Programs

This program will be virtual. Student designs will be printed on our school 3D printer and made available for pick up or delivery. Students will need a Chromebook or other laptop/computer device to participate in this program. Students will be introduced to different 3D modeling software, as well as the process of turning their models into real world creations through 3D printers. Students will learn about the art of design and learn steps related to design thinking. The class will culminate with a competition for best design.

This program will be virtual. Student designs will be printed on our school 3D printer and made available for pick up or delivery. Students will need a Chromebook or other laptop/computer device to participate in this program. Students will be introduced to different 3D modeling software, as well as the process of turning their models into real world creations through 3D printers. Students will learn about the art of design and learn steps related to design thinking. The class will culminate with a competition for best design.

This program will be virtual. Technique class is for those who have a strong grasp of ballet basics. This level adds combinations that involve faster tempos in music, quicker distribution of weight from one leg to another, full integration of turning (Pirouettes) & jumping (Petit Allegro). Students will need something to act as a barre such as a kitchen counter or ledge, chair back, etc. Students should also use a wooden floor and a clear safe space instead of carpet. Students should wear ballet slippers and fitted clothing or a leotard and tights.

This program will be virtual.   Students in this course will push block coding to its limits and create more complex video games. This class will teach kids advanced techniques in game design so that they can create immersive games! Though you don’t need to have taken “Video Game Coding” or “Intermediate Block Coding” at GDS to succeed it’s helpful if you are coming in with some knowledge around:How to use Block Coding If-then statement Blocks Variables Blocks Character/Sprite DesignMaterials Needed: Laptop with internet access. No tablets. Zoom will be used. Online format: 15min Intro & Icebreaker 30min Coding Instruction 15min Break 60min: Coding activity. Independent work time. Zoom open for individual help 30min Closing & Reflection

This class will take place online this summer. This two-week review class is intended for high school students moving into Algebra 2 for the upcoming year. We will provide opportunities to practice algebraic concepts such as solving linear and quadratic equations, systems of equations, inequalities, and equations incorporating absolute value, functions, polynomials, exponents, graphing, and more. This program serves as a reinforcement of key concepts and foundational skills that will help students find success in their Algebra II class. Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I.

This program will be virtual. This 2 week course has a focus of reinforcing skills from Algebra 2 as well as introducing topics common to all Precalculus classes. Algebra 2 topics included are factoring, exponents, functions, equation solving of rationals, radical, linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and transformations of functions. Precalculus topics include an introduction to right triangle trigonometry and the unit circle. The goal of the course is to shore up existing Algebra 2 skills and build confidence moving into Precalculus. There will be two synchronous meeting times per day, one at 10am and one at 1pm. There will be independent work time in-between class meetings.

Wondering why Andy Warhol’s painting of a can of Campbell’s soup recently sold at auction for $11.7 million dollars? Curious about how a blank canvas ended up on the wall of one of the world’s most prestigious museums? Skeptical about the art-world awe inspired by a pile of rocks? Dubious about how a hardware-store fluorescent bulb turns into art when someone slaps a gallery label next to it? Then take a deep dive into the American contemporary art scene of the 1960s. We’ll learn about the major art movements of the decade — from Pop Art to Minimalism to Conceptual Art to Environmental Art and beyond – we’ll look at lots and lots of art together, and we’ll figure out what it all means. No art history background necessary. (You don’t even have to like soup!)

This program will be online this summer from 9:00am-12:oopm. Journey into the mind-body connection through art and meditation! Each day begins with an awakening yoga routine. Mindfulness practices are infused into the daily schedule to promote creativity and calm. Students will then learn about a new artist each day and complete an art project based on the artists style or inspiration.

This program will be online this summer from 9:00am-12:oopm. Journey into the mind-body connection through art and meditation! Each day begins with an awakening yoga routine. Mindfulness practices are infused into the daily schedule to promote creativity and calm. Students will then learn about a new artist each day and complete an art project based on the artists style or inspiration.

This program will be online this summer from 9:00am-12:oopm. Journey into the mind-body connection through art and meditation! Each day begins with an awakening yoga routine. Mindfulness practices are infused into the daily schedule to promote creativity and calm. Students will then learn about a new artist each day and complete an art project based on the artists style or inspiration.

This program will be virtual. In this class students will learn the fundamental principles of game development across multiple mediums (board games, card games, and video games etc). The first 2 days will be devoted to learning what makes a game successful and its principles. The next 3 will be devoted to making an original game in any medium. The class will meet for synchronous meetings each day from 10-11am, with projects to complete asynchronously after class meeting time and due before the next meeting.

This program will happen virtually. This 2 week course teaches the fundamentals of dance technique and prepares the body for more intensive dance training. No prior dance knowledge necessary for this course. Students meet for synchronous lessons each day from 11am – 12pm. In each class students learn elements of modern dance technique, strengthening, and stretching. Each class finishes with the creation of a simple dance routine that will link the learned concepts with creative exercises that students will complete during off-screen times.

This program will be virtual. If you have never taken a tap dance class, or have had less than 6 months of classes, this is the class for you. All basic tap skills are introduced to build a solid basic level of technique (shuffles, flaps, cramp rolls, shuffle ball change, etc.) Student will learn a unique combination using these tap fundamentals. At a minimum students will need sneakers and a wooden or tile floor.

The program will happen virtually. This 2 week course builds on the dance technique elements learned from the beginner dance class. Some modern, ballet, or jazz dance experience is necessary to enroll. Students meet for synchronous lessons each day from 11am – 12pm. In each class students learn more advanced elements of dance technique, strengthening, and stretching. Each class finishes with the creation of a simple dance routine that will link the learned concepts with creative exercises that students will complete during off-screen times.

