2017
Project Term
PROJECT TERM 2017
Project Term is a four-week term that begins May 16, 2017, and ends June 9, 2017. Project term is a valuable
opportunity for Black River students and faculty, alike. It provides hands on, experiential learning to each student,
while adhering to Black River’s academic requirements. Before viewing the course selections, please be aware of
our project term policy and mark important dates on your calendar.
The priority registration deadline is Friday, November 18, 2016 by 4:00 p.m. Students who register by this date
will have priority registration over students who turn in their registration form after this date. The final deadline to
register is Friday, December 2, 2016. Any student not registered by December 4 will be assigned to classes with
available space.
TIME SLOTS FOR PROJECT TERM CLASSES
The four time slots are as follows:
8:00 – 11:00 from May 16 – May 26 (Block A)
11:40 – 2:40 from May 16 – May 26 (Block B)
8:00 – 11:00 from May 30 – June 9 (Block C)
11:40 – 2:40 from May 30 – June 9 (Block D)
Keep in mind that some classes and trips require more than one block. This is denoted in the first column before
each class description.
PROJECT TERM OPEN HOUSE
THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2017
6:30 – 8:00 P.M.
Each year, we have a night to showcase our students’ projects and display the fruits of their labor during the fourweek term. Attendance is mandatory for all students registered in a Project Term course. Please keep this date in
mind as students who do not participate at the Project Term open house may lose credit for the course, at the
discretion of the Dean of Students and teacher of the course.
HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT PROJECT TERM REGISTRATION
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During scheduling, course choices will be prioritized first by application date and second by grade
seniority. Turn your registration in by Friday, November 18 to receive priority scheduling.
Fill out the entire schedule request. Do not repeat any classes.
Sign up for a variety of different kinds of courses. Students should not sign up for a course they have
already taken unless approved by the teacher.
Students may be limited to one physical education class per two week term, depending on course
availability.
Treat your teachers and classmates with respect during the year and act responsibly in the classroom.
Students who behave responsibly and respectfully will be given first priority in off-campus courses and
courses taught by guest teachers. Students who have been on behavior contracts during the year will not
be considered for off-campus trips.
Be flexible. Many faculty members have listed several course possibilities for one time slot in order to
provide a variety of choices. Be aware that due to a lack of interest, some courses will not run.
Make sure you sign up for a second, third, and fourth choice for each block in case your first choice isn’t
available. If you don’t, please be advised that Mrs. Wise will pick your classes for you after all other
students have been scheduled.
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PROJECT TERM POLICIES
GENERAL GUIDELINES
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All students must attend Project Term. Project Term is part of our school year and the attendance policy
does not change from the regular school year. Unexcused absences will be regarded as truancy. Students
who miss more than two days of a project term course may fail the course at the discretion of the teacher.
The dates for Project Term are May 16, 2017, to June 9, 2017. The school day for on-campus courses will
be from 8:00-2:40 p.m. The elementary and main offices close at 3:30 p.m. during project term.
Students are expected to participate 100%. Every class has an academic component and students are
required to meet all guidelines established by the teacher.
Parents are responsible for transportation to and/or from their project during this term. Keep this in mind if
registering for an independent study project.
FEES
While most projects do not have fees, some may include one. Projects that involve incidental personal expenses such
as travel, food and accommodations or those where students keep the projects they create may have a fee. Fees are
due by Monday, March 6, 2017. Keep in mind that off campus trips may have different deadlines and deposit
requirements.
There may be some opportunities for students to acquire financial assistance. Students requesting financial aid must
fill out a financial aid form by Monday, March 6, 2017. Scholarship request forms are available on the school’s
website or from Mrs. Wise. Students will receive written notification of scholarship awards by Monday, March 13,
2017.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Individuals who would like to sponsor the personal expenses of a Black River student during Project Term
are encouraged to contribute to the Project Term Student Support Fund. Faculty members cannot be
responsible for raising money.
PROJECT TERM AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Project Term is an integral part of the BRPS curriculum. Students in grades 9-12 need to pass three years (1.20
credits) of Project Term in order to graduate.
Seniors who have successfully completed three years of Project Term have completed their Project Term
requirement for graduation. Seniors who have received either a grade of “incomplete” or “F” must make up the
credit in order to graduate. They must make up this course by taking a project during their senior year.
A failing grade in a project for students in grades 6-8 may, in combination with other failing grades, result in that
student being held back.
Since many Project Term classes involve hands-on activities and a greater responsibility for the individual student, it
is important that for the safety of all the students in the classroom, discipline problems are dealt with swiftly and
effectively. Students who have a number of discipline related referrals will be withheld from Project Term classes.
The Dean of Students will notify the applicable students in writing and will assign the student specific projects to
complete and submit for review.
Students who are removed from Project Term classes due to discipline problems will receive an “F” for the project
and will be suspended for the remainder of Project Term. If a senior or an 8th grade student is removed from Project
Term, he/she may not be allowed to participate in graduation, and it may jeopardize completion of graduation
requirements.
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
Students are encouraged to participate in Black River courses. However, high school students may elect to do an
independent study with approval if they seek an opportunity that the school is unable to offer. An interest application
is due by Friday, November 11, 2016. (Students who missed the meeting in October should see Mrs. Wezeman for
an application.) Once the project is approved, a more formal proposal will be due on Friday, March 24, 2017.
Students who are interested in pursuing an independent study during project term should read the course description
in the catalog and see Mrs. Wezeman with any questions.
PROJECT TERM
DATES AND DEADLINES AT A GLANCE
Priority Registration Deadline
Last Chance to Register
Friday, November 18, 2016
Friday, December 2, 2016
Scholarship Requests Due
Monday, March 6, 2017
Project Term Fees Due
Monday, March 20, 2017
Project Term Begins
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Project Term Open House
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Last Day of School
Friday, June 9, 2017
The entire 2017 Project Term Catalog for Grades 4-12 can be found on the website at:
http://www.blackriverpublicschool.org/documents/projectterm_2017.pdf
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ELEMENTARY PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
A Block
Grade: ES
¡VIAJE A ESPAÑA!
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Sarah Gaffney Special Requirements: N/A
Hola! Bienvenidos a Espana. Explore the culture and language of another country, through a simulated trip to
Spain! You will be given a "passport" into the country to explore the sites, festivals, food, art, dance, music, and
language. Students will experience the cultural and historic sites, tastes, and sounds of each region of Spain and
learn what it would be like to travel or live there through first hand accounts.
A Block
Grade: ES
BOARDGAMES
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Kristin VanHemert Special Requirements: N/A
If you like board games, this is the class for you! In this class, we will be playing many boardgames. We will also
write about the history of every board game we play. Your final project will consist of 2 parts: Create your own
board games/instructions, and make a website all about boardgames.
A Block
Grade: ES
ELEMENTARY FRENCH
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Virginia Grinzinger Special Requirements: N/A
Bonjour! If you are interested in French culture and the French language, then this is the class for you! We will
learn about French history, holidays, customs, landmarks, geography, food and language. We will learn about
France and other French speaking countries through pictures, music, and videos.
A Block
Grade: ES
HIKES AND MICHIGAN TREES
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Annemieke DeHaan Special Requirements: N/A
Have you ever wondered about the trees that live in our area? Would you like to be an expert on Michigan’s native
species and enjoy finding these trees while hiking on local trails? Come experience Michigan’s peaceful forests,
breathtaking dunes and beautiful lakes as we walk on local hiking trails! While we hike these magnificent trails we
will be taking notice of the trees around us. During our hikes we will learn about Michigan’s native trees and
spend some time identifying them as we hike.
A Block
Grade: ES
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
Fee: $30.00
Teacher: Carrie Ames Special Requirements: N/A
Learn basic cooking techniques, and explore different flavors to create your own food. In this class, you will use
your creativity to write your own recipes! Best of all, you will get to eat the delicious food that you prepare. You
will leave with a recipe book so that you will be able to recreate all of the dishes at home. This class is great for
complete beginners or kids with experience in the kitchen.
A Block
Grade: ES
RECYCLED ART
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Beth Kiurski Special Requirements: N/A
Combining a passion for saving our planet and making something new, recycled art is for you! During this class
we will be taking outdated things to give them a new life and purpose. We will be doing many things like taking
old t-shirts to make them into cool new bags and even making a creative project of your own!
A Block
Grade: ES
SCRAPBOOKING
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Michelle Letherby Special Requirements: Students will need their own pictures (about 80), a
scrapbook, and a creative mind.
What makes scrapbooking so fun? The photos? The memories? This course allows students to take life-long
memories and put them into one place, their scrapbook! We will spend time working with color schemes, shapes
and textures to create pages that are not only colorful, but also aesthetically pleasing. We will also look at various
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ELEMENTARY PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
ways to lay out pages to make them flow well and emphasize one particular theme. If you are ready to use your
imagination to develop a fun and creative scrapbook for your pictures, then this is the class for you! Students will
need their own pictures (about 80), a scrapbook, and a creative mind.
A Block
Grade: ES
TECH SLAM!
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jon DiLorenzo Special Requirements: N/A
If you are a tech savvy student and are looking to use and learn various forms of technology to create your very
own website, then this class is for you! You will study, learn, and implement various technology features to create
a culminating website of your very own. Features may include, but are not limited to Prezi, Skype, PowerPoint,
Weebly, Coding, Movie Maker or iMovie, QR Codes, Blog, and Word Cloud. Stay up to date with the latest and
greatest features in technology and become part of the Black River Tech Squad now!
B Block
Grade: ES
A MUGGLES GUIDE TO HARRY POTTER
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Beth Kiurski Special Requirements: N/A
Have you ever wished you were a wizard? Do you find yourself reading or watching the Harry Potter series over
and over again? If you do, this is the class for you. In this class, we will be exploring one of the most beloved
series of all times. By taking a deeper look into the books, movies, and characters of this amazing series we will
sort ourselves into houses for group activities and more. We will be recreating scenes from Harry Potter and even
rewriting the ending to the classic story. If you are looking for a “charming” good time, this is the class for you.
B Block
Grade: ES
ALPHABET PHOTOGRAPHY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Michelle Letherby Special Requirements: Each student must have access to a digital camera
daily. Students must be able to get prints of some pictures that are taken.
Do you have a creative mind and enjoy taking pictures? During this project term, we are going to learn the basics
of photography and using digital cameras. Each student must have access to a digital camera daily. We will be
visiting different places around and off campus to put our creativity to use. Students must be able to get prints of
some pictures that are taken. In the end you will have created your own alphabet photography piece!
B Block
Grade: ES
BEGINNING SAILING
Fee: $95.00
Teacher: Karen Rowe Special Requirements: Students are required to bring their own life jacket and
appropriate clothing for the variable weather.
Do you enjoy the beauty of the lake and the feeling of wind rushing against your face? Then Beginning Sailing is
the class for you! You will learn the basic skills of sailing, including how to rig and de-rig a sailboat, tack into the
wind, and tie sailors’ knots. These skills will prepare you to sail an Optimist sailboat on Lake Macatawa. Please
come to class prepared to go out on the water each day. A personal life jacket is required to participate.
B Block
Grade: ES
CRITTER CAREERS
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Carrie Ames Special Requirements: *This class is not recommended for students with animal
allergies.
Do you like animals? Have you ever thought you might want a career in the animal field? This class will take a
look at different jobs that work with animals and what those jobs entail by visiting organizations that involve
working with animals and hearing from guest speakers who work with animals. You will also learn more about
specific animals through research using a variety of resources.
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ELEMENTARY PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
B Block
Grade: ES
OUTDOOR SPORTS & GAMES
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jon DiLorenzo Special Requirements: N/A
Do you like to play sports and games? If you answered yes, then this is the course for you! You will learn about
different sports and outdoor games, all while learning rules, being part of a team, and sportsmanship as you are
immersed in a variety of outdoor activities. You will create your own outdoor activity and present it to the class.
If you like being active and trying new things, then this is the class you will want to take!
B Block
Grade: ES
STEM CLUB
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Kristin VanHemert Special Requirements: N/A
Do you like science? Hands on experiments? In this class, we will be problem-solving and using the scientific
method to think deeply. You might do the following: create and launch a balloon rocket, build a mini-flotation
device for an army man, build a marble maze, and more! Your final project will involve one STEM activity of
your choice. You will research, try the experiment many times, and present your findings at open house.
B Block
Grade: ES
YAHOO, GIDDY UP!
