Power Menu: Choice Sessions

POWER MENU: CHOICE SESSIONS October 19-23, 2015 Title for PWR session: Slam Poetry

Facilitators: Lizzy Truskin and Shelby Chase Credit Earned: .25 Elective

Description of PWR session: Spoken Word Saves Lives! The Slam poetry session will allow students to express themselves through the art of spoken word. They will analyze and create both individual and group poetry. This will be accompanied by a number of guest speakers who are professional poets that will perform and help students explore and improve their own writing. The session will end with a performance of their poems in class, and an open mic night for the school. Intended Audience: 9th-10th grades Location(s) of PWR session: Rooms 1505 and 1511 Dates of PWR session: Oct. 19-23 Times of PWR session: 8:25am-3:15pm. Fee: $10

Title for PWR session: Play Like a Girl: Women in Sports

Name of Facilitators: Lindsay Tabaka and Laura Klein Credit Earned: .25 Elective

Description of PWR session: STRONG, DRIVEN WOMEN this power session is for you! Do feel the image of female athletes in our society needs to change? With us you will have the chance to examine the perceived image of strong females, and prove those standards wrong! Whether you have athletic experience or not, you NEED to join Coach Tabaka and Coach Klein for this power session! Get ready to have fun through sports and activities all week! Intended Audience: Female athletes, or anyone interested in learning about the status of women in sports. 9th & 12th grades.

Location(s) of PWR session: Classrooms 1508, 1503, weight room, gym, track, & tennis courts

Dates of PWR session: Oct 19-23 Times of PWR session: 8:25a – 3:15p Fees: $13 for transportation fees and a T-Shirt

Title for PWR session: Make Your Movie! Name of Facilitators: Heathe Stecklein and Jason Burchard Credit Earned: .25 Elective Description of PWR session: Have you ever wanted to be a film actor, director, editor, or camera man on a film? Well now you can! In this power session, students will create an original film based on a short story. Students will write the scripts, act, direct, record and edit their own films. We will screen the films on the final day. Intended Audience: 9-12 grades Location(s) of PWR session: Room 2410 and 1206 Dates of PWR session: Oct. 19-23 Times of PWR session: 8:25a – 3:15p Title for PWR session: The Dance Experiment

Name of Facilitators: Veronica Ramos and Katie Sheffler Credit Earned: .25 Elective

Description of PWR session: Students will learn and practice dance basics and choreography styles. In addition, high school and elementary students will learn dances and create a dance performance recital at the end of the week! Intended Audience: 1st-12th grades (Exploratory and Prep) Location(s) of PWR session: Vista Peak Prep Dates of PWR session: Oct. 19-23 Times of PWR session: 8:25a – 3:15p Fee: $25 for performers Title for PWR session: Creating a Personal Website

Name of Facilitators: Meagan Clark and Carissa Cline Credit Earned: .25 Elective

Description of PWR session: Ever wanted to have your own website? Through this power session, you will be creating your own personal website that will contain your personal biography, resume, pathway focus, classes completed, college credits earned, and more. Expect to be engaged in building digital literacy through the development of a personal website that may be used for job and college applications and interviews. Intended Audience: 9-12th grades Location(s) of PWR session: 1507 Dates of PWR session: Oct. 19-23 Times of PWR session: 8:25a-3:15p

Title for PWR session: Geology Moab Trip to Utah

Name of Facilitators: Chris Moros, Lisa Sixbery, and Hannah Tystad Credit Earned: .25 Elective

Description of PWR session: We will be taking a group of ladies/gentlemen camping in Moab, Utah for 3 nights (3 days). We request October due to the weather. The first 3 days will be exploring Arches National Park with science kits prepared by the rangers station. There will be hiking involved. When we come back we will meet that Thursday with students to put together the final project presentation. Intended Audience: 9-12 grades; only 12 students permitted on trip due to transportation cap. Location(s) of PWR session: Moab, UT Dates of PWR session: Oct. 19-23 Times of PWR session: Overnight

Fees: $65

Title for PWR session: Build a Play – Set Design and Construction

Name of Facilitators: Gabriel Alsina & Jeffrey Cramer Credit Earned: .25 Elective

Description of PWR session: Students will design and build various parts of a set for our upcoming play. Intended Audience: Tech Theather and STEM students strongly encouraged; 9th-12th grade. Location(s) of PWR session: Tech Theater Garage and Rm 2415 Dates of PWR session: Oct.19-23 Times of PWR session: 8:25a – 3:15p

Title for PWR session: So you wanna be an Elite Athlete?

