Power Menu: Choice Sessions
POWER MENU: CHOICE SESSIONS
October 19-23, 2015
Title for PWR session: Slam PoetryFacilitators: 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 AdventuresName 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