Fee: $150.00
Teacher: Allyson VanderBush Special Requirements: N/A
Have you ever watched an old western movie and wished you could ride a horse like the good guys? Or wanted to
get up close to a horse and know how to become friends with them? Well here is your chance to experience all of
that. For two weeks you will be able to learn the proper ways to take care of a horse from brushing it to putting on
its saddle. On top of that you will have the opportunity to learn how to ride that horse and experience the joy of
working with these beautiful animals!
C Block
Grade: ES
ARTS AND ACTIVITIES
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jeanne Kane Special Requirements: N/A
In Arts and Activities, you will be able to explore the world of art beginning with the basics and ending with
several art pieces to display in your room and home. In this class, you will gain knowledge of 25 different art
lessons and use each one in different projects for your portfolio. Each project will use different mediums such as
pastels, watercolors, acrylics, and pencil. Such projects will include the making of treasure maps, creating
perspectives, the use of lines and positive negative space, and much more! Join Arts and Activities to become an
even better artist or to learn new techniques in art!
C Block
Grade: ES
FRESH AND DELICIOUS
Fee: $25.00
Teacher: Carrie Ames Special Requirements: N/A
There is nothing tastier than fresh food. In this class you will learn basic techniques to make food that is fresh,
(mostly) healthy, and, of course, delicious! You will visit the farmer’s market, shop for ingredients, and
participate in food challenges. Best of all, you will eat the yummy food you make!
C Block
Grade: ES
FROM BOOK TO FILM
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jon DiLorenzo Special Requirements: WARNING: DO NOT TAKE 'FROM BOOK TO FILM'
IF YOU DISLIKE READING AND WATCHING MOVIES!!!
For those of you who love to read and watch movies... READ ON. In this class, you will look at the differences
and similarities between our own imaginations when we read, and Hollywood's interpretations of our favorite
stories. Along the way, we will hold book talks, analyze story elements, and make book projects, to name a few.
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ELEMENTARY PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
C Block
Grade: ES
JEWELRY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Beth Kiurski Special Requirements: N/A
Look cool with wearing unique, one of a kind jewelry, created by YOU! Learn to make different necklaces and
bracelets to rock out and wear for yourself or give to your friends!
C Block
Grade: ES
LACROSSE AND LIFE LESSONS WITH COACH Fee: $0.00
BITTRICK AND COACH MORSE
Teacher: Brett Bittrick Keely Morse Special Requirements: N/A
Are you a driven young athlete who enjoys new and exciting challenges with a touch of life philosophy? Well then
Lacrosse and Life Lessons with Coach Bittrick and Coach Morse is the project term class for you. Come on out
and work hard to learn the game, elevate your current skills to new heights and build character along the way.
Accelerated lessons will cover passing, catching, handling ground balls, cradling, shooting, dodging, social skills
and much more. No previous lacrosse skills required, just a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. See you on
the field!
C Block
Grade: ES
READER'S THEATER
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Michelle Letherby Special Requirements: N/A
Grab your favorite book and acting skills! This is an interpretive reading activity, in which students use their
voices, facial expressions and hand gestures to interpret characters in scripts or stories. They are able to tell a story
in a most entertaining form, without props, costumes or sets. Students are not asked to memorize their lines. They
are, however, encouraged to 'ham it up' by using gestures appropriate to their characters. Students will be
performing multiple Reader's Theaters to the Kindergarten students.
C Block
Grade: ES
WRITER'S WORKSHOP
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Kristin VanHemert Special Requirements: N/A
Do you like writing? Inventing new worlds? Are you someone who enjoys creating scenes and characters? In this
class, we will be studying how to become a stronger writer. You will create your own fantasy piece of writing as
well as work on a daily blog.
D Block
Grade: ES
BEGINNING SAILING
Fee: $95.00
Teacher: Karen Rowe Special Requirements: Students are required to bring their own life jacket and
appropriate clothing for the variable weather.
Do you enjoy the beauty of the lake and the feeling of wind rushing against your face? Then Beginning Sailing is
the class for you! You will learn the basic skills of sailing, including how to rig and de-rig a sailboat, tack into the
wind, and tie sailors’ knots. These skills will prepare you to sail an Optimist sailboat on Lake Macatawa. Please
come to class prepared to go out on the water each day. A personal life jacket is required to participate.
D Block
Grade: ES
BIKE N' BOOK
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Michelle Letherby Special Requirements: Please note that your student needs to have a bike
and helmet every day and we will not have storage available for bikes to be left overnight.
Come and exercise both body and mind! Students will bike around to the various parks Holland has to offer. Once
there, we will take time to enjoy many types of literature in our serene setting. There will be some required
reading and some time to read books of their choosing. Students will also have time to journal about the reading
they have been enjoying. All students' need is a love of reading and a desire to keep fit!
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ELEMENTARY PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
D Block
Grade: ES
CHILDREN'S AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR
Fee: $0.00
CLASS
Teacher: Jon DiLorenzo Special Requirements: N/A
Are you an aspiring author and illustrator? If you answered yes, then Children's Writing & Illustration is for you!
You will study and learn different writing and illustrating techniques to create a book of your own. Exploring
different genres of children's books will help you decide what kind of story you want to write. You will dabble in
various illustrating techniques and choose the one that you enjoy the most to illustrate your story. Walk away with
your very own hardcover book that is completely written and illustrated by you!
D Block
Grade: ES
IN-TENTS CAMPING
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Beth Kiurski Special Requirements: Students will need to have a sleeping bag, proper camping
clothes, shoes and a pillow. Parents willing to help volunteer for 5 hours on the overnight camping trip would
be appreciated! A tent would be helpful!
Love the great outdoors? Learn camping skills and then get to put them to use in this awesome class! Students will
practice their wilderness skills and be able to actually go camping. This class will meet on Friday June 2, 2017 at a
campground nearby and stay for one night. We ask that all students who sign up have a sleeping bag and proper
camping clothes. In addition, we ask that the parents of students who sign up for this class are willing to come
hang out with us for a bit over that weekend! Come get intense with us during a night in tents!
D Block
Grade: ES
LET’S WEAVE, WALK, AND READ!
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Fran Olesen Special Requirements: N/A
That is exactly what we will do in this class. Why you ask because…
Weaving is a traditional art activity that most kids enjoy. Weaving is an activity that uses a person’s hands to
create something of beauty. Weaving can help to strengthen and promote some of the following areas: hand eye
coordination, offers relaxing and tactile work experience, reinforces good habits such as following directions and
patience, helps to fine tune and develop fine motor skills, promotes right and left coordination, and increases
attention span and focus.
Walking is one of the easiest ways to be physically active. You can do it virtually anywhere without special or
expensive gear - just a comfortable pair of shoes. Getting kids walking from a young age is an investment for life
and helps to develop road awareness in time for independent walking as a teenager and creating good habits for an
active life as an adult.
Kids who read often and widely get better at it. Reading exercises our brains. Reading improves concentration.
Reading teaches children about the world around them. Reading improves a child’s vocabulary and leads to more
highly-developed language skills. Reading develops a child’s imagination. Reading helps kids develop empathy.
Children who read generally do better in school. Reading is a great form of entertainment. Reading relaxes the
body and calms the mind. Let’s Weave, Walk and Read together!
D Block
Grade: ES
NEEDLEWORK
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Kristin VanHemert Special Requirements: N/A
Do you enjoy crafts? Sewing? Working with fabric? Knitting? Making bead animals? In this class we will be
exploring many different needlework crafts. You will also be making your own project to share at open house!
D Block
Grade: ES
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Carrie Ames Special Requirements: N/A
Welcome to the exciting world of environmental engineering! The water you drink is clean and safe thanks to the
environmental engineers who design and manage our water supply and water treatment systems. You will learn
about water pollution, look for examples of pollution in Holland, and use engineering to design a solution to water
pollution. You will have the opportunity to investigate properties of filter materials, then plan, design, construct,
test and improve a working water filter of your own. Future engineers and science lovers, this class is for you!
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MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
A Block
Grade: MS
“PEARS: THEIR ART AND HISTORY”
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Gregory Dykhouse Peter Middleton Special Requirements: N/A
What will “ap-pear” in this mini-course? Works of Shakes-pear-e? Mr. Middleton and Dr. Dykhouse will ap-pear
together to bring to light the story of pears. In nine days, students strengthen artistic visions and talents through
honing sketching or painting skills (pears serve as delicious models for artists). They explore the evolution,
origins, migrations, cultivations, agriculture, industrialization, and emergence into culture of pears. Students will
map out varieties of pears, and tasting exercises figure prominently during each session. Field trips may include
orchard visits at Cranes, grocery stores, and the Kindschi Hall of Science at GVSU. This course is a half-day
course, offered both during A and B periods; students may sign up for only one section.
A Block
Grade: MS
AND…GO!! - 3D PRINTED CARS!
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Caleb Fisher Special Requirements: N/A
Come learn and explore the introduction to CAD design as we build “pinewood” derby cars for race and show.
Students will be learning some of the basics of SketchUp as they explore CAD design and ultimately build their
masterpiece racer. Not into the speed? Students will also have the opportunity to be creative and artistic while
they compete in design competitions as well. So come out and see what CAD design is like and - wait, did I
mention – We are going to be 3D printing & racing them!!!
A Block
Grade: MS
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Fee: $20.00
Teacher: Jeanne Kane Special Requirements: N/A
Do you like to be creative? Come join us and put your creativity to use. In this project term, you will use your
artistic talent to make various crafts. Some of the crafts that will be presented include needlepoint, decoupage, clay
creations, tye-dying, and quilling. You will end this term with many great gifts, along with presents for yourself!
A Block
Grade: MS
BEST BABYSITTER ON THE BLOCK
Fee: $15.00
Teacher: Tammy Clark Special Requirements: N/A
What you need to know and what every parent wants in a safe and responsible babysitter! This Babysitter’s Project
Term can help you— care for children and infants, be a good leader and role model, make good decisions and
solve problems, keep the children you babysit and yourself safe, handle emergencies such as injuries, illnesses
and household accidents, write resumes and interview for jobs, design a business plan, and gain the reputation as
the best babysitter on the block! You will receive expert training in first aid and CPR by professionals from
Holland Hospital.
A Block
Grade: MS
DON'T GET STRUNG ALONG, DO THE
Fee: $0.00
STRINGING YOURSELF!
Teacher: Allyson VanderBush Special Requirements: N/A
Beautiful works of string art have been popping up all over the place. The most popular being a picture of your
state with a heart around the city you are from and string looped between the two, filling in the state and drawing
your eye to the heart. Now is your chance to make string art of your own. It can be your name, initials,
inspirational words, animal, or any drawing that you can imagine. The skies are the limits!
A Block
Grade: MS
DOUBLE-HANDED SAILING
Fee: $95.00
Teacher: TBA
Special Requirements: Student must be able to swim and tread water. They must also
weigh at least 100 lbs. Students must provide their own life jacket and should have at least two years of previous
sailing experience. Students with less experience but who are comfortable on th
This course introduces students to the sport of sailing in a double-hand (two person) sailboat. Students will learn
the basic rules of sailing and will spend time on the water each day. Students should come to class everyday
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MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
prepared to sail. Students need to supply their own life jackets and ideally have at least two years of previous
sailing experience.
A Block
Grade: MS
ECOSYSTEM ART
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jan Hulst Special Requirements: N/A
If you like art and the great outdoors this is your class. We will visit 4 different ecosystems in the Holland area.
While there we will learn about different plants and animals that make them unique. We will then gather
something specific to that ecosystem and bring it back to school where we will create special art that will remind
us of that ecosystem. For example, we will create sand art from the dunes, water color paintings of flowers from a
grassland or a sculpture for woodland sticks.
A Block
Grade: MS
ENTER THE TWILIGHT ZONE
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Angela Aumaugher
Special Requirements: For 8th Grade Students Only
From the original Twilight Zone episodes opening narration “There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is
known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light
and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his
knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone.” Through our
exploration of this dimension, we will discuss the use of irony, fear, suspense, science, and psychology to bring an
audience on an emotional journey. We will also work collaboratively to develop our own ‘Twilight Zone’ episode
that will be shared at the open house.
A Block
Grade: MS
INDIANA JONES AND THE GREAT WAR
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Rebecca Mousseau Special Requirements: N/A
Before he rescued the arc of the covenant from the Nazis, the young Indiana Jones fought the German army during
the Great War. As a volunteer in the Belgium army, Indy travelled throughout Europe and the Middle East,
encountering many interesting historical figures. Through the storytelling of George Lucas, we will use the
television series, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles and the accompanying documentaries as a jumping-off
point for our own research. Students will enjoy the tales of the young Indy and his friends, and will also select
topics of interest to research on their own. Each student will develop a multi-genre project about one or more
aspects of WWI. We may even jump ahead in time to see what adventures await Indiana Jones and the Raiders of
the Lost Arc!