Name of Facilitators: David Benedict and Jason LePera Credit Earned: .25 Elective

Description of PWR session: Do you wanna be an Olympian or a professional athlete? If so, this session is for YOU! In the course of this session, you will learn about the components of competing at an elite level in sports. This includes nutrition, performance testing, specific sport adaptations to training, psychology, and injury/rehab. During this session you will also be able to observe, and speak to professionals about what it takes to be in the 1%! Intended Audience: 9th-12th grades Location(s) of PWR session: 1602 Dates of PWR session: Oct. 19-23 Times of PWR session: 8:25a – 3:15p

Fees: $25 Title for PWR session: Collectible Toy Design Facilitators: Erin Chan and Brian Keeley Credit Earned: .25 Elective Description of PWR session: This fall’s art PoWeR session will be a project based assignment called “Custom Munny’s”. Munny’s are blank toys created by world famous artist, Kidrobot, based out of Boulder, Colorado. The toys are intended to be blank so artists can design their own toy to be displayed in galleries or sold as a collectible toy. By the end of the PoWeR session, each student will design a Munny via Adobe Illustrator (a computer graphic design program), then paint a blank munny with their design. Students will also design the box art to accompany the custom made toy. Intended Audience: 9th-12th grade, “Adobe Illustrator” class is a prerequisite to joining this PoWeR session Location(s) of PWR session: Rm 2403 Dates of PWR session: October 19-23 Times of PWR session: 8:25a-3:15p Title for PWR session: Hunting for Forrest Fenn’s Treasure

Name of Facilitator(s): Jeffrey Olson & Mark Kimball Credit Earned: .25 Elective

Description of PWR session: The Fenn Treasure is a treasure reportedly worth $1m–$3m hidden by art dealer and writer Forrest Fenn in 2010 in the Rocky Mountains. As of 2015, Fenn has stated that to his knowledge it is still not found. There are many clues surrounding the whereabouts of the treasure, the most important is a poem written by Forrest Fenn. Students who sign up for this course will be given the opportunity to research the clues and possible sites to explore. Students will agree upon a site within reasonable distance from Vista PEAK to explore and on the last day we will pack up, travel to the site, and hopefully return 1-3 million dollars richer. Intended Audience: 9th-12th grades Location(s) of PWR session: Room 2509 Dates of PWR session: Oct. 19-23 Times of PWR session: 8:25a-3:15p Fees: $30

Title for PWR session: CPR/First Aid Certification (American Red Cross) Name of Facilitator(s): TJ Brancato Credit Earned: No Credit Description of PWR Session: Student will receive CPR/AED/First Aid Certification upon successful completion of this course. There will be 4 Saturday sessions available: Nov 7, Feb 27, Mar 19, and May 7. Students will only need to attend one course. Intended Audience: 8th-12th grades Location(s) of PWR session: Health Room 2201 Dates of PWR session: Nov. 7, Feb. 27, Mar. 19, May 7 Times of PWR session: 8am-1pm Fees: $40 Title for PWR session: The Culinary Experience Name of Facilitator(s): Colleen Dobson, Jessica Johnson, Mike Martikonis, Katie Wiliams/Katie LaFave Credit Earned: .25 Elective Description of PWR Session: Students will learn how to plan and prepare simple meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Students will compile a cookbook throughout the week with the various recipes, and work together to produce a final product that can be sold as a student council fundraiser. Students will also learn about dining etiquette, table manners, kitchen safety, and nutrition. Students will have the opportunity to tour Johnson and Wales Culinary School Denver Campus. Intended Audience: All students, special education students encouraged. 9th-12th grades, 24 students. Location(s) of PWR Session: VPP Kitchens, 1406 and 1501 Dates of PWR Session: Oct. 19-23 Times of PWR session: 8:25a-3:15p Fees: $30 Title for PWR session: Creating Good Singers Through Different Styles of Music Name of Facilitator(s): John Richard, Jr. Credit Earned: .25 Elective Description of PWR Session: This PoWeR session is designed to help and improve the students singing. The session will develop good singers by teaching them good vocal technique through different styles of music while training students to successfully audition for school musicals, music scholarships, professional auditions at community theatres or just to sing at home with family and friends. Students will learn solos and group songs in the style/genre of their choosing. They will be coached on vocal technique, style, and characterization of music. On the final day, students will perform their musical selections and receive direct feedback. At the conclusion of the PoWeR session, students will be encouraged to apply this feedback and audition for the musical in November if they choose. Intended Audience: 6th-12th grades (Exploratory and Prep) Location(s) of PWR Session: VPP Choir Room & Auditorium Dates of PWR Session: Oct 19-21 Times of PWR Session: 8:25a-3:15p Fee: $15