This program will be virtual. This two-week fun workshop includes a yoga sculpt*course combined with time for reflective journal writing. We will blend a core power flow practice with hand weights, breath work, mini meditations, and journaling. The class will encourage letting go of perceived perfection, embracing our inner strength all while enjoying great music! You will walk away with increased inner and outer strength, heightened awareness of yourself and perhaps a new appreciation for the music of Prince, Stevie Wonder, Chicago House music, old school hip hop, and more! *What is Yoga Sculpt? YS incorporates hand weights and high-intensity cardio bursts along with yoga poses. The class is structured for all abilities as we adapt poses and modify along the way. The hand weights add a new challenge to traditional yoga classes. Yoga Sculpt also incorporates cardio exercises to get your heart pumping and your blood flowing. Materials: you will need a yoga mat, heavy and light hand weights (approximately 3 lb and 5 lb or slightly more or you can use cans, bottles or bags of rice!), and a water bottle. We will provide journals and pens for you!

This course will be offered virtually. Calling on aspiring young authors! This program is designed to allow students to develop their skills as fiction writers. Through reading sample stories, campers will develop an understanding of the structure and story in fiction and compare the techniques of various authors. They will use their knowledge to plan for and create their own stories that will include a developed character, a problem and solution, dialogue and details. For students needing or wanting to participate in a morning option, consider participating in our Lower School Math Workshop!

This program will be virtual. Want to learn how to make your own cookies? How about granola bars? Frozen banana cereal pop? Join us for this yummy and fun cooking class! Each day students will make a sweet treat from their own homes! The class will be structures into different 30 minute blocks of instructions, measuring, incorporating math skills, mixing and following the recipe, and of course eating! There will be breaks in-between sessions and time for discussion and fun with friends. Most ingredients will be typical household items. Grocery lists will be made available ahead of time with an option to purchase on your own or to have use deliver your needed supplies for an extra fee. Most activities will need little to no parent support, but we do advise supervision when using the oven.

Students will engage in fun activities as they learn and practice skills related to executive functioning. We will focus on raising awareness and strategies for: Self-regulation Organization Flexibility Recognizing feelings related to challenges Task completion Students will learn the acronym CHIPS as a way to remember how they can use their skills: C – can I restate directions? H – how long will it take to complete this task? I – I’ve got the materials I need P – I will persist to complete this task S – I can self-regulate Students will end the week, applying the skills we’ve targeted, in a culminating activity. This could be making a game, cookies or something else that fits the students’ interests!

Students will engage in fun activities as they learn and practice skills related to executive functioning. We will focus on raising awareness and strategies for: Self-regulation Organization Flexibility Recognizing feelings related to challenges Task completion Students will learn the acronym CHIPS as a way to remember how they can use their skills: C – can I restate directions? H – how long will it take to complete this task? I – I’ve got the materials I need P – I will persist to complete this task S – I can self-regulate Students will end the week, applying the skills we’ve targeted, in a culminating activity. This could be making a game, cookies or something else that fits the students’ interests!

Students will engage in fun activities as they learn and practice skills related to executive functioning. We will focus on raising awareness and strategies for: Self-regulation Organization Flexibility Recognizing feelings related to challenges Task completion Students will learn the acronym CHIPS as a way to remember how they can use their skills: C – can I restate directions? H – how long will it take to complete this task? I – I’ve got the materials I need P – I will persist to complete this task S – I can self-regulate Students will end the week, applying the skills we’ve targeted, in a culminating activity. This could be making a game, cookies or something else that fits the students’ interests!

This program will be virtual. Learn how to use your DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera to become a more creative photographer. Classes will focus on the manual settings of a DSLR and how they can be used to better control light. You will learn about composition, lighting, and portrait and landscape photography. Photography assignments will be given to improve your work as an artist. A DSLR camera is required to take this course.

This class will be virtual. Are you a political junkie or think you might like to be? This course is designed to pique your interest! We’ll look at some election basics—how campaign ads are made, the electoral college, why political polling works or doesn’t work and more all related to the major election coming up in the fall. The great thing about this program is that as much as possible we’ll do our learning and exploration by talking to professionals in the field as guest speakers. The course will include some reading and writing throughout.

This camp will be virtual. All supplies are included and will be available for pick up or delivery.

This class will be offered online. All supplies are included and will be available for pick up or delivery.

This program will take place virtually. This two week high school financial literacy and money management course helps students understand the basics of personal financial literacy in the context of the economic events surrounding COVID-19. The following topics will be covered: Cash flow-banking, budgeting and bills, borrowing – short term and long term, saving and investing, and insurance. Putting each of those in the context of COVID-19: 1. Banking and budgeting would sit in the context of significant unemployment and how benefits and stimulus payments work 2. Borrowing will include how credit works, particularly credit cards, as well as longer term finance like mortgages and how suspending rent or living off a credit card function as reactions to the crisis. 3. Saving and investing would be largely unchanged 4. Insurance would focus on health insurance, both public and private, as well as the traditional cost-benefit approach to insurance. Students will meet synchronously twice each day, once at 10am and again at 2pm. Students will need access to a computer to complete work with modules in an online curriculum. Engagement with the news and news stories would be an expectation. Dates: July 6-17 (2 weeks) Grades: 9-12 Times: 2 meetings per day, 10am and 2pm Teacher: Topher Dunne

This program will be virtual. This 2 week course is designed for students at the intermediate level (levels 2 and 3), who want to brush up on their French over the summer and improve their oral and written expression. The morning session will be dedicated to develop oral proficiency through a series of fun activities and conversations with emphasis on pronunciation, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions. During the afternoon session, students will review grammar concepts while working collaboratively on writing a short story. Morning Meeting: 10am-11am Afternoon Meeting: 1pm-2pm

This program will be virtual. This 2 week course is designed for students at the intermediate level (levels 2 and 3), who want to brush up on their French over the summer and improve their oral and written expression. The morning session will be dedicated to develop oral proficiency through a series of fun activities and conversations with emphasis on pronunciation, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions. During the afternoon session, students will review grammar concepts while working collaboratively on writing a short story. Morning Meeting: 10am-11am Afternoon Meeting: 1pm-2pm

This camp will be online. Students must have access to a Chromebook or other computer device to participate. Ever wanted to create your own computer game? This course offers the chance to learn the basics of programming, from understanding variables to implementing a conditional statement. In a culminating project, students will create their own game.