A Block
Grade: MS
JOURNEY TO GAMELAND
Fee: $20.00
Teacher: Sue Martinez Special Requirements: N/A
Play exciting strategy games with your friends like Settlers of Catan, King of Tokyo, Ticket to Ride, Risk,
Forbidden Island and many more. Then create your own game following the suggestions of the book, Journey to
Gameland by Ben Buchanan. Each class period students will spend the first hour playing games with classmates.
After the games, there will be a whole class discussion on what was good and/or not so good about the game. The
game play and discussions will help inspire students as they create their own games. One class period during the
two week session will be set aside for a field trip to Out of the Box Games in downtown Zeeland, where students
will be allowed to peruse, pick out and play games from the store’s great collection of strategy games. The class
fee of 20.00 covers two game board kits, which each include one blank game board, six wooden pawns, two dice,
a sand timer, a deck of blank cards and printed money. For the final project students are required to complete one
game to display at the open house.
11
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
A Block
Grade: MS
PUPPET THEATRE
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Diane Heyboer Special Requirements: N/A
If you ever wondered how to make a puppet then this is the class for you! We will start with simple puppets and
learn to make them come to life! We will make many different kinds of puppets and write our own skits to
perform in the classroom. If you enjoy being creative, you will not want to miss this class!
A Block
Grade: MS
STOP MOTION ANIMATION
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Katie Chester Gorris, Tara Special Requirements: N/A
What do the movies, Wallace and Gromit, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Chicken Run have in common? They
are all created with the use of stop-motion animation! Stop-motion means that all movements are created from a
series of separate images. Objects are set in place and moved by hand to create the illusion that they are actually
moving. In this class, you will learn about the process of stop-motion animation, which includes creating storyboards for your movie and creating your own characters out of modeling clay and then using photographs and the
computer soft-ware program, Premier, to help edit your movie!
A Block
Grade: MS
THE HISTORY OF WW II THROUGH MOVIES
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Steve Gray Special Requirements: N/A
The class will watch 8-10 movies/documentaries about war. The class will watch movies on the war in Europe and
the war in the Pacific. Some of these movies will be rated PG or PG-13 for violence. (Movies rated R will NOT be
shown.) Parental discretion is advised. Each day students will journal about the movie they watch, noting the
technology of warfare, why the war occurred, if the war was necessary, and how it could have been avoided if it
could have been avoided at all. Projects will include discussion and formal debates, presentations, and a project
board.
A Block
Grade: MS
WIE GEHT'S? INTRODUCTION TO GERMAN
Fee: $0.00
LANGUAGE
Teacher: Gregory Dykhouse
Special Requirements: N/A
Black River Public School students are required to meet a three-year proficiency in Spanish language to graduate
from high school, but students may be interested in developing additional foreign language proficiencies. This
introductory course will present basic grammar and conversational skills in German language. The instructor will
work to compare new German language objectives to what the students already know with Spanish language. The
final product will be a student portfolio that displays knowledge of targets and objectives. Students will work
from the Fokus Deutsch text and Deutsche Welle website materials (http://www.dw.de/learn-german/s-2469).
AB Block
Grade: MS
EXPLORING THE MITTEN
Fee: $200.00
Teacher: Rachel Andrews Special Requirements: N/A
This class will take you on a journey through Michigan's history (literally AND figuratively). Our great Mitten
state has a lot to offer both locally and statewide. As we study the important people, places and things that make
Michigan great, you will also have the opportunity to see Michigan's story first-hand. In addition to our studies
inside the classroom, we will also be taking trips to the Michigan History Museum, Henry Ford Museum, Hitsville
USA(Motown Museum) and Gerald R. Ford Museum, as well as other destinations highlighting our local history.
The class will culminate in an overnight trip to Michigan's most historic spot: Mackinac Island where we will visit
Fort Mackinac, Fort Michlimackinac and explore the Mackinac Island State Park.
AB Block
Grade: MS
THE ECONOMICS (AND FUN) OF BACKYARD
Fee: $25.00
GAMES
Teacher: Brent Rowe Tim Witvoet Special Requirements: N/A
Do you enjoy spending time in leisurely competition? Backyard games can offer a fun time, and great experience
of competition that can involve all people. Students will learn to play a backyard game, while at the same time
12
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
building their own game. Students will also have the opportunity to build a second set of the game to sell at
auction during the Open House. 50% of proceeds will go back to the class to cover costs, while the winning
students group will keep 50% of proceeds for their hard work on the boards and the auction.
ABCD Block
Grade: MS
CHINA TOUR 2017
Fee: $3600.00
Teacher: Marguerite Stephens Special Requirements: Limited to 8-12th graders.
Come visit China! The Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors are waiting for you. We will visit The Forbidden
City, have a meal with a Chinese family, visit a school and so much more. This will be a super experience for
students grades 8-12.
ABCD Block
Grade: MS
SHACONAGE EXPERIENCE
Fee: $700.00
Teacher: Marcia Windemuller Special Requirements: Students will need a good pair of over the ankle
hiking boots and a backpack for raingear, water, snacks, etc.
During this trip you will be hiking in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountain National Park
for about 20-25 miles to beautiful waterfalls or spectacular views. Classes with Rangers about trees, plants,
animals, and streams will be included along with a hike to Little Greenbrier School for a talk about what it was
like to go to a one room schoolhouse and to live in the mountains.
Our home base will be a chalet in beautiful Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, TN. We will make daily trips to places
like Cherokee, NC (Indian Village and Museum), Pigeon Forge (Dollywood and Applewood Farm), Sevierville
(Forbidden Caverns), and Cades Cove (Historical area in the mountains.)
Mrs. Windemuller will need 2 or 3 adult chaperones to come along. The chaperones should have a minivan or
conversion van to use for the trip. Please contact Mrs. Windemuller if you are willing to give of your time.
AC Block
Grade: MS
INTEGRATED MATH IV
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Sarah Laarman Special Requirements: Special Requirements: Interested students, currently
taking 8th grade math, must get permission from their math teacher and have a quiz/test average of around
95%.
9th grade math covers many of the same concepts covered in 8th grade, but takes those concepts to a much deeper
level. Additionally, there are concepts that are covered in 9th grade math that are not addressed in 8th grade math.
Students in this class will cover concepts from the 9th grade class (IM IV) in hopes of advancing from 8th grade
math into 10th. In order to advance, students must successfully pass both final exams for IM IV, which will be
taken in class.
Students who meet the eligibility requirements to move from 8th to 10th, but choosing not to take this course, will
still be given the opportunity to review the material independently and take the exams.
B Block
Grade: MS
“PEARS: THEIR ART AND HISTORY”
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Gregory Dykhouse Peter Middleton Special Requirements: N/A
What will “ap-pear” in this mini-course? Works of Shakes-pear-e? Mr. Middleton and Dr. Dykhouse will ap-pear
together to bring to light the story of pears. In nine days, students strengthen artistic visions and talents through
honing sketching or painting skills (pears serve as delicious models for artists). They explore the evolution,
origins, migrations, cultivations, agriculture, industrialization, and emergence into culture of pears. Students will
map out varieties of pears, and tasting exercises figure prominently during each session. Field trips may include
orchard visits at Cranes, grocery stores, and the Kindschi Hall of Science at GVSU. This course is a half-day
course, offered both during A and B periods; students may sign up for only one section.
13
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
B Block
Grade: MS
ALTERNATE ENDING
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Sarah Laarman Special Requirements: N/A
Have you ever watched a movie and thought what a terrible ending, I could have done better than that? Well here
is your chance! Students will be given a daily movie prompt and then released to create their own ending to the
story. Students will be expected to write from 45 minutes to an hour daily. Students will also be peer editing
classmate's stories for the final project.
B Block
Grade: MS
BALL IS LIFE
Fee: $25.00
Teacher: Daniel Johns Special Requirements: The student fee will cover the cost of a NCAA regulation
leather basketball that the student will keep.
The Flu Game. Derek Fisher’s Miracle. Mr. Clutch nails a 60-footer. If these great basketball moments get you
excited to pick up a basketball, this class is for you. Ball Is Life takes an aggressive approach to skill development
and studying the game of basketball. If you are a casual fan or enjoy shooting around in the driveway, look away.
If basketball is an important part of your life and you are committed to improving your game, join us and prove
that Ball Is Life.
B Block
Grade: MS
BOWLING FOR BLACK RIVER
Fee: $50.00
Teacher: Shannon Witvoet Special Requirements: N/A
You have probably gone bowling for a birthday party or a friendly, Friday night social gathering; did you know
that bowling is actually considered a competitive sport? Or even a professional sport? In this class you will learn
about the history of bowling as a sport, and you will learn to bowl, or become a better bowler. Daily challenges,
learning how to score without the use of the computer, and improving your basic techniques will be the focus of
the class. The class will conclude with an individual tournament.
B Block
Grade: MS
CONTEMPORARY SONG WRITING
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Brett Bittrick Special Requirements: N/A
Students will learn basic and advanced contemporary song writing and arranging techniques. Vocal and
instrumental song form, music arranging and instrumentation will be explored with the goal of recording and
producing original musical products. Copywriting original property will be discussed as well as digital and webbased music distribution.
B Block
Grade: MS
DINOSAURS GALORE!
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Angela Aumaugher
Special Requirements: N/A
Giant creatures once roamed the Earth...but now they are extinct...or are they? We will be exploring the past in this
class, looking at the way the Earth was and how it has changed. We will focus on the age of the dinosaurs and how
we can discover what they were like and how they lived by looking at fossils of their bones. We will do some
research on different dinosaur species and present our findings to the class. We will also get some practice digging
up fossils of our own and putting them together to build complete models of skeletons. These will be displayed at
the Open House.
B Block
Grade: MS
DR. JEKYL AND MR. HYDE
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Diane Heyboer Special Requirements: Students should bring an old shirt to protect their
clothing.
Have you ever wondered what you would look like as an old person? Or a cat? Then this is the class for you! We
will be looking at stage makeup as an art and designing new faces for ourselves. We will be learning of variety of
techniques on how to apply stage makeup. We will begin with basic pancake and progress through old age and
14
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
clown makeup. You will also learn some special effects such as bruising and wounds. Stage make-up is a work of
art on a human canvas so you will need to bring a shirt to protect your clothes! Come ready to put on a new face!
B Block
Grade: MS
HELPING HANDS IN HOLLAND
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Annemieke DeHaan Special Requirements: N/A
Do you like to help people? Do you like to make people smile? Do you enjoy being outdoors? Most importantly,
would you like to make this world a better place? Then this is the class for you! This project term we are going to
go all over Holland and serve the community. Whether that is visiting the elderly, serving a meal at the local
mission, doing yard work, picking up trash at a local park, it is all considered helping people, serving the Holland
community and we are going to do that this Project Term 2017! Come experience Holland Michigan in a new way
and learn how you can help people right here in your own hometown.
B Block
Grade: MS
HIKING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Tammy Clark Special Requirements: N/A
Do you like the outdoors? Do you like to exercise? In this class, we will hike the trails of West Michigan. We will
discover the natural beauty of parks and trails in our area and clean up the environment along the way!
B Block
Grade: MS
LEVERS, PULLEYS, DOMINOES – SIMPLE
Fee: $0.00
MACHINES
Teacher: Jessica Reinartz Special Requirements: N/A
Are you interested in doing things the complicated way? Do you think simple is boring? If so, welcome to the
Rube Goldberg machine class! We will complete simple tasks in complicated ways – why just pop a balloon when
you can send a marble down a tube, to knock over some dominoes, to drop a golf ball, to turn on a fan, and to blow
the balloon into a bed of pins? We will engineer a variety of machines to complete such tasks while following
competition rules.
B Block
Grade: MS
MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEMISTRY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Brett Bittrick Special Requirements: N/A
Learn the fundamental ideas of chemistry in middle school. You're three hour block will consist of lecture,
reading, written and lab work. Please don't sign up for this class unless you're serious about working hard to learn
basic chemistry.