Title for PWR Session: Money Smart/Financial Literacy Name of Facilitator(s): Gloria E. Reynolds Credit Earned: .25 Elective Description of PWR Session: Financial Literacy will help students understand: 1. The different financial institutions, what they offer and the importance of establishing a relationship with a bank at an early age. 2. The importance of paying yourself first by saving a percentage of what you earn no matter how small. 3. How money matters and creating a budget with expenses will help them make wise decisions when they are in college or on their own. Intended Audience: 10th-12th grades Location(s) of PWR Session: Power Room Dates of PWR Session: Oct 19-23 Times of PWR Session: 8:25a-3:15p Fee: $20 Title for PWR session: Community Outreach and Activism Name of Facilitator(s): Kauline Sidinger and Katie Zieba Credit Earned: .25 Social Studies Description of PWR Session: Students will engage in various outreach opportunities throughout Aurora and Denver in order to develop a lens toward identifying and addressing community needs. Intended Audience: 9th-12th grades Location(s) of PWR Session: Room 1404, various locations throughout community Dates of PWR Session: Oct 19-23 Times of PWR Session: 8:25a-3:15p Fee: TBD

POWER MENU: CHOICE SESSIONS April 4-8, 2016 Title for PWR session: Colorado River Adventures

Name of Facilitators: Anne Huddle and Laura Brilla Credit Earned: .25 Science

Description of PWR session: During this PWR session, students will have the chance to learn about the aquatic ecosystem of the Colorado River and its many tributaries. They will have hands-on experience in aquatic sampling techniques via field trips to Colorado rivers. Students will understand the complexity of human and cultural concerns on river management. Intended Audience: 9-12 grade Location(s) of PWR session: Rooms 2602 & 2603, field trip locations Dates of PWR session: April 4-8 Times of PWR session: 8:25a – 3:15p

Fees: $30

Title for PWR session: GIRL POWER! Name of Facilitators: Lauryn Houser & Amber Swain Credit Earned: .25 Elective

Description of PWR session: This girls only session will focus on female empowerment, building self-esteem, setting personal goals and building healthy relationships. Intended Audience: Girls 9th-12th grades Location(s) of PWR session: Dance room, 1410, 1507 Dates of PWR session: April 4-8 Times of PWR session: 8:25a – 3:15p

Fees: $15

Title for PWR session: DISNEY FILMS: What Messages Are They Sending?

Name of Facilitators: Heather Price and Trina Shamburg Credit Earned: .25 Elective

Description of PWR session: Disney films have been a staple of American childhood for decades. But what messages are our youth receiving from these movies and their characters? This PWR session will examine the characters and themes in several Disney films and culminate in a project persuading others to look more deeply into the messages being sent through these media. Intended Audience: 9-12 Grades Location(s) of PWR session: 1512 & 1509 Dates of PWR session: April 4-8 Times of PWR session: 8:25a – 3:15p

Title for PWR session: History Through Film Name of Facilitators: Andrea Hite & Amber Scott Credit Earned: .25 Social Studies Description of PWR session (future tense): Have you ever watched a movie and noticed how different things are than what you learned in class? Many historical films such as 300, Gladiator, and The Patriot alter their stories to make them more entertaining. In this PoWeR session, you collaborate with peers to explore why these movies are altered, and discover what the most commonly altered elements are. Grade level: 9th-12th grades Location(s) of PWR session: Room 1411 Dates of PWR session: April 4-8 Times of PWR session: 8:15a-3:15p Title for PWR session: Which Checkout Lane is the Fastest in the Grocery Store?

Facilitators: Elsa Moore & Chris Ramee Credit Earned: .25 Math

Description of PWR session: Which checkout lane should you choose to get out of the grocery store the quickest? Does eating popcorn affect people’s enjoyment of movies? Does drinking caffeine affect students’ performance on tests? Let’s answer these and other fascinating questions using statistics! Intended Audience: 11th & 12th Grades

Location(s) of PWR session: Room 2511 Dates of PWR session: April 4-8 Times of PWR session: 8:25am-3:15pm.

Title for PWR session: Inside the Mirror/Does the Mirror Wink Back?