This course will be offered online. The summer Geometry course will take place over 6 weeks, for a total of 90 hours. This is an accelerated semester-long course, which is challenging due to its fast pace. Students cannot miss more than 3 days or 9 hours of class time. This class will be graded as a pass or fail course. The minimum percentage to pass the course is 60%. There will be a midterm and a final exam. Course topics include logic and methods of reasoning, angle relationships, parallel and perpendicular lines, polygons, congruence, similarity, circles, right triangle trigonometry, volume, and area. The teacher for this course will provide a mid-semester progress report at the end of week three to all parents via email. There will be an end of course transcript with the final grade of pass or fail emailed to all parents. The teacher will also be available by email if there are any concerns or discussions needed by families. *If you are a non-GDS student and require a letter grade on your transcript, please be sure to request this by the first day of class and provide any contact information for your school.

This program will be virtual. Each of the five days will have two, one hour synchronous sessions in the morning, from 9-10am and 11-12pm with up to another 1 hour of asynchronous work for students to pursue independently if they wish each day. The teacher will present different aspects of Washington’s history and development from the late 18th century through to the present day. Students will be given an opportunity to steer the course towards the topics which interest them the most. Topics would include, but not be limited to 1) The founding and mapping of the city 2) A study of maps from different time periods to help trace the development of the different sections of the District of Columbia 3) A look at how the topography, layout and elements of the city help determine how the city has grown and developed the neighborhoods and identity it has today 4) How the current city reveals traces of its past. Dates: July 6-10 Grades 9-12 Times: 9-10am and 11-12pm Teacher: Anthony Belber

This program will be virtual. This is a fun 2 week how-to arts workshop that helps students learn the basics of using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. We will create Digital Portraits, Graphics, Custom T-Shirts and Swag Bags. I Love The 80s will explore Art, History, Music and Club Culture and teach students about creative legends such as Madonna, Keith Haring, Grace Jones, David Bowie, Fab 5 Freddy and many more! Students will also brainstorm ideas for new projects. *No Prior Experience Necessary! *Students will need to have a computer with Adobe suite (InDesign, Photoshop, & Illustrator)

This will be a virtual program. Students in this course will take what they already know about block coding and create more complex video games. This class simplifies the concepts that real game engineers use while creating hit video games. Though you don’t need to have taken “Video Game Coding” at GDS to succeed it’s helpful if you are coming in with a knowledge of how to use coding blocks. Materials Needed: Laptop with internet access. No tablets. Zoom will be used. Online format: 15min Intro & Icebreaker 30min Coding Instruction 15min Break 60min: Coding activity. Independent work time. Zoom open for individual help 30min Closing & Reflection

This program will be offered virtually. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to start the day with a breakfast in beautiful Rome just miles from Vatican City, then enjoy lunch on the warm beaches of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, before dinner as you soak in the sights and sounds of Peking Opera in Beijing? An international trip to feast like that would take hours of travel! Why wait to get a taste of the world when you can join us for an international food tour that will not only expose you to flavors from around the globe but also teach you some useful skills in the kitchen? This fun and delicious course is sure to be a treat as we will prepare signature dishes from countries including Italy, China, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Students will learn basic kitchen safety tips and become more independent and confident in the kitchen. *While we will try to accommodate all allergies, we may not be able to avoid all allergens. Please contact the camp office ahead of time if you have any questions or concerns.

This program will be offered virtually. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to start the day with a breakfast in beautiful Rome just miles from Vatican City, then enjoy lunch on the warm beaches of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, before dinner as you soak in the sights and sounds of Peking Opera in Beijing? An international trip to feast like that would take hours of travel! Why wait to get a taste of the world when you can join us for an international food tour that will not only expose you to flavors from around the globe but also teach you some useful skills in the kitchen? This fun and delicious course is sure to be a treat as we will prepare signature dishes from countries including Italy, China, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Students will learn basic kitchen safety tips and become more independent and confident in the kitchen. *While we will try to accommodate all allergies, we may not be able to avoid all allergens. Please contact the camp office ahead of time if you have any questions or concerns.

This program will happen virtually. This course teaches the fundamentals of dance technique and prepares incoming middle school students to feel more comfortable dancing. No prior dance knowledge necessary for this course. Students meet for synchronous lessons each day from 11am – 12pm. In each class students learn elements of modern dance technique, strengthening, and stretching. Each class finishes with the creation of a simple dance routine that will link the learned concepts with creative exercises that students will complete during off-screen times.

This class will be online. Using real-world applications and hands-on projects, this introduction to 6th grade math will help prepare students for the upcoming school year. We will provide opportunities to practice mathematical note-taking, and study skills and explore topics such as mathematical expressions, fractions, decimals, percents, estimation and more. This program serves as a reinforcement of key concepts and foundational skills that will help students find success in their 6th grade math class. *Note this class is not an acceleration class. Only students entering 6th grade in the fall will be permitted to take this course.