B Block
Grade: MS
PAINTED MASTERPIECES
Fee: $20.00
Teacher: Sue Martinez Special Requirements: N/A
Paint the Mona Lisa, or a fabulous portrait of yourself, or maybe a version of your favorite Picasso or van Gogh
using the grid method (those of you who have already taken 7th grade math will remember it as the scale factor
method). The grid method is a simple way to enlarge and reproduce an image that you want to paint. Students will
learn the grid method, improve their drawing and observational skills, and create two unique paintings. The class
fee of 20.00 covers two 12 x 16 canvases, acrylic paints, and brushes. For the final project students will be
required to enlarge and paint one image of them-selves and one image of their own choosing.
B Block
Grade: MS
SOCCER SKILLALICIOUS
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Steve Gray Special Requirements: N/A
This class is coed and will focus on the development of individual soccer skills, speed, and agility. The focus will
be on shooting, passing, dribbling, and defense from an individual perspective. If students improve individually, it
will of course improve their team. Each day the class will do speed and agility drills with ladders and other speed
aides. The class will progress from one individual skill to another, building them until they can string several skills
together in a small sided game environment with live competition.
15
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
B Block
Grade: MS
TEE-RIFIC PUTT PUTT
Fee: $50.00
Teacher: Sarah Gaffney Special Requirements: N/A
America's favorite past time, the sport of miniature golf is the short game aspect of golf that focuses on the
skill/technique of putting. Along with the history and fun facts about mini golf, you will visit local putt putt
courses to practice a variety of skills and tactics associated with putting. You will also design your own mini putt
putt course and obstacle using recycled or household materials.
B Block
Grade: MS
TENNIS FOR BEGINNERS
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Virginia Grinzinger Special Requirements: N/A
In this beginning tennis class, students will develop the fundamental skills of the forehand, backhand, volley, and
serve. Students will learn the history of the game, rules, and scoring. We will practice our skills through drills,
singles play, and doubles play. Students will also research famous tennis players and watch some classic matches.
B Block
Grade: MS
VOLUNTEERING WITH ANIMALS
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Nicole Duquette Special Requirements: N/A
Put on your boots, and come help out at farms, humane societies, dog parks, and animal rescue centers. You can
make great connections with people who love animals, create posters of your hard work, and enjoy being outdoors
while promoting Black River’s pride in helping out the community.
B Block
Grade: MS
WIE GEHT'S? INTRODUCTION TO GERMAN
Fee: $0.00
LANGUAGE
Teacher: Gregory Dykhouse
Special Requirements: N/A
Black River Public School students are required to meet a three-year proficiency in Spanish language to graduate
from high school, but students may be interested in developing additional foreign language proficiencies. This
introductory course will present basic grammar and conversational skills in German language. The instructor will
work to compare new German language objectives to what the students already know with Spanish language. The
final product will be a student portfolio that displays knowledge of targets and objectives. Students will work
from the Fokus Deutsch text and Deutsche Welle website materials (http://www.dw.de/learn-german/s-2469).
B Block
Grade: MS
WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY...
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jeanne Kane Special Requirements: N/A
Do you like to write and would you love to see your creative writing published in a book? During Written and
Illustrated By...you will learn the steps of writing a book based on your creative writing and create a final
hardcover copy of your book idea. The class will research and review children's books as well as young adult
novels to understand the publishing world. Not only do you have the opportunity to write, but you will also be able
to showcase your artistic side by illustrating the written word. Join Written and Illustrated By...and see your stories
come alive.
C Block
Grade: MS
BASKETBALL BASICS
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Brent Rowe Special Requirements: N/A
Join your fellow classmates as we play basketball and learn the rules of the game. This course will involve basic
drills, daily competitions, and games. All skills welcome as we spend time daily on learning a fantastic sport.
C Block
Grade: MS
COOKIN' WITH CROCKPOTS
Fee: $25.00
Teacher: Allyson VanderBush Special Requirements: N/A
Cooking over the stove can be very time consuming at occasionally dangerous. However, there is an easier way to
prepare amazing meals without all of the headache, with a crockpot! Together we will make delicious meals right
16
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
here in the classroom and gather many different recipes that you can share with your friends and family. Your
parents and relatives will be so impressed!
C Block
Grade: MS
DOUBLE-HANDED SAILING
Fee: $95.00
Teacher: TBA
Special Requirements: Student must be able to swim and tread water. They must also
weigh at least 100 lbs. Students must provide their own life jacket and should have at least two years of previous
sailing experience. Students with less experience but who are comfortable on t
This course introduces students to the sport of sailing in a double-hand (two person) sailboat. Students will learn
the basic rules of sailing and will spend time on the water each day. Students should come to class everyday
prepared to sail. Students need to supply their own life jackets and ideally have at least two years of previous
sailing experience.
C Block
Grade: MS
EVERY GIRL FITNESS
Fee: $15.00
Teacher: Sarah Gaffney Special Requirements: For Female Students Only. Students must wear tennis
shoes and exercise clothes that meet the Black River dress code requirements. Students may want to bring a
yoga mat and water bottle.
Taught by girls for girls, this class offers a variety of fitness, nutrition, and overall healthy living styles. If you are
somebody that wants to learn how to become more active, healthy, and positive about yourselves, then this is the
class for you. Whether you have never experienced a fitness class or if you are already living an active lifestyle,
this class can offer a variety of styles of staying healthy and fit. We will be experience cardio through hiking,
walking, and interval training. We will explore yoga, Pilates, stretching and other exercises. Each workout is
adapted for your body and fitness level. We will also discuss healthy eating and sample some recipes. Join us for a
comfortable, judgment free women’s guide to health.
C Block
Grade: MS
GOLF
Fee: $40.00
Teacher: Tim Witvoet Special Requirements: Each student must have his or her own clubs, equipment
(golf balls, tees, glove, etc.) and be able to depart BRPS by 7:40a.m. each morning.
Do you enjoy golf? Would you like to learn? If yes, then this is the course for you! We will spend time learning
about this great game and practicing our own shots at the golf course. We will spend time on the driving range,
practice greens, and the course itself. Learn how to take the frustration out of your own game by learning
fundamentals and essential etiquette. Students will spend every class period at the golf course.
C Block
Grade: MS
HOMEMADE SCIENCE
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Angela Aumaugher
Special Requirements: N/A
Do you like to play with toys and cool science gadgets? Join this class and learn to make them yourself! We will
gather materials laying around our houses that we can build into fun science gadgets. Then we will learn about
how and why they work the way they do. You will make many projects that you can take home following the open
house, along with a booklet that explains each project so you can impress your family and friends. Make your own
cartesian diver, a vortex bottle, a spinning top, a balancing toy, and more!
C Block
Grade: MS
JOURNEY TO GAMELAND
Fee: $20.00
Teacher: Sue Martinez Special Requirements: N/A
Play exciting strategy games with your friends like Settlers of Catan, King of Tokyo, Ticket to Ride, Risk,
Forbidden Island and many more. Then create your own game following the suggestions of the book, Journey to
Gameland by Ben Buchanan. Each class period students will spend the first hour playing games with classmates.
After the games, there will be a whole class discussion on what was good and/or not so good about the game. The
game play and discussions will help inspire students as they create their own games. One class period during the
two week session will be set aside for a field trip to Out of the Box Games in downtown Zeeland, where students
17
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
will be allowed to peruse, pick out and play games from the store’s great collection of strategy games. The class
fee of 20.00 covers two game board kits, which each include one blank game board, six wooden pawns, two dice,
a sand timer, a deck of blank cards and printed money. For the final project students are required to complete one
game to display at the open house.
C Block
Grade: MS
MS COFFEE SHOP DREAMIN’
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Diane Heyboer Special Requirements: Students need to bring money daily to purchase items
from establishments.
Are you a Lemonjello’s fan or a JP’s fan? What makes them so different from each other? If you have an interest
in coffee, tea and tasty snacks then this is the class for you. We will be visiting coffee shops and looking at what
makes each one of them unique. For each of these visits you will have to bring a few dollars to buy something to
enjoy. We will then be “dreaming up” our own coffee shop where we will design the interior, the menu and come
up with a name. Maybe someday you think it would be fun to own a coffee shop. You can start making those
plans right now!
C Block
Grade: MS
MS COOKING
Fee: $25.00
Teacher: Kelli Kruithof Special Requirements: N/A
Are you sick and tired of eating the same boring meals night after night? Are you interested in making and tasting
fabulous creations? Sign up for Middle School Cooking, where you will learn the basics of cooking as well as
some creative tips on making your meals memorable! Plan to go grocery shopping, visit the Farmer's Market, and
participate in 5 food challenges with group members! Bon appetit!
C Block
Grade: MS
MYSTERIOUS CITIES OF THE PAST
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Kim Bishop Special Requirements: N/A
Have you ever been curious about the Maya and why they left their great cities to be covered by jungle? Have you
ever wondered how the mythical city of Troy was found to be real? Do stories of past civilizations make you
curious to learn more? In this project term students will learn about ancient civilizations and the scientists that
dedicated their lives to discovering their secrets.
C Block
Grade: MS
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Nicole Duquette Special Requirements: Students must provide their own smartphone or digital
camera for this course.
Whether you have an iPhone 7, a DSLR camera, or something else, you can take and edit beautiful photographs of
nature. In this class we will be exploring various Holland parks and nature areas, while stopping to literally smell
the roses and photograph anything that catches the eye. Projects will include an art gallery style of our work based
on nature scenes.
C Block
Grade: MS
NEEDLE FELTING. SCULPTING WITH FIBER!
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Katie Chester Special Requirements: N/A
Come learn an old traditional art form of needle felting! The process of taking wool and alpaca roving and binding
it together to form soft sculptures! Leave the class with soft colorful animals, pins, and decorations all made out of
roving and created by you!
18
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
C Block
Grade: MS
RIDE AND READ
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Kyle Lawton Special Requirements: Please note that your student needs to have a bike and
helmet every day and we will not have storage available for bikes to be left overnight.
Students will be able to enjoy the beauty of the City of Holland while biking to local parks. Students will learn
biking safety as well. Once at the park we will read for a period of time before getting back on our bikes and
returning to school.
C Block
Grade: MS
STOMP!
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Tammy Clark Special Requirements: N/A
In this course, we will create music using brooms, pots and pans, and other found objects. We will explore some
innovative and invigorating performances by the groups Stomp and Blue Man Group. Students will choreograph
their own Stomp routines which they will perform at Project Term Open House night.
CD Block
Grade: MS
STRATFORD FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
Fee: $375.00
Teacher: Rachel Andrews Pierson, Emily Special Requirements: Open to 8th grade students only
This course is open to 8th-12th Grade students. The highlight of the course is a two-night, three-day trip to the
Stratford Festival of Ontario. Students will have the opportunity to see four of the following theatre productions:
Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, Timon of Athens, The School for Scandal, Guys and Dolls, HMS Pinafore,
Treasure Island, The Changeling or Tartuffe. In addition to seeing four professional productions, students will
also be able to take a tour of the costume and props warehouse of the festival. The in-class project involves
selecting an aspect of the theatre (acting, directing, set, costumes, makeup, props, choreography, etc.) and
completing a design or acting project for one of the productions that we will see. We will also read and discuss
each show that we will see. So, if you love theatre- this is a great opportunity for you!
D Block
Grade: MS
CARPE DIEM!
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Tammy Clark Special Requirements: N/A
Latin is a fascinating language! Learn the basics in this introductory Latin class. By the end of this course, you will
know simple phrases, the days of the week, and months of the year. You will finally understand what those Roman
numerals mean! We will study the language, culture, and mythology. We will also plan a Roman Banquet for the
last day of this class.
D Block
Grade: MS
CREATIVE WRITING FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Shannon Witvoet Special Requirements: N/A
Do you love to tell stories? Do you like to write? If you have ever wanted to take your creative writing to the next
level, the published level, then this class is for you!
We will practice the fine art of choosing the best words and the best stories for revision. We will read stories, write
stories, and tell silly stories. We will travel to other locations for inspiration. We will use the writing process to
brainstorm, draft, edit, revise, and publish your own writing!
D Block
Grade: MS
CUPCAKE WARS
Fee: $25.00
Teacher: Kelli Kruithof Special Requirements: N/A
Have you ever watched "Cupcake Wars" and thought "I want to be able to do that!" Here is your chance to put a
variety of cupcake making and decorating techniques into play. You will be creating a recipe from scratch, and
trying out different decorating techniques. Learn and use various baking and decorating skills, and create a
delicious treat for your final project.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
D Block
Grade: MS
DR. JEKYL AND MR. HYDE
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Diane Heyboer Special Requirements: Students should bring an old shirt to protect their
clothing.