Name of Facilitators: Sean Bakersky & Joshua Hagler Credit Earned: .25 Elective

Description of PWR session: Have you ever realized that you will never see your own face? Have you ever wondered who, what, or why you are? Have you ever had a dream that was so real that you think it may have been? If you have ever thought about these questions please join us as we question authority, question reality, and question everything. We will be engaging age-old questions about identity and existence and pushing back on what we supposedly know we know looking for the known unknown. Intended Audience: 9th-12th grades Location(s) of PWR session: 1510 & 1402 Dates of PWR session: April 4-8 Times of PWR session: 8:25a – 3:15p

Title for PWR session: What does it mean to be a Latino in the 21st Century United States?

Name of Facilitators: Zaida Kingery, Federico Gomez, & Viviana Martinez Credit Earned: .25 Elective

Description of PWR session: Students will learn about latino culture through personal stories, short written stories, traditional games, songs, crafts, guest speakers, field trips (museums) and cooking. Intended Audience: 9-12 grades Location(s) of PWR session: 1506 Dates of PWR session: April 4-8 Times of PWR session: 8:25a – 3:15p

Fees: $20

Title for PWR session: Science/Art Collaborative

Name of Facilitators: Jeffrey Spencer and Angie Willsea Credit Earned: .25 Elective

Description of PWR session: This power session will focus on either using art to model scientific ideas and/or using science to make art. Students will have the opportunity to use unique techniques to make art that will be displayed around the school, whether it be making sculptures from household items to using chemistry to make paints and clays. Students will pick a project that interests them and finish it throughout the duration of the week! Intended Audience: 10th-12th grades (9th by invite or recommendation only) Location(s) of PWR session: VPP, RAFT (Resource Area for Teaching), Artist Studio(s) Dates of PWR session: April 4-8 Times of PWR session: 8:25a – 3:15p

Fee: $25

Title for PWR session: Preparing Student-Athletes for College Name of Facilitators: Jason Elliott & Grant Pippert Credit Earned: .25 Elective Description of PWR session: If you are ready to take the next step in your academic & athletic career, come learn the Ins & Outs of becoming a college athlete. This session will prepare you in several different ways, from Clearinghouse Requirements, to the day to day experience of a college athlete and everything in between. You’ll hear from guest speakers, college athletes past and present, and you’ll visit college campuses to take in the college life. This is a can’t miss opportunity if you plan on extending your athletic career into college. Intended Audience: Student athletes interested in attending college; 9-12 grades. Location(s) of PWR session: 1421, 1412, Metro State, and other local colleges Dates of PWR session: April 4-8 Times of PWR session: 8:25a – 3:15p

Fees: Transportation and food (TBD once numbers are finalized) POWER MENU: CHOICE SESSIONS June 9-15 Title for PWR session: Help Your Friends! Be a Peer Mentor! Name of Facilitator(s): Lisa Skoglund Credit Earned: .25 Elective Description of PWR Session: Tired of the day-to-day drama? Think you can make VPP better? Want to leave your mark before you graduate? Become a Peer Mentor and learn how to help build healthy, positive relationships, and diffuse negativity and drama before it becomes toxic to your school. The skills you learn will last a lifetime. Intended Audience: Rising 10th-12th graders, interested in helping to create and support a positive, restorative culture at VPP. Location(s) of PWR Session: 2202 Dates of PWR Session: June 9-15 Times of PWR Session: 8:25a-3:15p

POWER MENU: INVITE ONLY SESSIONS Title for PWR Session: Athletic Power/Speed/and Agility Camp for VP Athletes Name of Facilitator(s): Christopher Magrin, Patrick Rock, and Simon Morwood Credit Earned: .25 Elective Description of PWR Session: This particular power session will be provided every time power session is offered (three times a year, 1 fall, 1 spring, and 1 summer session). The course will be three hours per day, and will be eligible to all athletes that are not enrolled in an academic power session. The athletes in this session will work on foot speed, reaction time, core strength development, and sport specific weight training. This will keep our athletes tied to the school during POWER session breaks, while building school pride, culture, and relationships among the students. Students would need to provide their own transportation, and would be assessed based post test results through the program. This program is designed to keep student athletes active during times of power, aiding in the positive choices that our student athletes can engage in during POWER sessions, and building the culture and climate, and competency of the athletics program. *** This program will align with both national and state physical education and health standards. It would also work on nutritional education for athletes including the appropriate utilization of protein and nutrients to present athletic gains. The importance of diet in combination with exercise and wt. management. Intended Audience: Vista Peak Prep Athletes 9th-12th grades Credit Earned: .25 Elective Location(s) of PWR Session: VPP Weight Room and Athletic Fields Dates of PWR Session: Oct 19-23, Apr 4-8, June 9-10&13-15 Times of PWR Session: TBD