This class will be online. This introduction to 7th grade math and pre-algebraic concepts will help prepare students for some of the critical thinking required in 7th grade math. Through hands-on projects and real-world applications, we will provide opportunities to practice mathematical study and note-taking skills and explore arithmetic operations and topics that include equations, expressions, problem-solving methods, estimation, probability and more. This program serves as a reinforcement of key concepts and foundational skills that will help students find success in their 7th grade math class. *Note this class is not an acceleration class. Only students entering 7th grade in the fall will be permitted to take this course.

This program will be online. Students will learn the basics of public speaking, argumentation, and how to rebut arguments. This class will focus on introducing students to various debate forms used around the country and the world including Spontaneous Argument Debate, Public Forum, and Middle School Public Debate. This fast-paced course will give students the chance to debate different topics including those on the economy, social issues, foreign policy, and education. Debaters will learn how to make an argument, speak in public, rebut arguments, and more in this summer week-long debate course. Daily format may be similar to this: 9-10: “Online” Morning meeting, usually an icebreaker or game, first lesson of the day 10-10:30 Break 10:30-11:30 “Online” group lesson, group activity completed together 11:30-1:30 Break time for lunch & independent work time. Students may choose to connect with partners to practice for their debates 1:30-3:00 Students or pairs will be assigned a 20-30 minute time slot between 1:30-3:00 to perform their debate to the teachers and be given direct and individualized feedback. The entire class does not have to be online during this time, only during their scheduled performance time.

This program will be online. 3rd-5th grade students will learn the basics of public speaking, argumentation, and how to rebut arguments. This camp will focus on various introducing students to various debate forms used around the country and the world including Spontaneous Argument Debate, Public Forum, and a glimpse of what Middle School Debate might look like. This fast-paced course will give students the chance to debate different topics at an age-appropriate level including those on the economy, social issues, foreign policy, and education. Debaters will learn how to make an argument, speak in public, rebut arguments, and more in this summer week-long debate course.

During this 2 week long program, the students will learn introductory vocabulary through a variety of means of communication. They will be introduced to a word bank of vocabulary, learn how to apply the vocabulary through simple sentences. They will have simple conversations to practice what they have learned and a little bit of writing and speaking (adapted for the grade level). We will learn through and include music. Introductory topics: greetings, introductions, pronouns, simple verbs, colors, adjectives and animals. No background required. For this program, we will not expect students to have memorized all of the vocabulary, but rather to start opening their ears to a new language, drawing parallels between Spanish and the languages they know. Day 1: Introduce Greetings Day 2: Greetings continued Day 3: Introductions Day 4: Introductions continued Day 5: Pronouns Day 6: Simple verbs Day 7: Simple verbs in a sentence, introduce colors Day 8: Colors and adjectives Day 9: Adjectives and animals Day 10: Animals continued, wrap up

This course will be online. This program includes innovative, hands-on and research-based math games and activities to reinforce and preview topics in upper-elementary math classes. Students in grades 3rd-5th will spend two weeks doing problem-solving activities that will develop mathematical skills and create a growth mindset in math, reinforcing concepts and topics that will enable students to find mathematical success in the new school year. Concepts covered may include base-ten numbers, fractions, data analysis, elementary geometry concepts, simple mathematical algorithms, mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and more! Students who are interested in an afternoon option should sign up for our writing classes!

This program will be virtual. This two week course is an opportunity for students to strengthen and maintain their skills as mathematicians through problem solving and project-based learning, specifically reinforcing addition, subtraction and place value skills, as well as flexible problem solving. Synchronous learning would include high-yield math routines (puzzles or questions that develop higher-level thinking around mathematical concepts), and introduce and develop the weekly topics. Students would then have independent projects solving problems and receiving challenges that integrate math into their everyday lives. Class Format: 9:00-9:30 – 30 minutes whole group 10:00-10:40 – 40 minutes Group 1 10:50 -11:30- 40 minutes Group 2 1:00-1:30 – 30 minutes Group 1 1:35-2:05 – 30 minutes Group 2 Each student would have 3 synchronous meetings per day and will be assigned small group meeting times. Dates: July 6-17 (2 weeks) Grades: 2nd & 3rd Times: See schedule above Teacher: Kelly Harris

This program will be taking place virtually. This camp is specifically designed for kids looking for a challenge! Similar to a Math Olympiad format, students will learn problem solving strategies, model and practice sample problems, then have the opportunity to work independently for some time, then come together to collaborate in teams to solve the problems, and finally come together as a whole group to compare and share solutions and convince each other that our answers are correct.

This program will be online. This program will allow students to explore a range of nonfiction texts and learn to analyze and explain the material they read and translate what they have read into their own words. Students will also have an opportunity to work collaboratively as researchers in order to develop their skills as nonfiction writers. For students needing or wanting to participate in a morning option, consider participating in our Lower School Math Workshop!

This program will be taking place virtually. We bring the outdoors to you! This camp will be both synchronous and asynchronous throughout our time together. Each day will open and close with live sessions where we can introduce our day and then share what we created/experienced during the asynchronous activities. Students may be asked to collect objects from nature, but will be given notice a day or two before it is needed for the activity. Other supplies needed will be available for pick up or delivery to your home. Some examples of what we will teach and offer are: outdoor skills environmental education leadership skills, teambuilding, and character building citizen science opportunities orienteering outdoor games creating Geocaches and many nature based crafts like sun prints, nature weaving, nature suncatchers, constructing rain gauges, creating micro-ecosystems etc. There will be sessions for upper elementary/middle school (grades 4-7) and sessions for younger kids (grades 1-3). Please note that while we hope all activities will require little to no parent support, there is a chance that some of our youngest campers may need a helping hand. *Looking to sign up for more than one session? Sessions 1&3 will have the same activities, while Sessions 2&4 will have different activities. Consider mixing and matching 2 sessions!

