S.T.E.M & Shakespeare Institute at Colgate University July 19 th 25 th, 2015 Overview Beginning with Children (BwC) and Bronx Charter School for Excellence (BCSE) prepare students to be successful in college and beyond. BwC schools (Community Partnership Charter School and Beginning with Children Charter School) in Brooklyn along with BCSE have planned their third annual Science Technology, Engineering and Technology (S.T.E.M.) Summer Institute for 40 high performing rising eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh grade students. This week-long immersion program will expose students to the rigors of college prep academics as well as provide residential and extracurricular activities that deepen student understandings of the collegiate experience. Program participants will get a sense of what it is like to be a college student and they will begin to learn what it takes to navigate a college environment. Institute participants will engage in coursework that engages them in S.T.E.M. activities that integrates Science, Algebra and Social Issues. They will also complete analyses of Shakespeare s plays and his significance in English Literature. This year s program will run from Sunday, July 19 th through Saturday, July 25 th and will be hosted by Colgate University. Eligibility To be eligible for admission, a candidate must currently be a rising eighth, ninth, tenth or eleventh grade student at a BwC or BCSE school or a participant in the respective school s alumni program. Admission will be based on the candidate's academic achievement, demonstration of a strong interest in science and mathematics, teacher recommendations, and an essay. All accepted students and at least one parent/guardian will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation meeting. Program Costs There is a $130 family fee for the S.T.E.M. & Shakespeare Institute. The generosity of the supporting corporations, foundations and donations will cover all other costs (approximately $1300 per student). All scholars will travel by chartered bus to and from Colgate University. They will also receive full room and board, as well as all course materials. 1
S.T.E.M. & Shakespeare Institute Application Student s Name: School: Date of Birth: Current Grade: Parent Contact Information Parent s Name: Cell #: Home Address: City, State, Zip: Day Tel #: Evening Tel #: Email address: Emergency Contact In case of an emergency, please contact the following: Name: Cell #: Relationship to the child: Name: Cell #: Relationship to the child: Name: Cell #: Relationship to the child: Medical Information Does your child have any dietary requirements/restrictions or food allergies? Yes No If yes, please specify: Are there medications, your child will need to take during program hours? Yes No If yes, please specify: Insurance Provider: Insurance #: Please provide a copy of the insurance card (front and back). *Note: If your child has an inhaler or epipen, we need one to leave with the Director and the other carried by the child at all times. 2
Release and Consent Form I give permission for to participate in the Beginning with Children ( BwC ) & Bronx Charter School for Excellence ( BCSE ) S.T.E.M. & Shakespeare Institute at Colgate University. I understand the program will include academic classes, and recreational activities. I understand and agree that BwC/BCSE and/or any of its employees and agents are not responsible for any bodily injury or injury to property that occurs with respect to the above-named participant during, or as a result of, any of the named program activities. Permission is hereby given for any necessary medical treatment to be administered to my child in case of an emergency while attending the program. Signature: Relationship to Minor: Publicity Release and Consent Form In order to obtain support for this program, BwC & BCSE actively promotes and publicizes its activities and programs, both through its efforts and through the efforts of third parties that have agreed to assist us. The promotional and educational materials we produce for use in promoting BwC & BCSE frequently contain photographs, videos and testimonials from scholars and/or alumni. By signing this permission form, you are granting permission to BwC & BCSE and those working on its behalf, to allow yourself to be photographed and/or videotaped. In addition, you agree to allow us to include any photographs and/or videotapes that you may appear in, as well as your spoken or written words about your experience as a scholar, in future promotional materials. You understand and agree that you will not receive any payment for this permission. Finally, you agree that you will not bring any claim against BwC & BCSE or those acting on its behalf as a result of the actions for which you grant permission. Student Signature: Parent Signature: Relationship to Minor: 3