Title for PWR session: CTSO DECA Competition Training

Name of Facilitators: Natalie Johnson Credit Earned: .25 Elective

Description of PWR session: Students will prepare for their DECA competition activities and participate in the Virtual Business Online competition. Students will learn how to break down objectives, summarize situations, and complete simulation role plays. Intended Audience: DECA students in Marketing 216 and Business 217 Location(s) of PWR session: 2501 Dates of PWR session: Oct 19-23 Times of PWR session: 8am to 11am, 12pm to 3pm

Title for PWR session: AP Physics Prep Facilitators: John Sullivan Credit Earned: .25 Elective Description of PWR session: Students will spend time preparing for the AP Physics exam. Students will take practice exams, complete labs, and do extensive work on test preparation. Intended Audience: Students taking the AP Physics I exam in May Location(s) of PWR session: 1521 Dates of PWR session: April 4-8 Times of PWR session: 8:25a-3:15p

Title for PWR Session: Science Credit Recovery: Real World Physics Name of Facilitator(s): John Sullivan & Dayna Sherrill Credit Earned: .25 Science Description of PWR Session: Students are able to recover .25 science credit through this class. Students will study physics by working on 2 major projects. Students will study projectile motion by building potato canons and study Archimede’s Principle by building and sailing in cardboard boats. Intended Audience: Students in 9th-12th grades trying to earn .25 credit for science. Location(s) of PWR Session: 1521 & 2510 Dates of PWR Session: June 9-15 Times of PWR Session: 8:25a-3:15p Title for PWR Session: Bison Abroad: London 2016 Name of Facilitator(s): Elizabeth Weiland & Michael Dougherty Credit Earned: .25 Elective Description of PWR Session: Students will embark on a once in a lifetime journey to expand their knowledge of culture, theater, and business. Students will have the chance to study abroad, build their professional network, as well as create intellectual and contextual learning opportunities; all while taking in the international wonder that is London. This incredible opportunity will help students navigate new situations, work and travel as a team, build self-confidence, and heighten their knowledge and global perspective through self and group reflection. Students will enjoy 5 full days in London and will visit Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Oxford, London’s business district, attend a Theatre performance, the Globe theatre, Windsor castle and so much more. Intended Audience: Performing Arts and Business Students, 9-12 grades. Location(s) of PWR Session: London Dates of PWR Session: March 28, 2016-April 3, 2016 Resources Needed: Student will need a current passport Fees/Fundraising: $3,070 per student. Includes airfare, hotel, transportation in London, food, and entrance fees to attractions. Students can bring extra money for their own spending.

Title for PWR Session: Band & Orchestra Beyond High School Name of Facilitator(s): Zac Timbrell & Yolanda Calderon Credit Earned: .25 Elective Description of PWR Session: As our bands and orchestra grow at VP Prep it is essential that students gain a realistic perspective of what playing an instrument could look like beyond high school. Students will be exposed to the Denver area music scene by attending performances by the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, at Dazzle Jazz Lounge, and a musical. We will also visit local colleges (DU, Metro, & CU) to observe rehearsals and see what a typical day looks like for a student studying music. Students will return to their music courses at VP Prep with a heightened understanding of music beyond high school and an undeniable drive to achieve at the next level! Intended Audience: Band & Orchestra students in 9th -12th grades Location(s) of PWR Session: VPP, local colleges Dates of PWR Session: April 4-8 Times of PWR Session: 8:25a-3:15p Fees/Fundraising: TBD …Continued

Title for PWR Session: The Art of Design Name of Facilitator(s): Gabriel Alsina Credit Earned: .25 Elective Description of PWR Session: This POWER session is designed to give students an opportunity to design, model, and build their own original craft pieces. Students will learn design, drawing, and computer modeling techniques before fabricating projects using VP’s laser engraver. Intended Audience: All students interested in using their creativity to create. The point is to entice students who wouldn’t ordinarily consider STEM classes. Students will learn engineering design skills such as sketching, modeling, and fabrication. Location(s) of PWR Session: 2415 Dates of PWR Session: April 4-8 Times of PWR Session: 8:25a-3:15p Fees/Fundraising: Students may need to purchase specialty materials based on the project they choose.