This program will be taking place virtually. We bring the outdoors to you! This camp will be both synchronous and asynchronous throughout our time together. Each day will open and close with live sessions where we can introduce our day and then share what we created/experienced during the asynchronous activities. Students may be asked to collect objects from nature, but will be given notice a day or two before it is needed for the activity. Other supplies needed will be available for pick up or delivery to your home. Some examples of what we will teach and offer are: outdoor skills environmental education leadership skills, teambuilding, and character building citizen science opportunities orienteering outdoor games creating Geocaches and many nature based crafts like sun prints, nature weaving, nature suncatchers, constructing rain gauges, creating micro-ecosystems etc. There will be sessions for upper elementary/middle school (grades 4-7) and sessions for younger kids (grades 1-3). Please note that while we hope all activities will require little to no parent support, there is a chance that some of our youngest campers may need a helping hand. *Looking to sign up for more than one session? Sessions 1&3 will have the same activities, while Sessions 2&4 will have different activities. Consider mixing and matching 2 sessions!

This program will be taking place virtually. We bring the outdoors to you! This camp will be both synchronous and asynchronous throughout our time together. Each day will open and close with live sessions where we can introduce our day and then share what we created/experienced during the asynchronous activities. Students may be asked to collect objects from nature, but will be given notice a day or two before it is needed for the activity. Other supplies needed will be available for pick up or delivery to your home. Some examples of what we will teach and offer are: outdoor skills environmental education leadership skills, teambuilding, and character building citizen science opportunities orienteering outdoor games creating Geocaches and many nature based crafts like sun prints, nature weaving, nature suncatchers, constructing rain gauges, creating micro-ecosystems etc. There will be sessions for upper elementary/middle school (grades 4-7) and sessions for younger kids (grades 1-3). Please note that while we hope all activities will require little to no parent support, there is a chance that some of our youngest campers may need a helping hand. *Looking to sign up for more than one session? Sessions 1&3 will have the same activities, while Sessions 2&4 will have different activities. Consider mixing and matching 2 sessions!

This program will be taking place virtually. We bring the outdoors to you! This camp will be both synchronous and asynchronous throughout our time together. Each day will open and close with live sessions where we can introduce our day and then share what we created/experienced during the asynchronous activities. Students may be asked to collect objects from nature, but will be given notice a day or two before it is needed for the activity. Other supplies needed will be available for pick up or delivery to your home. Some examples of what we will teach and offer are: outdoor skills environmental education leadership skills, teambuilding, and character building citizen science opportunities orienteering outdoor games creating Geocaches and many nature based crafts like sun prints, nature weaving, nature suncatchers, constructing rain gauges, creating micro-ecosystems etc. There will be sessions for upper elementary/middle school (grades 4-7) and sessions for younger kids (grades 1-3). Please note that while we hope all activities will require little to no parent support, there is a chance that some of our youngest campers may need a helping hand. *Looking to sign up for more than one session? Sessions 1&3 will have the same activities, while Sessions 2&4 will have different activities. Consider mixing and matching 2 sessions!

This program will be taking place virtually. We bring the outdoors to you! This camp will be both synchronous and asynchronous throughout our time together. Each day will open and close with live sessions where we can introduce our day and then share what we created/experienced during the asynchronous activities. Students may be asked to collect objects from nature, but will be given notice a day or two before it is needed for the activity. Other supplies needed will be available for pick up or delivery to your home. Some examples of what we will teach and offer are: outdoor skills environmental education leadership skills, teambuilding, and character building citizen science opportunities orienteering outdoor games creating Geocaches and many nature based crafts like sun prints, nature weaving, nature suncatchers, constructing rain gauges, creating micro-ecosystems etc. There will be sessions for upper elementary/middle school (grades 4-7) and sessions for younger kids (grades 1-3). Please note that while we hope all activities will require little to no parent support, there is a chance that some of our youngest campers may need a helping hand. *Looking to sign up for more than one session? Sessions 1&3 will have the same activities, while Sessions 2&4 will have different activities. Consider mixing and matching 2 sessions!

This program will be taking place virtually. We bring the outdoors to you! This camp will be both synchronous and asynchronous throughout our time together. Each day will open and close with live sessions where we can introduce our day and then share what we created/experienced during the asynchronous activities. Students may be asked to collect objects from nature, but will be given notice a day or two before it is needed for the activity. Other supplies needed will be available for pick up or delivery to your home. Some examples of what we will teach and offer are: outdoor skills environmental education leadership skills, teambuilding, and character building citizen science opportunities orienteering outdoor games creating Geocaches and many nature based crafts like sun prints, nature weaving, nature suncatchers, constructing rain gauges, creating micro-ecosystems etc. There will be sessions for upper elementary/middle school (grades 4-7) and sessions for younger kids (grades 1-3). Please note that while we hope all activities will require little to no parent support, there is a chance that some of our youngest campers may need a helping hand. *Looking to sign up for more than one session? Sessions 1&3 will have the same activities, while Sessions 2&4 will have different activities. Consider mixing and matching 2 sessions!