Have you ever wondered what you would look like as an old person? Or a cat? Then this is the class for you! We
will be looking at stage makeup as an art and designing new faces for ourselves. We will be learning of variety of
techniques on how to apply stage makeup. We will begin with basic pancake and progress through old age and
clown makeup. You will also learn some special effects such as bruising and wounds. Stage make-up is a work of
art on a human canvas so you will need to bring a shirt to protect your clothes! Come ready to put on a new face!
D Block
Grade: MS
FISH ON!
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Brett Bittrick Jeanne Kane Special Requirements: N/A
Get “hooked” on fishing! Come learn and fish with us as we explore the beautiful water systems of greater
Holland. Students will be provided with a fishing rod, reel and tackle set in order to help launch a lifetime of
fishing and fun. Students will also be enriching their understanding of the life sciences by studying the fish they
catch and the environments explored. Please note that students will be harvesting live bait and will be individually
responsible for baiting their hooks. A lunker awaits…Fish on!
D Block
Grade: MS
NATIONAL PARKS FROM HOME
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Angela Aumaugher
Special Requirements: N/A
Explore our greatest natural resources in this tour of our National Parks. You will learn about the beauty, ecology,
and history of our National Parks, all from the comfort of our own school. We will watch videos about some of the
parks and talk about the importance of each of the parks. You will choose one park to research in great detail and
create a travel booklet about your park to be presented during the open house.
D Block
Grade: MS
OUTDOOR DISCOVERY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Virginia Grinzinger Special Requirements: N/A
In this course, we will explore the natural world. We will discover the wonders springtime has to offer us by
studying plants and some animals. The focus of the class will be tree and wildflower identification. We will visit
local parks and natural areas to experience springtime first hand. If you enjoy hiking and being outside, this is the
class for you!
D Block
Grade: MS
SCHOOL OF ROCK
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Daniel Johns Special Requirements: Each student must have his or her own instrument and be
able to play at a level higher than beginner. **You must be able to play guitar, bass, drums, or another
instrument (vocals are a great bonus!) to take this class. Auditions are required. Please see
Have you ever dreamed of playing in a rock band? Do you have the beginnings of a rock band, but just need the
time and space to develop your talents? If so, then School of Rock is the class for you! Over the course of two
weeks, you will: form a band with your classmates, learn different songs, perform and practice in front of a live
audience, and put on a rock show at the Project Term Open House.
D Block
Grade: MS
SPANISH CLUB
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Sarah Gaffney Special Requirements: N/A
Celebrate Hispanic culture! Explore the diverse heritages and cultures from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and
Central and South America through food, art, dance, games, movies, community service, and more. Explore
where Spanish is spoken and how it influences the Holland community and participate in unique opportunities to
use your Spanish outside of the classroom in relaxed, fun environments.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
D Block
Grade: MS
SURF'S UP!
Fee: $190.00
Teacher: Sarah Laarman Special Requirements: N/A
Ever dream of hanging ten on the North Shore of Hawaii? Well you can try your hand at surfing a little closer to
home. During Surfs Up! project term students will have the opportunity to surf Lake Michigan. Working with
Third Coast Surf Shop students will learn proper technique, about different surfing equipment, and exercises to
strengthen muscles used in surfing. Additionally, students will research the top surfing destinations, and help clean
local beaches.
D Block
Grade: MS
YAHOO, GIDDY UP!
Fee: $150.00
Teacher: Allyson VanderBush Special Requirements: N/A
Have you ever watched an old western movie and wished you could ride a horse like the good guys? Or wanted to
get up close to a horse and know how to become friends with them? Well here is your chance to experience all of
that. For two weeks you will be able to learn the proper ways to take care of a horse from brushing it to putting on
its saddle. On top of that you will have the opportunity to learn how to ride that horse and experience the joy of
working with these beautiful animals!
D Block
Grade: MS
ZEN-TANGLED
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Sue Martinez Special Requirements: N/A
Doodlers, sign up and take your notebook doodling skills to a new level with Zen Tangle! Zen Tangle is a fun and
easy-to-learn method of creating beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. The Zen Tangle Method follows
a specified series of steps that use simple, deliberate pen strokes that build on each other and produce
mesmerizingly beautiful results. In addition to increasing your doodling skills, the Zen Tangle method of drawing
is said to increase focus and creativity, and a sense of well-being that comes from the meditative state that is often
entered into while drawing. During this class, you will learn the basic definition of a Zen Tangle, explore and
practice several Zen Tangle patterns, and follow the specified steps that will lead you to creative expression.
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HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
A Block
Grade: HS
#ADULTING
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Emily Pierson Special Requirements: Students will need to bring in one cooked meal item
(either appetizer, side item, entree, or dessert) for the class.
What skills will you need as an adult: the ability to change a tire, sew a button, cook a meal, or balance a
checkbook? What about insurance, investments, or any other in-s you don’t quite understand? Join Mrs. Pierson
in exploring skills you may not have now but will need for life after high school! For our final project, we will
create a “Month in the Life” snapshot of a hypothetical person (maybe you!) with a budget, meal plan, career, and
more! Come focus on the “life” part of our school motto!
A Block
Grade: HS
ANCIENT ALIENS
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jon Montgomery Special Requirements: N/A
Have you ever wondered how and why the Pyramids of ancient Egypt were built or how megaton blocks of granite
were moved to build ancient sites in Peru? How about the huge monolith statues on Easter Island or the building of
Stonehenge in England? We will watch episodes of the History Channel's hit show as well as do our own research
to come up with possible answers to these and other ancient mysteries.
Question everything!
A Block
Grade: HS
BACKYARD HOMESTEADING: FARM TO
Fee: $25.00
TABLE
Teacher: Nicole Duquette Special Requirements: N/A
Interested in sustainable farming and creating meals using farm to table produce? In this class we will learn the
best practices for developing a small homestead farm, growing and preserving vegetables and fruits, create
exciting recipes and taste new, delicious dishes.
A Block
Grade: HS
A Block
Grade: HS
BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE
Fee: $0.00
WATERCOLOR
Teacher: Peter Middleton Special Requirements: N/A
At its heart, this watercolor painting class introduces the basics of watercolor and includes demonstrations of
various application methods and techniques. Use of color and color mixing is a key part of the material covered in
this class. Each student is required to complete a finished watercolor painting by the end of the project term class
for the Project Term Open House class exhibition.
BOXING DIARIES
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Brett Bittrick Special Requirements: N/A
How's your Cardiovascular Health? Strength? How about your hand-eye coordination? Weight? Stress taking
control of your ability to be happy in this life? Most health and fitness experts agree that getting hit over and over
again in the head will most likely not improve such things. Yet, research supports, that training to avoid getting
punched in the head will. "I hated every minute of training, but I said, don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of
your life as a champion." (Muhammad Ali)
Source Info - USA Today, "30 of Muhammad Ali's Best Quotes"
Money Crashers"5 Health & Fitness Benefits of Boxing Workouts"
A Block
Grade: HS
BRUNCH HUNTERS
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Cessie Wright Special Requirements: Please note: students will be responsible for bringing
enough money to purchase a meal each day that we are in the field (approximately 7-8 days).
Do you love to write, have an eye for detail, and enjoy eating new cuisine? Do you find yourself reading or writing
reviews on sites like Yelp and Trip Advisor? Have you ever considered the career path of becoming a restaurant
critic? Professional critics review the food, service, and atmosphere of the establishments that they visit. In this
class, we will test and improve our skills as critics by visiting a variety of breakfast and brunch restaurants in West
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HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
Michigan. After each visit, we will write, edit, and peer review our critiques. At the end of the course, we will
publish our reviews on Yelp and other food critique websites.
A Block
Grade: HS
DISCOVERING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Kimberly Bishop Special Requirements: Students will be required to create and maintain an
account with Ancestry.com. The account will need to be created before the beginning of the class and
maintained for the duration of the class. It will cost between $40 and $50.
Family history research can tell you a lot about your family and who you are. The struggles our ancestors lived
through can give us inspiration and motivation for our own lives. This class will require students to interview
living family members and develop a family tree. They will also go online to research their families through
census records, land records, newspapers and military records.
A Block
Grade: HS
DOUBLE-HANDED SAILING
Fee: $95.00
Teacher: TBA
Special Requirements: Student must be able to swim and tread water. They must also
weigh at least 100 lbs. Students must provide their own life jacket and should have at least two years of previous
sailing experience. Students with less experience but who are comfortable on th
This course introduces students to the sport of sailing in a double-hand (two person) sailboat. Students will learn
the basic rules of sailing and will spend time on the water each day. Students should come to class everyday
prepared to sail. Students need to supply their own life jackets and ideally have at least two years of previous
sailing experience.
A Block
Grade: HS
DRIVER'S EDUCATION
Fee: $320.00
Teacher: Fran Olesen Special Requirements: Class size is limited and will be taken in order received. A
$40 deposit and application is required. Applications are available online at www.drivemacatawa.com or see
Ms. Fran for an application. The fee balance will be due on the first day of class.
Macatawa Driving School is proud to offer a Level One Driver Education course to Black River teens for Project
Term Credit.
The $320 fee covers all drives, classroom training, and a Level One permit after successful completion of the
course.
Dates: May 11 – 26
Times: May 11 & 12 class only (12:00 – 2:00pm)
Saturday, May 14 (No class; range drives only)
May 15 – 19 (Class and drives 7:10 – 11:10am Monday – Friday)
Saturday, May 20 (No class; range drives only)
May 22-26 (Class and drives 7:10 – 11:10am Monday – Friday)
We will do our best to honor requests for driving partners.
The State of Michigan requires students to be in class the number of hours that are scheduled. If there are any
schedule conflicts that you know of prior to the start of class (Dutch Dancing, etc.), please contact Macatawa
Driving School for possible arranged make-up times at: [email protected] or 748-6948.
A Block
Grade: HS
ENTER THE TWILIGHT ZONE
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Angela Aumaugher
Special Requirements: N/A
From the original Twilight Zone episodes opening narration “There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is
known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light
and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his
knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone.” Through our
exploration of this dimension, we will discuss the use of irony, fear, suspense, science, and psychology to bring an
audience on an emotional journey. We will also work collaboratively to develop our own ‘Twilight Zone’ episode
that will be shared at the open house.
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HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
A Block
Grade: HS
HOW TO SURVIVE THE APOCALYPSE
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Bridget Pyle Special Requirements: N/A
Are you endlessly fascinated with apocalyptic stories? Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to
survive the apocalypse? If so, this course is for you. Over two weeks we will study the history of the apocalypse as
well as read literature and watch film that explores a variety of apocalyse scenarios. Additionally, we will explore
and research survival techniques for a variety of apocalypse scenarios. Students will create their own apocalypse
scenarios and create survival kits and guides for them.
A Block
Grade: HS
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jen Wezeman Special Requirements: Students are first required to fill out a brief Interest
Application and later, pending approval, will submit a formal application containing all details of the study.
Are you passionate about a subject that isn’t offered at school? Would you like to get a taste of a certain job or
career before you decide to pursue it in college? Do you want to create something on a large scale but just don’t
have the time? Consider pursuing an Independent Study! With Independent Study, you design your own learning
experience, set your own goals, and carry out your own activities off-campus during one or two blocks. Students
are first required to fill out a brief Interest Application and later, pending approval, will submit a formal
application containing all details of the study. Study projects may not be similar to a class that is already offered
during Project Term. Since students work off-campus, adult supervision is required. Students who travel for
Independent Study may have an additional academic component to fulfill. The students who are most successful in
this course are highly motivated, self-disciplined, organized and have a thirst for knowledge. Independent Study is
a wonderful opportunity for you to be creative, take charge of your own learning and share your knowledge with
others!
A Block
Grade: HS
MAKE 'EM LAUGH
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Becky Bierma Special Requirements: Students will develop, write, and present (live or filmed)
their own comedic projects.
Do you enjoy a good comedy? Do people always tell you how funny you are? Have you ever wondered what goes
into writing a joke, telling a funny story, participating in an improv act, or being a stand-up comedian? If you
answered yes to any of those questions, then "Make 'Em Laugh" is the class for you!
A Block
Grade: HS
PHYSICS OF MARVEL
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jill Miskelley Special Requirements: N/A
Are you a Marvel fan? Do you love to talk about Captain America, the Hulk, and Iron Man? If so, this class is for
you! In this class, we will be watching and discussing the Marvel movie series and traveling to the theatre as a
class to watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 . For the final project, you will analyze both the good and bad
physics of one of the Marvel Universe characters.
