Redmond school has unique ‘January Term’ courses

Personalized learning opportunities await Redmond Proficiency Academy high school students as the engage in January Term, a three-week program in which students participate in a single course of study.

This unique opportunity, modeled after intensive academic terms offered at some universities, allows students to take one course that meets for a few hours each day over the course of the term.

“Our goal is to allow students the opportunity to engage in a deep study of a single subject,” said RPA Executive Director Jon Bullock. “This intensive learning model provides staff and students a chance to experience a deeper level of study in an area of specific interest.”

During January Term, students choose a course of study that meets their interest and ability level. Teachers offer creative and engaging courses that allow students to spend a significant amount of time studying a single subject. Student options include everything from studying mythology to understanding the chemistry of cooking to building and playing musical instruments.

“When creating a course for Jan Term I typically ask the student population what they would like to learn about,” said social science teacher, Matt Killpack. “Overwhelmingly the students wanted to learn about civil rights, protests, and nonviolent resistance, so I designed a class called, Civil Disobedience, Peaceful Protests, and Change Through Nonviolent Methods. There is always a reward in teaching what they want to learn about, so I thought we’d give it a go. This is one of the most rewarding and interesting classes I have ever taught, not to mention its timeliness and student interest.”

Students also have the opportunity to design their own course of study during January Term. For example, senior Emma Price and sophomore Miah Anderson are spending January planning a community resource fair. The fair scheduled for March 5th at the RPA Hugh Hartman campus from 5:00pm – 8:00pm will showcase over 15 resources available to community members, including free dental screenings, dinner and include fun family activities.

“I was thrilled to create this course because I am looking forward to the impact this project will have on the community,” Price said.

“I get to explore my favorite part of leadership and apply leadership to real world,” said Anderson.

“The reason I am so excited about teaching this January Term course is that I get to take two passions of mine, leadership and community outreach, and combine them,” said RPA teacher Hillary Kirk. “The opportunity to work and foster the growth of these two students is the reason I got into education.”

Some course offerings include:

Digital Filmmaking – Students will study narrative, documentary, and experimental techniques as well as analyze the elements of professionally made films and videos. Students will share screenings of their work on January 21 st, during the final day of class.

Learn to Play the Piano: Zero to Hero – Understand basic music theory (chords, keys/scales, rhythm), learn to read music, and be able to play at least four pieces on the piano (hands together). The class will showcase their work at a Recital on Tuesday, January 20 th at 10:00 a.m. at the RPA West Campus, Room 102.

The Art of Auditioning – helping each actor find and rehearse appropriate audition material including monologues and musical pieces. Students will take professional photos and videos to use in future auditions.

The Art of Rhythm: Build a Cajon! – Through this hand drum we will travel across South America to Peru. Public street performance at Centennial Park on January 21st at 10:00 a.m. (weather dependent)

Winter Sports & Recreation – This Physical Education course will allow students to experience the wonderful local resource that we have in Mt. Bachelor. Students will ski or snowboard during January. Students engage in lessons from 10:00 a.m. to noon followed by an open session for practice until 3:00 p.m.

Chemistry of Cooking – Everything we eat is made of macromolecules constructed from smaller carbon based molecules. The vast variety offlavors and textures we experience when eating are a direct result of the chemical interactions between these macromolecules. By learning about the chemical reactions necessary for successful baking, students will improve their cooking skills and gain a greater appreciation for food chemistry. On January 21 st at 11:00 a.m. students will participate in a Cookie Baking Contest, judged by willing staff.

Introduction to Children’s Literature – This course is designed to familiarize students with various types of children’s literature. Works from of several cultures and genres, including fiction, poetry, picture books, non-fiction, and traditional literature will be studied. Several guest speakers and authors are scheduled to share with students. Guest speaker Kai Strand, a local author, will visit the class on January 15th , and Heath McNeil, Children’s Literacy expert, will speak on January 16th .

Ignite Science – “Around the world geeks have been putting together Ignite nights to enlighten us – quickly.”

This course is ideal for those who enjoy Ted Talks or who are currently enrolled in the Ethics and Entrepreneurship class with community teacher Ken Streater. If you had five minutes to talk about any topic in science, what would you say? In this informal, fun, fast-paced course each student will show offtheir science savvy with four short science-related talks.

The students will share their presentations on January 21st at 12:15 p.m. in the Student Union of the downtown location along with students from both musical classes.