This program will be taking place virtually. We bring the outdoors to you! This camp will be both synchronous and asynchronous throughout our time together. Each day will open and close with live sessions where we can introduce our day and then share what we created/experienced during the asynchronous activities. Students may be asked to collect objects from nature, but will be given notice a day or two before it is needed for the activity. Other supplies needed will be available for pick up or delivery to your home. Some examples of what we will teach and offer are: outdoor skills environmental education leadership skills, teambuilding, and character building citizen science opportunities orienteering outdoor games creating Geocaches and many nature based crafts like sun prints, nature weaving, nature suncatchers, constructing rain gauges, creating micro-ecosystems etc. There will be sessions for upper elementary/middle school (grades 4-7) and sessions for younger kids (grades 1-3). Please note that while we hope all activities will require little to no parent support, there is a chance that some of our youngest campers may need a helping hand. *Looking to sign up for more than one session? Sessions 1&3 will have the same activities, while Sessions 2&4 will have different activities. Consider mixing and matching 2 sessions!

This program will be online. Synchronous work will be broken up into two meetings a day. For 60-90min at 10 am and then at 1 pm. In the first week, the first session will be dedicated to learning craft and reading while the second session would focus on journaling and sharing. Asynchronous work will focus on writing one piece to the best of their abilities. The second week would focus on workshops that would function like most creative writing workshops. You share your work, the students read and leave comments. During synchronous work, we will have discussions on what works and what doesn’t. The goal is to have the first week to learn how to write and to write a short piece, and the second week to share and hone skills further.

This program will be virtual. We will explore ways to take your cell phone photography to a new level. Each lesson will involve direct instruction on new ways to use your phone camera and compose better pictures. Assignments will be given to stretch your creativity and to show your work. Supplies needed: Cell phone with a camera, device for class meetings on Zoom

This program will be online. This two-week review class is intended for rising 8th and 9th grade students moving into Algebra 1 for the upcoming year. We will provide opportunities to practice pre-algebraic concepts such as variables, formulas, and algebraic expressions as well as key concepts for algebraic success such as equations, fractions, decimals, percents, exponents, ratios and more. This program serves as a reinforcement of key concepts and foundational skills that will help students find success in their Algebra I class. Prerequisite: Completion of Pre-Algebra or Intro to Algebra.

This program will be online. In this week-long program intended for students with some prior debate experience, students will improve their skills in Public Forum Debate under expert guidance of GDS’s Middle School debate coach. Public Forum is a two-on-two debate that focuses on various domestic and foreign issues. Debaters will learn how to make an argument, speak in public, support their arguments, and more in this summer debate course. Students with no public forum or debate experience will get a crash course on the first day of program. Daily format will look similar to this: 9-10: “Online” Morning meeting, usually an icebreaker or game, first lesson of the day 10-10:30 Break 10:30-11:30 “Online” group lesson, group activity completed together 11:30-1:30 Break time for lunch & independent work time. Students may choose to connect with partners to practice for their debates 1:30-3:00 Students or pairs will be assigned a 20-30 minute time slot between 1:30-3:00 to perform their debate to the teachers and be given direct and individualized feedback. The entire class does not have to be online during this time, only during their scheduled performance time.

This program will be online. In this week-long program intended for students with some prior debate experience, students will improve their skills in Public Forum Debate under expert guidance of GDS’s Middle School debate coach. Public Forum is a two-on-two debate that focuses on various domestic and foreign issues. Debaters will learn how to make an argument, speak in public, support their arguments, and more in this summer debate course. Students with no public forum or debate experience will get a crash course on the first day of program. Daily format will look similar to this: 9-10: “Online” Morning meeting, usually an icebreaker or game, first lesson of the day 10-10:30 Break 10:30-11:30 “Online” group lesson, group activity completed together 11:30-1:30 Break time for lunch & independent work time. Students may choose to connect with partners to practice for their debates 1:30-3:00 Students or pairs will be assigned a 20-30 minute time slot between 1:30-3:00 to perform their debate to the teachers and be given direct and individualized feedback. The entire class does not have to be online during this time, only during their scheduled performance time.

Students will be given high interest narratives that will provide opportunities for oral reading to promote fluency. Focus skills will include identifying the main idea, supporting details, and sequencing events. Story elements such as character analysis, setting, plot, making inferences, and drawing conclusions will be covered. Each passage will be followed by comprehension questions which the students should answer by writing full sentences. Students will need a Chromebook or other device with sufficient internet connectivity for audio-video synchronous work. Synchronous classes will take place for 2 hours (with breaks), and asynchronous activities will take approximately one hour daily.

This course will be online. The price includes a robotics kit that will be mailed to your home for you to keep and use in the future. Kit values at $100. In this course, upper elementary and middle school students will be taught the fundamentals of robotics, from what a robot is to how to get them to do what we want them to do.

This course will be online. Supply kits are included and will be available for pick up or delivery.

The program will happen virtually. This camp is designed for our youngest campers who are ready to spend the day learning and having fun! We recognize that this might be the first camp experience for our Little Hoppers. Through different play-based activities ranging from arts and crafts, drama, read alouds, active games, music, STEM, and more, children will develop friendships and skills designed to prepare them for school. School readiness skill-building will include various explorations, fine motor skills practice, and activities related to following directions, working with and listening to others, and more! This camp is open to all students. The daily format of this camp will look similar to this: 30 minutes “on”: Morning Meeting, setting the tone for the day, tee-ing up the first activity 30 minutes “off”: Students complete an independent activity/exploration to prepare for next synchronous block 15 minutes: BREAK 30 minutes “on”: Discussion of independent work, Synchronous activity 30 minutes “off”: independent activity 15-30 minutes “on”: Afternoon meeting to summarize the day and prepare for the next day

