, Ridgley F, Hallam C, and Walker R have learned all of the lyrics and accompanying motions to "Lines of Latitude" and "Lines of Longitude".  At a recent Open House, Camperdown Academy parents also learned the songs to encourage continued study and memorization of the concepts at home. All Star and D Group students will use the technique to remember that lines are parallel, and how they are measured.

From left to right: Ridgley F, Hallam C, teacher Jimmy Tillery, Walker R

>On September 22nd at 6:30pm, Camperdown Academy will host a seminar in conjunction with The South Carolina Branch of The International Dyslexia Association. The event will feature a viewing of HBO's "Journey into Dyslexia" followed by discussion. The seminar will be held at Camperdown Academy and is free and open to the public. Visit www.camperdown.org for more information.

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Cognitive Classroom on Fox 21 News

September 23, 2011 @ 4:16 PM | permalink

A visit to our Cognitive Classroom was featured on the 6:30 and 10 pm news broadcasts on September 22, 2011.  Go to www.foxcarolina.com/video and choose "Brain Training for Dyslexic Students" to watch the overview of the Arrowsmith Program at Camperdown.

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August CAP Meeting Minutes

September 08, 2011 @ 2:54 PM | permalink

CAP Meeting
August 31, 2011
25 in Attendance

Dan Blanch (Head of School)
Summer updates:

• Library – with an alumni donation CA was able to purchase new bookshelves, update the reading area, and purchase wireless printers.
• Science Lab – complete renovation
• Technology – 15 Mac computers (new Mac lab), Ipads
• Cognitive Classroom (Arrowsmith)

Zak Stoudenmire (Dean of Students)

• 3 Day Interdisciplinary Unit: “I’m a Survivor"
  • Taught first aid, knot tying, rescue, desert survival, drama improvisation, founding a political party, personal survival stories

• Lowder Group
  • local psychology/testing group who has partnered with CA for the 2nd year
  • assisting CA students with small targeted sessions, advice on friends, socializing, and character building
• Field Trips:
  • Sept. 16: D-Y Group - Paintball
  • Oct. 10-12: E Group – Barrier Island Trip (environmental education & team building)
  • Oct. 17: D Group – Clemson (team building)
  • Coming Soon: Am – Star – Camp Out (Dates TBD)
• Biscuit Sale – Every Thursday to help raise funds for M/Y Group trip.
  • Biscuits - $2.50
  • O range Juice - $1.00

Teresa Cottingham (Auction Chair) 

• Date: March 17, 2012 (St. Patrick’s Day)
• Theme: “Blarney Bash”
• Purpose: To raise awareness & funds for CA Scholarships
• Location: Peace Center Huguenot Mill
• Presented new logo
• Media Chair – Allison Rogers
• Decoration Chair – Amanda Denney
• Next meeting TBA

Amanda Denney (Auction Decoration Chair) – please forward any great “Irish” ideas her way

Rachel Cooter (5K4D Run for Dyslexia Chair)

• Date: May 12, 2012
• Location: Furman University Paladin Stadium
• Family Friendly w/ Kid’s Zone
• Last Year’s Results--Raised $4,745.00

Whitney Ramseur (CAPs Chair)

• Importance of CA’s website:
  • Under the parent tab one will find very useful information including the “Parent Handbook” & “Parent Directory”
  • Dress theme is updated every Wednesday for the following Thursday
  • Calendar of any upcoming events
  • Read Handbook online for important information regarding CA’s honor code, homework policies, conferences, sports, late stay program, inclement weather, yearbook, lunch program, etc.
• Important dates to remember:
  
  • Sept 6-Back to School Night 6:00-8:30pm
    • Adults Only
    • Go through your child’s daily schedule
    • Meet all of the teachers & tutors
    • Used CA shirt sale
    • Volunteer booths
  • Sept. 22 – Seminar: “Journey Into Dyslexia”
    • 6:30-8:00pm
    • Video & Discussion
  • Oct. 3 - 7 -- Scholastic Book Fair (Chair: Renee Masaschi)
    • Space Theme
    • Large fair – looking for volunteers to help decorate/set-up
  • Oct. 7 & 13 -- Am-Y Groups Conferences
  • Oct. 8 -- Oyster Roast & BBQ
    • Adults Only
    • Cottingham Farm
    • Great time of food/fellowship
    • Live Band
    • Details coming soon
  • Oct. 13-14 -- FALL BREAK – NO SCHOOL
  • Oct. 21-- Fall Conferences (A & C Group)
  • Oct. 27-- Dyslexia Simulation
    • Limited Number
    • Begin looking for more information & to RSVP the first of October
    • Highly recommended from other CA parents
• MISC. Information:
  • Wednesday is an unofficial “Red Shirt Day”
  • Bricks:
    • When homework has not been completed the student will move bricks during their 1st break
    • Detours students from taking the “easy way out”
    • Legitimate parental excuses from homework will be considered (note, phone call…)
  • Special “Thank You” to the Pelhams for hosting the New Parent Social
  • Check out the article about CA (August 31) in City People – Thank you Allison Rogers!

Next Meeting: Friday, September 30, 11am

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Science project beautifies Camperdown campus

September 14, 2011 @ 3:41 PM | permalink

City People, The Greenville News, September 14, 2011

>Camperdown Academy students have been busy with “hands-on” science lessons that involve beautifying the campus as part of the curriculum.  Star Group students learning about plant life spent time digging in the dirt and observing roots and soil while filling large planters at the side entrance of the school. The following students participated in that lesson: Mica B, Garrett B, Beth C, Savoia C, Carlisle P, Carson R, and Samuel S.

Front row, left to right: Carson R, Mica B, Kai F, Carlisle P

Second row, left to right: Beth C, Savoia C, Samuel S, Garrett B

>D Group students have been working at the Roper Mountain butterfly garden, and have spent time on the Camperdown Academy campus observing and identifying butterflies. Science teacher, Virginia Meador, says students are able to identify species much better in an outdoor setting than during classroom lab activities. Ridgley F, Griffin L, Andrew S, and Hallam C have participated in the butterfly project.