Author: Mr.Brian

Mr. Lee Randazzo, History Teacher

Dear parents and guardians,

Our 6th and 7th grade students got a special treat this week, engaging in “conversation” with a Roman emperor.  Did we have a time machine?  Yes, of sorts.  This emperor wrote a book and we read part of it.  The emperor was Marcus Aurelius and his book was called Meditations.  (Actually the book was a compilation of his journal entries, made after he died in 180).  Our students had to evaluate the advice Marcus had for regular people to live their lives (and write about it).  We also had a great discussion in class about how many of Marcus’s thoughts were not so different from how people think today.  

   

Those of you who have visited my classroom know that it’s full of books. Those books are all related to lessons.  I love it when we can go beyond the textbook (more in-depth) and analyze primary sources from history.  Most other American students would not be exposed to such knowledge until they reach university.  But our middle school students can handle it just fine.    

Take care. 
Sincerely,
Lee Randazzo

Mr. Brian Nieh, still a big fan of Fans

I like fans. Remember this?

Fans are indeed pretty cool. So cool, in fact, that our dance conservatory gentlemen will use their fans to demonstrate the level of coolness in the Chinese dance featured in the upcoming Spring Spectacular recital titled Summer Fan Scholars.

In ancient China, it was typical and expected for gentlemen to develop both their minds and their bodies. This dance, choreographed by Mr. Mike, uses fans as props to blend graceful movements with powerful techniques, showcasing their mastery over their movements.

Mr. David Gallagher, English Teacher

In English class, we build skills and knowledge in reading and writing which are very important and necessary for success. However, just as important are the skills and attitudes that help students manage their time, work well with others, solve problems, and behave in an ethical manner. These abilities are known as transferable skills because they can be developed in one environment, such as the classroom, and then transferred to future environments, such as a university or the workplace. The absence of these skills in the workplace is called the “skills gap.” 

The success of our students is very important, not only because we personally want them to succeed, but also because our mission statement specifies that “the curriculum nurtures in students universal values and a sense of civic duty so they may positively contribute to the world.” Many of the transferable skills that students need to succeed at SFHSA are the same as those that will help them succeed in college and on-the-job, such as time management, teamwork, honesty, and responsibility. 

In English class, I require my students to hand in their assignments on time, collaborate effectively on group projects, take accurate notes, avoid plagiarism, and use school planners and Google Classroom to know when assignments are due rather than relying on the teacher to provide them with reminders. The lessons they learn as they develop these transferable skills will not always be easy and the consequences they experience on their way to mastering these skills may sometimes cause them to describe me as an overly-demanding or a “mean” teacher. But I am willing to bear this title, and to bear it proudly, if it helps our students to succeed.

Thank you,
Mr. Gallagher

Ms. Hannah Ogden, Theatre Arts Director

Our Musical Theatre students have been working hard all year, learning the fundamental skills of Acting, Singing, and Dance. We are proud to invite you to our final production of the 2022-23 school year, Charlotte’s Web the Musical! This classic story has been reimagined to include toe-tapping musical numbers that highlight all of the technique and skill that our students have built this year. Our performers have spent weeks building their characters, rehearsing their songs, and practicing choreography. Please join us on May 19th at 6 PM in Studio 2 to see our students in action for the final time this year!