The program will happen virtually. This camp is designed for our youngest campers who are ready to spend the day learning and having fun! We recognize that this might be the first camp experience for our Little Hoppers. Through different play-based activities ranging from arts and crafts, drama, read alouds, active games, music, STEM, and more, children will develop friendships and skills designed to prepare them for school. School readiness skill-building will include various explorations, fine motor skills practice, and activities related to following directions, working with and listening to others, and more! This camp is open to all students. The daily format of this camp will look similar to this: 30 minutes “on”: Morning Meeting, setting the tone for the day, tee-ing up the first activity 30 minutes “off”: Students complete an independent activity/exploration to prepare for next synchronous block 15 minutes: BREAK 30 minutes “on”: Discussion of independent work, Synchronous activity 30 minutes “off”: independent activity 15-30 minutes “on”: Afternoon meeting to summarize the day and prepare for the next day

Houses- learn about different types of homes around the world/ Design and create a model of an energy efficient home Day 1- Learn about different types of houses around the world/ Brainstorm Day 2- Alien invasion- Egg challenge/ Refine ideas/ create a design Day 3- Spaghetti and Marshmallow tower/ begin prototype Day 4- Build a bridge-Recreate a bridge design using spaghetti, or toothpicks/ Continue prototype/ Possible virtual field trip Day 5- Complete energy efficient home design and prototype/ Parent presentation Daily Format will be similar to: 9:00-9:30: Morning meeting, share, icebreaker, set up for the day Break- Kids can gather materials 10:00-10:45: activity on own but zoom remains open so kids can see each other working. Break 11:30-12:00: Whole group activity Break 2:00-2:30: closing meeting, share, reflection, maybe journal time or story time

The program will happen virtually. This camp is designed for our youngest campers who are ready to spend the day learning and having fun! We recognize that this might be the first camp experience for our Little Hoppers. Through different play-based activities ranging from arts and crafts, drama, read alouds, active games, music, STEM, and more, children will develop friendships and skills designed to prepare them for school. School readiness skill-building will include various explorations, fine motor skills practice, and activities related to following directions, working with and listening to others, and more! This camp is open to all students. The daily format of this camp will look similar to this: 30 minutes “on”: Morning Meeting, setting the tone for the day, tee-ing up the first activity 30 minutes “off”: Students complete an independent activity/exploration to prepare for next synchronous block 15 minutes: BREAK 30 minutes “on”: Discussion of independent work, Synchronous activity 30 minutes “off”: independent activity 15-30 minutes “on”: Afternoon meeting to summarize the day and prepare for the next day

This Week’s Theme: Communication Day1- A failure to communicate/ How do we try to communicate/ Brainstorm- Online Trivia Day2- The invention of the telephone/ Refine ideas- I spy Day3-The invention of the mail/ Begin prototype- Day4- Communicating Electronically/ Continue prototype- Maybe virtual field trip Day5-Complete project/Parents presentation Daily Format will be similar to: 9:00-9:30: Morning meeting, share, icebreaker, set up for the day Break- Kids can gather materials 10:00-10:45: activity on own but zoom remains open so kids can see each other working. Break 11:30-12:00: Whole group activity Break 2:00-2:30: closing meeting, share, reflection, maybe journal time or story time

This Week’s Theme: The Environment: Recycling & Composting Day 1- Learn about recycling/ Brainstorm Day 2- reuse- Make something useful out of trash Day-3 Sandwich bags Composting Day4-Nature Bugs/ Maybe virtual field trips Day5- Complete composting project and nature bugs and parents presentation Daily Format will be similar to: 9:00-9:30: Morning meeting, share, icebreaker, set up for the day Break- Kids can gather materials 10:00-10:45: activity on own but zoom remains open so kids can see each other working. Break 11:30-12:00: Whole group activity Break 2:00-2:30: closing meeting, share, reflection, maybe journal time or story time

This Week’s Theme: Water Day 1- Where does our water come from?/Brainstorm Day 2- Ways to conserve water, project Day-3 Water trivia/how much water do you use? Day4-How many drops of water can a penny hold?/ Maybe virtual field trips Day5- Complete project and parents presentation

This Week’s Theme: Food/Agriculture Day 1- Where does food come from?/ Brainstorm Day 2- Healthy activity Day-3 Whats the global footprint of your plate? Day4-Food label scavenger hunt/ Maybe virtual field trips Day5- “How to” master class/ parents presentation

This Week’s Theme: Under the Stars: Camping at Home Day 1- Mad libs camping/ Brainstorm Day 2- outdoor scavenger hunt Day-3 Nature collage Day4-Virtual field trips Day5- Complete project and parents presentation

This Week’s Theme: Imaginary Designs Day 1- What’s this invention?/ Brainstorm Day 2- Inventing a new ice cream flavor Day-3 Who invented that? Day4-Where was that invented? Maybe virtual field trips Day5- Complete project and parents presentation

This Week’s Theme: Sports & Games Day 1- Simon Says/ Brainstorm Day 2- Sports Trivia Day-3 Design a parachute Day4-unscramble game-sports theme/ Maybe virtual field trips Day5- Complete project and parents presentation

This course will be online. This is a two week afternoon class designed to help students with their organizational and note taking skills. This is a great afternoon option for students who are taking a morning math class. All supplies are included and will be available for pick up or delivery.

This course will be online. All supplies are included and will be available for pick up or delivery.

Sign up to join your host John Martinez on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons for our free Summer Clubhouse! Each afternoon will feature fun games or activities like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Trivia, Jeopardy, crafts, and more. This is a fun and relaxing way to connect with friends online. John will be assisted by various GDS high school students and special guests throughout the summer. Once registered look for a weekly email with the Zoom link for you to join as often as you would like. All GDS and non-GDS students are welcome! Visit our registration page to sign up. When? Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from June 15-August 14 Time? 3:00-4:00pm Where? Online! Zoom link will be emailed to you Cost? Free!