Contract of Behavior Please read this Contract of Behavior carefully with your child. You and your child must agree to comply with four important rules. Think about each rule carefully and agree to abide by it by initialing in the space provided. Both you and your child must sign the bottom of this page to indicate that you understand these rules, are willing to follow them, and recognize there are consequences if the rules are not followed. Please note that any infraction may be grounds for dismissal from the rest of the summer program and any trips associated with the summer program. 1. I will respect myself and will not demonstrate inappropriate behavior, or use inappropriate language. I will not use language offensive to others or engage in play fighting or other inappropriate behavior. I agree 2. I will not take or damage property belonging to the host location or to any other participant or staff member. I agree 3. I will follow the dress code and dress appropriately and I will be ready to participate in all summer activities. I understand that dress is casual, but certain types of clothing do not support the educational theme of the event. I will not bring faded, tight, or torn jeans, belly shirts, halter tops, short shorts, miniskirts, or shirts with inappropriate language and/or images. Shorts and skirts must be at or below the knee. I understand that I am not permitted to wear a hat, cap, or bandana. If a staff member considers me inappropriately dressed and unable to participate in program activities, I will be asked to change my clothes. I agree 4. I will show respect to all staff, group leaders, presenters, guests, volunteers and chaperones. I recognize the work that has gone into preparing for the summer program and will do my part to make it successful. I will follow instructions given by the staff, attend all scheduled sessions, participate fully in all activities and give my full attention to presenters. I agree I have read this Contract of Behavior. I agree to comply with the rules and understand my responsibilities as a BwC or BCSE student participating in the S.T.E.M. & Shakespeare Institute. Student s Signature: Date: I have gone over this Contract of Behavior with my child and agree to uphold these expectations for my child. I understand that my child must comply with the program rules and that there will be consequences if s/he does not (including dismissal from the program). Parent s Signature: Date: 4
Student Application Please take your time and give thoughtful responses to the following questions. 1. What are you most passionate about? Why? 2. What do you think is the most important lesson you have learned in life? Why is that lesson so important to you? 5
Student s Signature: Date: Please write an original essay on one of the following topics. Your essay should be 300 500 words using the following format: double-spaced, Times New Roman 12pt font. Innovations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics all help to make the world a better place. An innovation can be a new and unique product that provides a solution to a problem. It may improve upon something that already exists or it may be entirely new. Describe an innovation you would like to develop that addresses a problem you or your community would like to resolve. Your idea should provide a realistic solution or improvements to the stated problem. 6
Teacher Recommendation Form To the Applicant: Please print your name in the space below. After you have secured your parent s signature below, ask your current Mathematics and Science teachers to complete a recommendation form. Name of student: Signature: To the Parent/Guardian: Please read and sign the statement below. I acknowledge that I waive my right to read the confidential teacher recommendation and the school report for the student listed above. Name of Parent/Guardian: Signature: To the Teacher: This form is part of an application for a math and science summer institute. This recommendation will remain confidential and will not become part of the student s permanent record. When you have completed it, please put it in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal or e-mail a scanned copy to dreid@bwcf.org. Be sure the parent/guardian has signed the form in the space above before completing the recommendation. Teacher s Name: School: 1. In what course do you teach the student? Please describe the course, including textbooks and materials used, topics covered, and course level/track. Is this course designated as an honors or accelerated course? Yes No 2. Please describe the student s class participation and/or willingness to engage in discussion and with peers in class. 7
3. How would you describe the student s reasoning and logical skills and ability/aptitude? Does s/he understand underlying concepts and have the ability to use prior knowledge to problem solve more difficult exercises? Please place check marks at the points that represent your evaluation of the student in comparison to other students in his or her age group whom you have taught. If you have no fair basis for judgment, do not hesitate to say so. Mathematical Ability Knowledge of the basic skills Accuracy in the use of basic skills Problem solving ability Reasoning ability Understanding of and appreciation for the underlying ideas and concepts Willingness to accept the challenge of the more difficult problems and exercises Command of mathematics when compared to other students whom you have taught Overall performance Academic Qualities Intellectual curiosity Work ethic Perseverance Analytical skills Ability to organize and communicate ideas Academic potential Academic achievement Ability to work independently Ability to work in groups Excellent (top 10% this year) Excellent (top 10% this year) Good (above average) Good (above average) Average Below Average No basis for judgment Average Below Average No basis for judgment 8