A Block
Grade: HS
ROLE-PLAYING BOARD GAMES
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: John Newman Special Requirements: N/A
Role-Playing Games give us the opportunity to pretend to be someone else for a while. In this class, we will play
Role-Playing board games that allow us to assume a variety of roles, ranging from fighting Lovecraftian monsters
to magical mice that must fight through the depths of a castle. The goal of these games is, of course, to have fun,
but to band together with a group of classmates to defeat a common enemy. LET’S DO THIS!
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HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
A Block
Grade: HS
SEW MUCH FUN
Fee: $50.00
Teacher: Shannon Witvoet Special Requirements: Access to a sewing machine is helpful and suggested!
If you have all of your own fabric and finishing supplies, you may bring those instead of paying the fee.
Sewing is sew much fun! This class will help you learn all sorts of sewing techniques. If you have never used a
sewing machine before, this class is for you! If you already know how to use a sewing machine, this class is for
you! If you want to sew clothes that you can wear, this class is for you!
A Block
Grade: HS
THE VIENNA COFFEE HOUSE EXPERIENCE
Fee: $0.00
– STUDIES IN CREATIVE WRITING
Teacher: Karen Rowe Special Requirements: N/A
Does ambiance inspire creativity? Of course! Experience the cultural coffee house effect as we meander to local
coffee shops like JP’s, Lemonjello’s, Good Earth, and Simpatico in search of the perfect writing environment. As
a class, we will work on individual creative writing projects focused on fiction, memoir, and poetry, hold class
workshops and readings, and ultimately publish individual chapbooks of class work to be displayed on open house
night. As Shel Silverstein says, “If you are a dreamer…come in, come in!”
A Block
Grade: HS
WWII FITNESS AND HISTORY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Keely Morse Special Requirements: N/A
Are you looking to learn more about WWII history while getting into shape? In this class we will seek to pass a
fitness test based on standards as determined just after WWII based on the war. We will seek to improve our
ability on pull-ups, push-ups, sprints, jump squats, and sit-ups all while using proper form. We will also learn
about individual and group feats of endurance during WWII through selected readings and writings. Additionally,
we will play outdoor strategy games and other sports to keep fit between training.
AB Block
Grade: HS
THE ECONOMICS (AND FUN) OF BACKYARD
Fee: $25.00
GAMES
Teacher: Tim Witvoet Brent Rowe Special Requirements: N/A
Do you enjoy spending time in leisurely competition? Backyard games can offer a fun time and great experience
of competition that can involve all people. Students will learn to play a backyard game, while at the same time
building their own game. Students will also have the opportunity to build a second set of the game to sell at
auction during the Open House. 50% of proceeds will go back to the class to cover costs, while the winning
students group will keep 50% of proceeds for their hard work on the boards and the auction.
ABCD Block
Grade: HS
CHINA TOUR 2017
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Marguerite Stephens Special Requirements: N/A
Come visit China! The Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors are waiting for you. We will visit The Forbidden
City, have a meal with a Chinese family, visit a school and so much more. This will be a super experience for
students grades 8-12.
ABCD Block
Grade: HS
WESTERN ADVENTURE 2017
Fee: $1250.00
Teacher: Nathan Meyer Schreuder, Joel Special Requirements: N/A
Go West; all the way to the Pacific coastline! On this high school trip, you will be traveling by airplane to the
western coastline of California. You will be camping in the rugged landscape of Yosemite National Park found in
the high Sierra Nevada mountains. Yosemite is famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees and for Tunnel View, the
iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Fall and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. You will also travel to
Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park, "a land of giants". Here the dramatic landscape testifies to nature's size,
beauty, and diversity--huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world's largest trees.
You will hike along the same paths that wolves, bears, and mountain lions travel. You will hike along mountain
streams, through grasslands, and above rocky overlooks. You will learn the fascinating history of the National
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HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
Park system and get to witness its rugged beauty first hand. You will also experience California's diverse natural
areas by visiting its coastline. There you will see San Francisco, learn about coastal marine animals, natural
disasters, earthquakes, landslides, and drought. You will be a naturalist in training, dressing for the weather,
sleeping in tents, and preparing food in a camp setting. You will be physically active, hiking between 4-10 miles
daily, with one "Epic Hike" lasting an entire day perhaps up to 20 miles. Adventurers needed!
ABCD Block
Grade: HS
YOU CAN (START TO) WRITE THE GREAT
Fee: $0.00
AMERICAN NOVEL!
Teacher: Tim Ewald Special Requirements: N/A
Have you ever had an absolutely brilliant idea for a very long story? A story with characters you would love to
develop over multiple settings, plots, time periods, and conflicts? Have you ever had that brilliant idea but thought
‘I’ll never have time to develop this like I really want’ or ‘I’m afraid I’ll just get writer’s block and get stuck and
no one would be able to help me.’ In this class, I want to give you the time, coaching and encouragement to be
daring, expansive, ingenious and fully engaged in writing a major work. Do you have a bit of J.K. Rowling in
you? Or maybe a bit of Stephen King? Bring your ideas for a chance to make Project Term an authorial
adventure!
AC Block
Grade: HS
AP CALCULUS PREP
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jessica Reinartz Alex Constantelos Special Requirements: If you wish to take AP Calculus Prep
you need to see Mrs. Reinartz for a sign-up sheet in addition to adding this class to your schedule. Students who
have not filled out a sign-up sheet will not be allowed into AP Calculus Prep.
AP Calculus Prep is for students who have successfully completed Advanced Algebra/Geometry. Students will
study units involving function composition, vectors, parametric equations, complex numbers, polynomials,
rational functions, radical functions, three-dimensional geometry, trigonometric graphs, trigonometric identities,
trigonometric equations, conic sections, exponential and logarithmic functions, and derivatives. This class is
needed for current Advanced Algebra/Geometry students who would like to take AP Calculus next fall.
AC Block
Grade: HS
I WANT TO PUMP, YOU UP!
Fee: $50.00
Teacher: Daniel Johns Special Requirements: N/A
Welcome to the world of pumping iron and getting stronger; weight lifting! From the world’s greatest muscle men
like Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Incredible Hulk to today’s best athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron
James, weightlifting presents a demanding challenge for those who want to improve their mental and physical
strength. Students should anticipate lifting weights, performing yoga, or vertical leap calisthenics daily. If you are
tired of flexing your scrawny arms in the mirror, join us for project term and get pumped!
B Block
Grade: HS
ADVANCED AND EXPERIMENTAL
Fee: $0.00
WATERCOLOR
Teacher: Peter Middleton Special Requirements: N/A
This watercolor painting class aims to take basic water media techniques and advance into exploring nontraditional approaches and practices. Use of color, color mixing, collage, opacity, textures, printing and other artmaking techniques will be introduced as a part of the class lessons. Each student is required to complete a finished
watercolor painting by the end of the project term class for exhibition at the Project Term Open House. This
course can be combined with A-Block Beginning and Intermediate Watercolor for a full day of art-making!
B Block
Grade: HS
BOWLING
Fee: $50.00
Teacher: Cessie Wright Special Requirements: N/A
You have probably gone bowling for a birthday party or a friendly, Friday night social gathering; did you know
that bowling is actually considered a competitive sport? Or even a professional sport? In this class you will learn
about the history of bowling as a sport, and you will learn to bowl, or become a better bowler. Daily challenges,
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HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
learning how to score without the use of the computer, and improving your basic techniques will be the focus of
the class. The class will conclude with an individual tournament.
B Block
Grade: HS
CINEMA TIME MACHINE
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Emily Pierson Special Requirements: Students will need to possibly rent (or purchase, if they
wish) the film they plan to use for their individual final project.
There will be popcorn. From Coppola to Cameron, take a journey through the twists and turns of film. Starting
with silent film and working our way to the groundbreaking movies of today, we will look at the advances, shifts,
and throwbacks that have occurred during the history of cinema. For your final projects, you will work with a
team through the creative processes of making a film, and you will individually watch and research a film that left
a mark on the timeline of cinema and brought about its own shift for the movie industry. Join us as we travel
through film to infinity and beyond!
B Block
Grade: HS
CODE WHAT? JAVASCRIPT FOR BEGINNER
Fee: $0.00
PROGRAMMERS
Teacher: Caleb Fisher Special Requirements: N/A
Never programmed before or maybe never even thought of it? No worries. Students interested in possible future
plans in computers may be interested in this intro programming course. Throughout this course, students will
learn JavaScript in a fairly relaxed, self-paced environment. From there, students will be challenged to solve
problems using their newly learned skills.
B Block
Grade: HS
CONSTRUCTION - FOUNDATIONS
Fee: $30.00
Teacher: Todd Schwartz Special Requirements: N/A
You can’t build your house upon the sand and you can’t create long lasting monuments without a solid foundation.
In this construction class, students will participate in the initial phases of a construction project, from site
definition and soil preparation. Students will also take raw materials and make modifications as defined in
supplied blue prints.
B Block
Grade: HS
CONSTRUCTION FOUNDATIONS
Fee: $30.00
Teacher: Brent Rowe Special Requirements: N/A
You can’t build your house upon the sand and you can’t create long lasting monuments without a solid foundation.
In this construction class, students will participate in the initial phases of a construction project, from site
definition and soil preparation. Students will also take raw materials and make modifications as defined in
supplied blue prints.
B Block
Grade: HS
CONTEMPORARY SONG WRITING
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jon Montgomery Special Requirements: N/A
Students will learn basic and advanced contemporary song writing and arranging techniques. Vocal and
instrumental song form, music arranging and instrumentation will be explored with the goal of recording and
producing original musical products. Copywriting original property will be discussed as well as digital and webbased music distribution.
B Block
Grade: HS
CUPCAKE WARS
Fee: $30.00
Teacher: Kelli Kruithof Special Requirements: N/A
Have you ever watched "Cupcake Wars" and thought "I want to be able to do that!" Here is your chance to put a
variety of cupcake making and decorating techniques into play. Take this new high school class, and prepare to
step up your game from the MS Cupcake class. In this class, you will be given themes and a twist in your
27
HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
challenge each class. You will be creating a recipe from scratch, and trying out different decorating techniques.
Learn and use various baking and decorating skills, and create a delicious treat for your final project.
B Block
Grade: HS
CURRENT ISSUES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Alex Constantelos
Special Requirements: N/A
Every day, we hear about criminal justice controversies: the "War on Drugs," Black Lives Matter, stop and frisk,
prison riots, and more. This is a public-speaking oriented class where we learn about and discuss the most
important topics affecting police, courtrooms, and prisons. Activities may include: debates; simulated courtroom
trials; meeting police officers or prosecutors in our community; taking a trip to watch a live criminal trial;
following criminal cases currently before the Supreme Court; watching episodes of police/courtroom shows. You
will also choose and review a book about a real or fictional criminal case or legal issue.
B Block
Grade: HS
DISSECTIONS, DISSECTIONS, DISSECTIONS
Fee: $20.00
Teacher: Jan Hulst Special Requirements: N/A
Did you enjoy dissections in Biology? Do you wish you could have examined different animals or spent more time
on the animals you did dissect? In this course you will have the opportunity to compare the anatomy of a variety of
organisms from the animal kingdom. Examples of possible animals are, a shark, a squid, a crayfish and others.
You will make drawings of the animals dissected and create a zoo information card for a different animal in an
attempt to compare the anatomy of our diverse animal kingdom.
B Block
Grade: HS
EXPLORE ENGINEERING
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jill Miskelley Special Requirements: N/A
If you like math or science, you may want to consider learning what a degree in engineering is all about. In this
course, you will travel to local companies and universities to learn about what it takes to be an engineer in today's
world. Not only does it involve problem solving, but business, teamwork, and social skills. Engineering is an
exciting and rewarding career, come check out what it is all about!
B Block
Grade: HS
EXPLORING PSYCHOLOGY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Rebecca Mousseau Special Requirements: N/A
Is it true that facial symmetry is an essential component of how people perceive beauty? Can the color of a soft
drink affect its perceived flavor? Does stress affect performance on a task? If you are interested in how scientists
study questions like these, and in studying human behavior from a scientific perspective, this class is a great start!
We will examine some famous studies in the history of psychology, and learn the basic ethical principles of
research in the social sciences. Additionally, we will learn and practice the steps of the scientific method as
students complete an original study, analyze the results and write a lab report following APA guidelines.