This program will be virtual. Summer Jazz at GDS will engage students in all aspects of developing as an improvising musician. Students will learn the history and context of jazz music through text, recordings, and videos, and apply theory and methods in improvisation to their instruments. In addition to listening and playing, the course will address developing a personal style and touch on aspects of performance practice and recording. An instrument of any type is recommended to fully participate in this program. There will be two meeting times each day, one at 10am and another at 1pm. There may also be individually scheduled meeting times with the instructor for support and feedback.

This program will be virtual. This program will be set up to feature 3 different components each day: 1. Strategy This is a non-active portion. We will be watching videos and discussing elements of tennis strategy like positioning, shot selection, opponent analysis, etc. The students will need to be able to see, hear, and participate on their Zoom device. No equipment will be required, though I will recommend students draw some diagrams that we will be looking at, in order to reinforce the concepts. 2. Skills Practice For this part students will need enough room to swing a racquet, toss a tennis ball above their heads, and take about three full steps in any direction. If able, doing this outside would be best, but students can also participate if they have the required space indoors. They will not be hitting any tennis balls; the only reason that a ball is required is to practice the serve toss, but they’ll never be required to hit the ball with their racquet. *We will take a short break after the skills portion. 3. Fitness This will require roughly the same amount of space as the skills portion–the ability to move about three steps in any direction. We will be doing interval and strength training exercises, which will not require any equipment. *Students will need their own racquet and ball to participate.

This program will be virtual. This program will be set up to feature 3 different components each day: 1. Strategy This is a non-active portion. We will be watching videos and discussing elements of tennis strategy like positioning, shot selection, opponent analysis, etc. The students will need to be able to see, hear, and participate on their Zoom device. No equipment will be required, though I will recommend students draw some diagrams that we will be looking at, in order to reinforce the concepts. 2. Skills Practice For this part students will need enough room to swing a racquet, toss a tennis ball above their heads, and take about three full steps in any direction. If able, doing this outside would be best, but students can also participate if they have the required space indoors. They will not be hitting any tennis balls; the only reason that a ball is required is to practice the serve toss, but they’ll never be required to hit the ball with their racquet. *We will take a short break after the skills portion. 3. Fitness This will require roughly the same amount of space as the skills portion–the ability to move about three steps in any direction. We will be doing interval and strength training exercises, which will not require any equipment. *Students will need their own racquet and ball to participate.

This program will be virtual. This 3 week dynamic course allows students to explore the intricacies of the United States after World War II to the Obama Presidency. Using a variety of online resources and critical investigations, students will begin to appreciate the ways in which the US emerged as global player in the decades following the war. At the same time, we’ll probe the ways the US constructed new ways of thinking about itself and the people within it. Topics may include: 1. Political developments, including the Truman Presidency, the Eisenhower years, and the presidencies of Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, etc. The impact of international developments, the Cold War, the turbulent sixties, as well as economic realities like globalization will also be addressed. 2. Social and cultural shifts, including suburbanization, the impact of television, the modern Civil Rights and Feminist movements, and the impact of 1968 as a watershed year. More recent developments, including the impact of technological advances and the more recent rights revolutions, will also be addressed. Synchronous classes are designed to be varied and interactive, with opportunities for group work and debate (depending upon the size of the class.) Asynchronous work will take an inquiry approach, and may use the case study method to interrogate a range of events. We’ll make use of historic newspapers to take the pulse of Americans in various parts of the country as they experienced events in real time, and we’ll also have the occasional expert to work with us. Week 1 – The end of the war to the assassination of JFK. (Cold War begins, McCarthyism, Cuban Missile Crisis, etc.) Week 2 – Johnson to Reagan. (Great Society, Vietnam, 1968, Watergate, Rustbelt, Iran Crisis) Week 3 – Reagan to Obama (Reagan Revolution, end of the Cold War, Clinton years, 911, new realities.) This program will meet once a day from 1:00-2:30pm

This program will be online. We will devote each week to a different modernist poet: Yeats & Stevens. We will read widely in each poet’s work; in our discussions for each poet, we’ll look closely at a few individual poems, with others we’ve read informing our analysis. We’ll look at biographical details or prose work by each poet as they become relevant, but our work will be driven above all by close reading. Students will be expected to read to prepare for discussions. Should any student want to develop her thinking further by writing a paper at the end of the class, I would be happy to advise such a project. Dates: June 15-26 (2 weeks) Times: 1:00pm-2:30pm Grades: 9-12 Teacher: Julia Fisher

This program will be online. Students in this course will learn to make their own video games! We use block coding (i.e., scratch, blockly, etc..) to simplify the concepts that real game engineers use while creating hit video games.

This program will be online. Students in this course will learn to make their own video games! We use block coding (i.e., scratch, blockly, etc..) to simplify the concepts that real game engineers use while creating hit video games.

This program will be virtual. Now almost 50 years ago, the story of Watergate is a story of political corruption and cover-up, investigative journalism and press freedom, and the checks and balances system envisioned by the Founding Fathers. Using the book (and film) All the President’s Men, the film Nixon, and the United States Supreme Court’s decision in US. v. Nixon, we can look at how a break-in ultimately turned into the first presidential resignation in history.. With synchronous learning over five days, students would have time to read the Nixon case and watch the movies in between and afterward. Days/topics would be:The break in and coverup Role of the press in uncovering the scandal Congressional Oversight and Committee hearings and testimony The “Saturday Night Massacre” and role of the Special Prosecutor The US v. Nixon SCOTUS decision Resignation/aftermath – use of ‘-gate’ over the past 50 years and the now common cynicism with which Americans view the actions of their government.Class format: 2 synchronous meeting times each day. One at 10am and one at 2pm. There will be independent activities and work time in-between. Dates: June 29-July 3 Times: 10am & 2pm Grades: 9-12 Teacher: Carlos Angulo