Willingness to take intellectual risks Personal Traits Effort/Determination Organization Responsibility Leadership skills Integrity Emotional stability Reaction to criticism Self-confidence Concern for others Creativity Sense of humor Resilience Maturity (relative to age) Overall Recommendation Overall evaluation as a student Please use the space provided below for any additional comments that would help us to know this student better. Please comment on any Below Average responses. Thank you for taking your valuable time to complete this evaluation. Your reflections are an important part of the student s application. Signature: Date: Please submit completed recommendation forms to 9
Teacher Recommendation Form To the Applicant: Please print your name in the space below. After you have secured your parent s signature below, ask your current Mathematics and Science teachers to complete a recommendation form. Name of student: Signature: To the Parent/Guardian: Please read and sign the statement below. I acknowledge that I waive my right to read the confidential teacher recommendation and the school report for the student listed above. Name of Parent/Guardian: Signature: To the Teacher: This form is part of an application for a math and science summer institute. This recommendation will remain confidential and will not become part of the student s permanent record. When you have completed it, please put it in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal or e-mail a scanned copy to dreid@bwcf.org. Be sure the parent/guardian has signed the form in the space above before completing the recommendation. Teacher s Name: School: 4. In what course do you teach the student? Please describe the course, including textbooks and materials used, topics covered, and course level/track. Is this course designated as an honors or accelerated course? Yes No 5. Please describe the student s class participation and/or willingness to engage in discussion and with peers in class. 10
6. How would you describe the student s reasoning and logical skills and ability/aptitude? Does s/he understand underlying concepts and have the ability to use prior knowledge to problem solve more difficult exercises? Please place check marks at the points that represent your evaluation of the student in comparison to other students in his or her age group whom you have taught. If you have no fair basis for judgment, do not hesitate to say so. Mathematical Ability Knowledge of the basic skills Accuracy in the use of basic skills Problem solving ability Reasoning ability Understanding of and appreciation for the underlying ideas and concepts Willingness to accept the challenge of the more difficult problems and exercises Command of mathematics when compared to other students whom you have taught Overall performance Academic Qualities Intellectual curiosity Work ethic Perseverance Analytical skills Ability to organize and communicate ideas Academic potential Academic achievement Ability to work independently Ability to work in groups Willingness to take Excellent (top 10% this year) Excellent (top 10% this year) Good (above average) Good (above average) Average Below Average No basis for judgment Average Below Average No basis for judgment 11
intellectual risks Personal Traits Effort/Determination Organization Responsibility Leadership skills Integrity Emotional stability Reaction to criticism Self-confidence Concern for others Creativity Sense of humor Resilience Maturity (relative to age) Overall Recommendation Overall evaluation as a student Please use the space provided below for any additional comments that would help us to know this student better. Please comment on any Below Average responses. Thank you for taking your valuable time to complete this evaluation. Your reflections are an important part of the student s application. Signature: Date: Please submit completed recommendation forms to 12
S.T.E.M & Shakespeare Institute Application Timeline and Checklist Timeline April 17 th May 12 th May 26 th Application invitations distributed Information session at CPCS MS Applications due to dreid@bwcf.org S.T.E.M. & Shakespeare Institute at Colgate University C/O Beginning with Children 217 Havemeyer Street, 2 nd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11211 June 12 th June 17 th June 17 th July 19 th Accepted student notification will be e-mailed Orientation meeting for accepted students/families (one parent/guardian must attend) Failure to attend the orientation even if accepted will result in forfeiture of your slot at the Institute. Program deposits due Scholars depart for S.T.E.M & Shakespeare Institute at Colgate University 217 Havemeyer Street Brooklyn, NY 11211 Checklist Each of the following materials must be submitted/postmarked no later than May 26 th, 2015 at 5 pm. No application submitted after May 26 th will be reviewed. 1. Completed application including essay 2. Two recommendations: One from your current math teacher, the other from your science teacher o Recommendation forms must be signed by you and your parents 13