B Block
Grade: HS
GAMES AND COMEDY = GAMEDY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: John Newman Special Requirements: N/A
Do you think the idea of playing games at school is fun? What about watching Stand-Up comedy and comedic
films at the same time? Then this is probably a class you will enjoy. The ultimate goal is to have fun, play games
with each other, and watch funny things. Sign up for this if that sounds enjoyable!
B Block
Grade: HS
HERSTORY: THE AMERICAS EDITION
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Kimberly Bishop Special Requirements: N/A
Founding Mothers, Pioneer Women, Women in the Klondite, Rosie the Riveter all these women helped shape our
continent and country. In this class, students will learn about women that were important to the development of
our country and the improvement of the Americas. They will learn about specific women and women in general
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HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
that were active in a certain time and place that made significant contributions to American society. There is a
reading component to the class. Students will have reading assignments outside of class. They will be expected to
participate in discussions and be attentive to videos and speakers. Their project for Open House will be based on
their research of a woman who was important to the history of the Americas.
B Block
Grade: HS
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jen Wezeman Special Requirements: Students are first required to fill out a brief Interest
Application and later, pending approval, will submit a formal application containing all details of the study.
Are you passionate about a subject that isn’t offered at school? Would you like to get a taste of a certain job or
career before you decide to pursue it in college? Do you want to create something on a large scale but just don’t
have the time? Consider pursuing an Independent Study! With Independent Study, you design your own learning
experience, set your own goals, and carry out your own activities off-campus during one or two blocks. Students
are first required to fill out a brief Interest Application and later, pending approval, will submit a formal
application containing all details of the study. Study projects may not be similar to a class that is already offered
during Project Term. Since students work off-campus, adult supervision is required. Students who travel for
Independent Study may have an additional academic component to fulfill. The students who are most successful in
this course are highly motivated, self-disciplined, organized and have a thirst for knowledge. Independent Study is
a wonderful opportunity for you to be creative, take charge of your own learning and share your knowledge with
others!
B Block
Grade: HS
MEAN GIRLS
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Bridget Pyle Special Requirements: N/A
Do you love the movie Mean Girls? Do you ever consider the truths about modern culture that are represented in
this movie? In this class we will use Mean Girls as a platform to analyze social and gender issues facing our
culture today. We will research and discuss issues like media, self-image, cliques, stereotypes, bullying, and
equality. In addition, we will read the novel Speak by Laurie Halse and discuss some of the controversial issues
permeating your lives. This class includes a trip to the mall where we will study the ways in which marketing
companies target and stereotype men, women, and teenagers to sell products.
B Block
Grade: HS
PHOTOGRAPHY EXPLORATION
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Katie Chester Special Requirements: Students must provide their own camera to use during this
course.
Have a camera? Want to use it? Have an interest in photography? Want to learn the ins and outs of your camera
while practicing photojournalism, portrait photography, landscape photography, and macro photography? Then
this is the course for you! Come on a journey to learn more about the camera you own and how you can get the
most out of it! Learn to control the settings your camera has while also learning how to control your environment
too. Students in this course will research, photograph, explore, and engage in daily photography discussions. The
final product will be a photography book filled with photographs completed during the course.
B Block
Grade: HS
SPANISH CULTURE BY BOOK (& VIDEO)
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Kimberly Bishop Special Requirements: This class is for 10-12 grade students only.
The students will read several works by Hispanic authors translated into English. They will read the book and then
watch a video that was based on the book or on one that was related to the main topic of the book. It is a great
class for anyone interested in learning more about events and people that have shaped the history of Spain and
Latin America. It will be especially useful to students planning to take the AP Spanish Language and Culture class
in 2017 - 2018. Students will have some reading to do at home every night during the class.
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HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
B Block
Grade: HS
WWII HISTORY
Fee: $35.00
Teacher: Keely Morse Special Requirements: N/A
Come learn about WWII history. We will take a field trip to the USS Silversides in Muskegon Michigan. The
Silversides is the most successful surviving submarine of WWII and has been kept in great shape. We will also
take a trip to Muskegon to see the LST 393 that transported troops into action at many locations including
Normandy. In addition, we will read many first hand accounts of the war and write letters to veterans of all US
wars. Finally we will put together and assemble a model of a WWII vehicle for display during the open house that
you will be able to bring home.
BD Block
Grade: HS
SCAVENGER HUNT ADVENTURES
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Becky Bierma Special Requirements: N/A
Are you up for adventures? Do you like to discover new things? Do like solving riddles and mysteries? Are you up
for creating your own adventure? Then this is the class for you! Students will experience a variety of types of
scavenger hunts and will ultimately create their own scavenger hunt for their final project. This is a chance to have
fun, test your clue solving abilities, and be creative all in one class!
C Block
Grade: HS
BEYOND REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jan Hulst Special Requirements: N/A
Water pollution, Air pollution, Climate change: so many environmental problems around the world, but what can
you do about them? Want more answers than "reduce, reuse, and recycle"? In this class we will use videos to spur
on debate about what we can do for the world's environment when we seem to have little power. You will then
create your own video (personal skit, documentary, Claymation..) that will tell others what they can do to help the
environment and possibly spur on other Black River students to be more environmentally conscious.
C Block
Grade: HS
BIKING AND STATISTICAL DONUTS
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Todd Schwartz Special Requirements: Mandatory materials students need to supply for every
class session: Proper working bike, approved bike safety helmet, money daily to purchase a minimum of two
donuts per class period, an open mind, and a good attitude.
As Homer said…”Ummmm, donuts”. Is there anything more beautiful than a perfectly earned donut? The
smoothness of drizzled chocolate, the healthiness of raspberry filling, the crunch of protein packed peanuts, and of
course sprinkles are for the winners. Equally wonderful is the scientific recording of data, the manipulation of
variables, the organizing of values, and the joy of spreadsheets. We will ride our bikes to various local donut
establishments, purchase said donuts, and then do the hard work of mathematically determining the best donut in
town and then create presentations to boldly proclaim our decision.
C Block
Grade: HS
BIOART
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Virginia Grinzinger Special Requirements: N/A
In this class, we will be exploring the relationship between science and art. We will use tools like photography
and microscopy to inspire our creations. The goal will be a thorough scientific understanding of the subject matter
and then to transition this knowledge from the laboratory to the studio.
C Block
Grade: HS
DESIGN THINKING: MURAL ART
Fee: $50.00
INSTALLATION
Teacher: Karen Rowe Special Requirements: N/A
Join CultureWorks, a transformative art + design academy, and local artist, Joel Schoon-Tanis, in a designthinking process to transform the face of a local building with large-scale mural art. Undergo research based on
the theme of “turning lemons into lemonade,” develop soft-skills in communication when delivering pitch
presentations, create meaningful images to reflect a community mindset, and participate in site-based art
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HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
installation. Beyond the art itself, we will need idea-people, natural leaders, photographers, and videographers to
craft and document the process we will experience as we make this mural come to life. Check out
thecultureworks.org and joelschoontanisart.com to learn more about them!
C Block
Grade: HS
DOUBLE-HANDED SAILING
Fee: $95.00
Teacher: TBA
Special Requirements: Student must be able to swim and tread water. They must also
weigh at least 100 lbs. Students must provide their own life jacket and should have at least two years of previous
sailing experience. Students with less experience but who are comfortable on t
This course introduces students to the sport of sailing in a double-hand (two person) sailboat. Students will learn
the basic rules of sailing and will spend time on the water each day. Students should come to class everyday
prepared to sail. Students need to supply their own life jackets and ideally have at least two years of previous
sailing experience.
C Block
Grade: HS
DRAWING AND MIXED MEDIA (BEGINNING,
Fee: $0.00
INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED LEVELS)
Teacher: Peter Middleton Special Requirements: N/A
This class aims to offer students the chance to explore processes and approaches to making larger size artworks.
This class affords opportunity and instruction for students to fearlessly embark of working in larger visual formats,
drawing specifically, to create quality visual statements. Each student is required to complete a finished drawing
by the end of the project term class for exhibition at the Project Term Open House.
C Block
Grade: HS
EARTH SCHOOL
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Fran Olesen Special Requirements: N/A
Work with the earth and earn 20 hours of COMMUNITY SERVICE!
Dr. Maria Montessori felt that because of the rapid growth, the increased need for sleep, and hormonal changes, it
would be best if adolescents live close to nature, eat fresh farm products, and carry on practical work related to the
economics of supplying food, shelter, transportation, and so forth. Intellectual work is done, following the
student's interests, but without pressure.
This Project Term class is a two week course that follows Montessori’s philosophy. The students will spend two
weeks working at Groundswell Community Farm (groundswellfarm.org). Groundswell is a local CSA. CSA
Stands for Community Supported Agriculture. CSA's allow city residents to have direct access to high quality,
fresh produce grown locally by regional farmers.
The students will be working daily at Groundswell Community Farm in Zeeland. The schedule will vary
depending on the weather and needs of the farm. Projects will include seeding trays in the greenhouse,
transplanting young plants, and working in the fields. Students will also learn about soil, machinery, greenhouses,
irrigation, specific crops - the sky's the limit. The class size is LIMITED, so sign up now.
C Block
Grade: HS
ESPRESSO YOURSELF
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Bridget Pyle Special Requirements: Students who wish to purchase coffee or treats should bring
money to do so.
Do you have an undying love for all things coffee? Would you love spending your mornings enjoying the rich
smells and flavors of local coffee shops? This is the class for you. This year we will be visiting several local coffee
shops and trying many different types of coffee. You will learn more about coffee and business than you ever
knew existed. The end project will be a mini business plan including all of your own ideas and coffee dreams.
C Block
Grade: HS
FASHION/SEWING WORKSHOP
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Rebecca Mousseau Special Requirements: N/A
This class will provide a space for students to explore the history of fashion, fashion design and garment
construction. We will examine how clothing has changed over time and how clothing can help us understand a
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HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
particular period of time and the culture it reflects. There will be significant time each day for students to work on
their own projects: sewing, knitting, design and re-purposing old items into new garments. Any level of expertise
is welcome, from beginning to advanced. Students will be responsible for providing their own working sewing
machine and for buying whatever materials and supplies needed to complete a project.
C Block
Grade: HS
FUN WITH FERMI
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jill Miskelley Special Requirements: N/A
In this class, we will be learning about advances in quantum physics and traveling to the Fermi Lab in Illinois. We
will discuss Feynman Diagrams, neutrinos, quarks, the Standard Model, and astronomy. Traveling to the Fermi
Lab is a requirement of the class and the field trip must be attended by all students.
C Block
Grade: HS
GOLF
Fee: $40.00
Teacher: Caleb Fisher Special Requirements: Each student must have his or her own clubs, equipment
(golf balls, tees, glove, etc.) and be able to depart BRPS by 7:40a.m. each morning.
Do you enjoy golf? Would you like to learn? If yes, then this is the course for you! We will spend time learning
about this great game and practicing our own shots at the golf course. We will spend time on the driving range,
practice greens, and the course itself. Learn how to take the frustration out of your own game by learning
fundamentals and essential etiquette. Students will spend every class period at the golf course. . Fore!
C Block
Grade: HS
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jen Wezeman Special Requirements: Students are first required to fill out a brief Interest
Application and later, pending approval, will submit a formal application containing all details of the study.
Are you passionate about a subject that isn’t offered at school? Would you like to get a taste of a certain job or
career before you decide to pursue it in college? Do you want to create something on a large scale but just don’t
have the time? Consider pursuing an Independent Study! With Independent Study, you design your own learning
experience, set your own goals, and carry out your own activities off-campus during one or two blocks. Students
are first required to fill out a brief Interest Application and later, pending approval, will submit a formal
application containing all details of the study. Study projects may not be similar to a class that is already offered
during Project Term. Since students work off-campus, adult supervision is required. Students who travel for
Independent Study may have an additional academic component to fulfill. The students who are most successful in
this course are highly motivated, self-disciplined, organized and have a thirst for knowledge. Independent Study is
a wonderful opportunity for you to be creative, take charge of your own learning and share your knowledge with
others!
C Block
Grade: HS
PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR - LET'S GET
Fee: $0.00
SCARED TOGETHER
Teacher: John Newman Special Requirements: WARNING! THIS CLASS REQUIRES A NOTE FROM
PARENTS IN ORDER TO TAKE IT!
Do you ever think, "Wow... I love psychology and scary things... I want to spend 3 hours per day for 2 weeks
watching movies and talking about brains..." ME TOO! In this class, that's exactly what we will do. We will watch
a few films, short films, medium length films, and talk about what exactly makes them so frightening. There will
be a little reading in this class, along with some lecture, but it is all designed to further the fear! Let's have fun and
get scared together!
32
HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
C Block
Grade: HS
QUAZY QUILTING
Fee: $40.00
Teacher: Shannon Witvoet Special Requirements: Students must have specific t-shirts or other material
that they want to use to make their blanket. We will go to the craft store for backing, stuffing, and finishing.
Have you ever wanted to make a quilt or a blanket? Do you have a bunch of old t-shirts just lying around waiting
to be turned into something? Have you always wanted to know how to hem a skirt or a pair of pants?
In this class you will learn to use a sewing machine and you will learn to sew by hand.This skill will then be used
to make a mini-blanket out of new or old material.
C Block
Grade: HS
VEGAN BAKING
Fee: $25.00
Teacher: Annemieke DeHaan Special Requirements: N/A
Have you ever wondered if vegans are able to eat tasty baked goods since they do not eat eggs? Or have you ever
considered how it is even possible to enjoy a vegan diet? In this class you will discover that vegans actually create
some pretty tasty baked goods and desserts! We will be baking a variety of vegan recipes as well as creating a
recipe book in order for you to impress your friends and family with surprisingly tasty vegan baked goods and
desserts. We will also discover how to be a healthy vegan.
CD Block
Grade: HS
EXPLORE ROME AND FLORENCE, ITALY!
Fee: $4465.00
Teacher: Tara Gorris Special Requirements: N/A
Students will be traveling to visit Rome, Florence, and the town of Assisi in Italy! We will see architectural
monuments like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the infamous Trevi Fountain, the Duomo, and the Vatican.
They will also get to see famous artworks like the David statue and Michelangelo's masterpiece in the Sistine
Chapel. Students will be immersed in Italian culture by spending an evening at a soccer game, learning how to
paint frescos like the old masters, and tasting great traditional food, such as pizza, pasta, and gelato! Students will
choose an area that they want to explore more about Italy and create a project based off of that, while also creating
a presentation piece of their experience after they get back from Italy. Come join us for a fantastic adventure!
CD Block
Grade: HS
STRATFORD FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
Fee: $375.00
Teacher: Rachel Andrews Pierson, Emily Special Requirements: N/A
The highlight of the course is a two-night, three-day trip to the Stratford Festival of Ontario. Students will have
the opportunity to see four of the following theatre productions: Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, Timon of
Athens, The School for Scandal, Guys and Dolls, HMS Pinafore, Treasure Island, The Changeling or Tartuffe. In
addition to seeing four professional productions, students will also be able to take a tour of the costume and props
warehouse of the festival. The in-class project involves selecting an aspect of the theatre (acting, directing, set,
costumes, makeup, props, choreography, etc.) and completing a design or acting project for one of the productions
that we will see. We will also read and discuss each show that we will see. So, if you love theatre- this is a great
opportunity for you! This course is open to 8th-12th Grade students.
D Block
Grade: HS
BLACK RIVER ECO CHALLENGE
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jan Hulst Special Requirements: N/A
A few years ago Black River was given a piece of property once used as a private swimming pool. The pool has
been removed and now it is time to make this area a beautiful natural area where everyone can enjoy a native
Michigan ecosystem. Come research the area, brainstorm some ideas for restoration, and get your hands dirty as
you complete a restoration project. We will be out at the property almost every day so sign up if you enjoy
working outdoors. Some projects we may tackle are weeding invasive species, designing trails, creating paths,
building gardens, etc. Come help restore a little piece of Michigan's wildlife!
33
HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
D Block
Grade: HS
CLAY WHEEL AND HAND BUILT POTTERY
Fee: $50.00
Teacher: Katie Chester Special Requirements: N/A
Ever wanted to try and use a clay wheel? Want to know what a clay wheel is? Ever wanted to make your own set
of dishes to use at home? How about creating a slab hand built piece of pottery? Well this is the class for you!
Students will be going downtown to the Holland Area Arts Council to work with clay wheels, a slab roller and
medium fire clay in the clay studio. Students will learn basic pottery throwing techniques to create bowls, cups,
plates, and mugs. Please note that this class is VERY messy but FUN!
D Block
Grade: HS
CLIMB ON!
Fee: $150.00
Teacher: Bridget Pyle Special Requirements: N/A
Calling all rock climbers! No matter your experience or skill level, if you like to climb, this is the class is for you.
Every day we will be traveling to Higher Ground Climbing Centre and spend the afternoon developing our skill,
confidence, and climbing technique on their many indoor climbing routes. This class will also include one day trip
to Grand Ledge to practice our skills in an outdoor environment.
D Block
Grade: HS
CONSTRUCTION - FINISHING
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Todd Schwartz Special Requirements: N/A
It’s all about the details. Assembly and finishing of construction projects produce the results that everybody sees
for eternity. Focusing on quality and follow through, the completion of a construction project shows the world the
builders care and skill. Leaving something for future generations to wonder and study.
D Block
Grade: HS
CONSTRUCTION FINISHING
Fee: $30.00
Teacher: Brent Rowe Special Requirements: N/A
It’s all about the details. Assembly and finishing of construction projects produce the results that everybody sees
for eternity. Focusing on quality and follow through, the completion of a construction project shows the world the
builders care and skill. Leaving something for future generations to wonder and study.
D Block
Grade: HS
DESIGN YOUR DREAM HOME
Fee: $20.00
Teacher: Jessica Reinartz Special Requirements: N/A
Plain homes can be boring - how about creating a house with a trampoline room, basketball court, giant pool,
bowling alley, indoor garden, giant garage, or movie theatre? In this class you will be designing various aspects of
your dream home. You will create a floor plan and possibly draw exterior views and landscaping. Then, you will
make a model of one room, complete with interior design aspects such as wallpaper, paint, and flooring, and
furniture. Dream big!!
D Block
Grade: HS
IMPROV AND ABSTRACT COMEDY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: John Newman Special Requirements: WARNING! THIS CLASS REQUIRES A NOTE FROM
PARENTS IN ORDER TO TAKE IT!
Do you enjoy words and playing games with them? Me too! Together, we will have fun watching improvisational
performances, playing improv games, and exploring films created using improvisational techniques. We will also
look into more abstract humor, why it is fun, and ask ourselves, over and over, "Why do I find this funny?" Let's
have some fun, play some games, and enjoy our time!
34
HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
D Block
Grade: HS
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jen Wezeman Special Requirements: Students are first required to fill out a brief Interest
Application and later, pending approval, will submit a formal application containing all details of the study.
Are you passionate about a subject that isn’t offered at school? Would you like to get a taste of a certain job or
career before you decide to pursue it in college? Do you want to create something on a large scale but just don’t
have the time? Consider pursuing an Independent Study! With Independent Study, you design your own learning
experience, set your own goals, and carry out your own activities off-campus during one or two blocks. Students
are first required to fill out a brief Interest Application and later, pending approval, will submit a formal
application containing all details of the study. Study projects may not be similar to a class that is already offered
during Project Term. Since students work off-campus, adult supervision is required. Students who travel for
Independent Study may have an additional academic component to fulfill. The students who are most successful in
this course are highly motivated, self-disciplined, organized and have a thirst for knowledge. Independent Study is
a wonderful opportunity for you to be creative, take charge of your own learning and share your knowledge with
others!
D Block
Grade: HS
LARGE-SCALE PAINTING AND MIXED
Fee: $0.00
MEDIA
Teacher: Peter Middleton Special Requirements: N/A
This course aims to offer students the opportunity to explore processes and approaches to making larger size
artworks using painting, drawing and mixed media. This class affords opportunity and instruction for students to
fearlessly embark of working in larger visual formats, drawing and painting specifically, to create quality visual
statements. Each student is required to complete a finished large-scale drawing by the end of the project term
class for exhibition at the Project Term Open House.
D Block
Grade: HS
MAKING AN IMPACT IN HOLLAND
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Annemieke DeHaan Special Requirements: N/A
It is the little things in life that make a difference. Taking the time to open the door for someone. Baking cookies
for a neighbor. Sending a "Thank You" card. In this class, we will be taking the time to simple acts of kindness
and service in our community in order to make a difference. We will be visiting the elderly, serving meals at a
local mission, writing thank you cards and serving in a variety of other ways. Regardless of what ways we will
serve in our community we know that we will be making an impact in Holland
D Block
Grade: HS
PHYSICS PHAVORITES
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jill Miskelley Special Requirements: N/A
Do you like competition and building science contraptions? Then with Physics Phavorites is your class! Based
off of previous Science Olympiad C Events, this class will include 3-4 different competitions among students.
Some possible competitions are: Bottle Drop, Catapult, Bottle Rocket, Egg Car, It's About Time, and the Wright
Stuff. All competitions also include a written test, so students will be responsible for learning concepts very
quickly. Previous knowledge of physics is very helpful.
D Block
Grade: HS
REEL HISTORY
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Keely Morse Special Requirements: N/A
Are you interested in history and movies? Are you curious where historical movies are accurate and where they
are not? Take Reel History, as in movie reel, and we will explore history through movies. We will look at why
movies are made inaccurately and how that influences the public's perception. We may have some brief lectures,
research, and short written assignments to help us delve into these issues.
35
HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
D Block
Grade: HS
ROCKIN' SOUND SYSTEM
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Jon Montgomery Special Requirements: N/A
Get ready to go on tour with a Rock Band as the most important person at the concert-The Sound Technician!
Without you nobody hears anything! Learn how to set up microphones, direct boxes, mixing boards and speakers
and amplifiers for a live Rock show. Students will provide live sound reinforcement during open house for the
School of Rock course.
D Block
Grade: HS
SCHOOL OF ROCK
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Tim Witvoet Special Requirements: Each student must have his or her own instrument and be
able to play at a level higher than beginner. **You must be able to play guitar, bass, drums, or another
instrument (vocals are a great bonus!) to take this class.** Auditions are required. Please s
Have you ever dreamed of playing in a rock band? Do you have the beginnings of a rock band, but just need the
time and space to develop your talents? If so, then School of Rock is the class for you! Over the course of two
weeks, you will: form a band with your classmates, learn different songs, perform and practice in front of a live
audience, and put on a rock show at the Project Term Open House.
D Block
Grade: HS
SHIPWRECKS, ETC.
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Kimberly Bishop Special Requirements: N/A
Michigan has a rich history on the water. Most of the early settlements for the state were on the coastline, not the
interior. In this project term students will visit several museums in Southwest Michigan to learn about the many
activities, economic, social, leisure etc, that have taken place in coastal Michigan over the centuries. If in season,
they will take a tour or take a ride in an historic boat. In class they will explore specific incidents and trends that
have had a affect on the state and the world. They will read short articles, listen and interact with speakers, watch
videos and become informed on how the lakes surrounding Michigan have impacted the people living there.
D Block
Grade: HS
STRATEGY GAMES
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Alex Constantelos
Special Requirements: N/A
Strategy Games are games that involve a plan, scheme, or plot in order to win. In this class, students will learn
how to best play games that involve strategy and how to apply this knowledge in order to improve their chances of
winning. Students will explore strategic card, board, and outdoor games such as Capture the Flag, Phase 10, Risk,
Settlers of Catan, and many more. The final project will consist of students making their own strategy game and
challenging their peers. Students with all levels of experience are invited!
D Block
Grade: HS
TED TALKS: BLACK RIVER EDITION
Fee: $0.00
Teacher: Rebecca Mousseau Special Requirements: N/A
If you are a fan of TED Talks, you know that an expert shares his or her knowledge and expertise in a focused,
energetic and creative way. This is your opportunity to create a TED talk of your own, either individually or as a
part of a small group. All you need is an idea that you are passionate about; think of Socrates, Confucius, Betty
Friedan, Neil de Grasse Tyson- thinkers whose ideas have challenged and changed the world. In this class we will
examine some of these ideas. Using a variety of sources, including written work, film and video, we will explore
and discuss a diverse selection of ideas, people and issues. We will, of course, view several TED talks and engage
in seminar discussions to share ideas and to further develop a point of view. For the final project, each student (or
small group) will choose an issue or an idea of interest to research and will create and record a TED-inspired-talk
about that issue.
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HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT TERM COURSES
STUDENTS MUST PICK ONE COURSE FOR EACH BLOCK (A, B, C, & D)
D Block
Grade: HS
YOGA
Fee: $40.00
Teacher: Nicole Duquette Special Requirements: N/A
Whether you’re new to yoga, have dabbled in it, or are an experienced yogi, this class is for you. We will take the
time for full yoga sessions, meet with other local yogis, relax, and just enjoy life together.
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