Spring 2020 Intersession: February 24-28, 2020
For all the intersessions through 11th grade, a Keith representative will be on hand.
Registration and payment required by January 31.
Students in grades 5–12 can choose the Intersession of most interest to them as long as it falls into their grade level.
The STEAM Machine
Pre-K3
Cost: $185/student
The Discovery Center will host our Pre-K3 Cougars in their educational science museum and classroom. Our mini scientists will explore how science, technology, engineering, art, and math all work together. They will dive into coding, chemistry, physics, biology, space, and more! Don’t miss out on this in-depth hands-on learning experience!
Creativity StARTS Here
Jr. Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Grade
Cost: $185/student
It’s time to color outside the lines as we experience many forms of art. Our Jr. Kindergarten through 4th grade Cougars will experience everything from culinary arts to fine arts and performing arts. They will also experience how art and science are so closely intertwined. Students will take a tour around Rockford taking a deep dive into the world of art at SmARTy Pants Art Studio, Rockford Art Museum, Rockford Dance Company, Nicholas Conservatory, and Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center.
Museum Science Research Program
5th-12th Grade
Cost: $190
Join us on a research adventure. This unique internship at the Burpee Museum will bring students face to face with current science research, and provide a real-world, behind-thescenes look at career-oriented sciences. Students will enjoy time together in rich, unusual settings, solving problems together, and experimenting with cutting edge technology. Join us in our Biology Lab where we are preparing real animal specimens for education and collections, and learn about ecology, anatomy, museum preparation, and technique. Join us in the paleontology lab as we uncover new, and exciting fossils. Participants will gain a wellrounded appreciation for the different disciplines at the museum, utilize modern augmented reality technology, and learn about cutting-edge ways to share science with the general public from behind the scenes.
Gaming & Robotics
5th-12th Grade
Cost: $200 or become a sponsor by helping buy a robot for Keith’s Club at $400 and get the classes included!
Mornings will consist of robotics instruction, building and programing a robot, completion of task challenges in a graduated self-paced format, and work within a team to compete on a FIRST LEGO LEAGUE competition table. Afternoons will include lessons on computer hardware selection and setup, game strategy, how to create and host competitive video game tournaments, gaming skill development, and E-Sports opportunities including tournaments and scholarships. The sessions will be hosted at Open World Gaming which is an E-Sports Gaming LAN center. A visit to Collins Aerospace also is planned.
Test Prep
7th*-12th Grade
*Middle school students who wish to join must be enrolled in a high school math course to participate
Cost: $180. Includes test prep book and materials.
SAT Prep is designed to help prepare students for the SAT test. In addition to reviewing the basic verbal and mathematical skills assessed on the exam, students learn test-taking strategies specific to the test. Upon successful completion, students will possess the tools necessary to complete the SAT to the best of their ability.
Life Skills and Beyond!
5th-12th Grade
Cost: $150
Basic Self-Defense for Females
The course includes lecture, discussion and self-defense techniques suitable for women of all ages and abilities. Participants will have the opportunity to: raise their awareness of how women are attacked; learn risk reduction strategies through increased risk awareness, risk recognition, and risk avoidance; and practice hands-on self defense to resist and escape aggressive behavior directed toward them. This program is designed to empower participants to make safer choices when confronted with threatening behavior.
Basic Self-Defense for Males
The course includes lecture, discussion and self-defense techniques suitable for men of all ages and abilities. Participants will have the opportunity to: raise their awareness of aggressive behavior, recognize how aggressive behavior impacts their lives, learn steps to avoid aggressive behavior, consider how they can be part of reducing aggression and violence, and practice hands-on, self-defense skills to resist and escape aggressive behavior directed toward them. This program is designed to empower participants to make safer choices when confronted with aggressive behavior.
In addition to the self-defense sessions above, students will receive CPR training, participate in a forensics activity at UIC College of Medicine Rockford, and take a tour of safety facilities in Rockford. After participating in this session, students will have life skills to protect themselves, assist others in emergency situations and gain insight into multiple professions in the healthcare field.
Job Shadow
12th Grade
No known cost
Seniors have the opportunity to be a part of a job shadow experience with a community partner customized to their interests and needs.
Going Beyond
College Prep
Today’s students must be prepared to take on a world that is continually changing. At Keith, we recognize that tomorrow’s knowledge leaders need to be effective communicators, critical thinkers and strong problem-solvers. Our students will also need entrepreneurial attitudes and to be capable of working independently or in teams.
Announcing Intersessions
Keith Country Day School is proud to introduce a continuous learning model that not only prepares students for success in college, but also lives of meaning and purpose—making us the only school in the region to develop our students Beyond College Prep. Teaching them to indulge their curiosities, solve problems, draw conclusions and share ideas develops the skills they’ll need to be successful wherever life takes them.
Beginning with the 2019/2020 school year, we will enhance our already highly successful academic approach by extending the school year with two 1-week intersessions. We’ll increase the opportunities to four 1-week intersessions in the 2020/21 school year. We augment established classroom time with additional days of learning outside the traditional classroom. Intersessions offer programmed activities and opportunities appropriate for students at each grade level.
Each intersession meets Keith School’s high standards for student experience and learning and must be educationally, psychologically, emotionally and socially appropriate for the various grade level needs.
Community Involvement
We are fortunate to have a plethora of highly qualified and well-vetted business and partner organizations who are interested in creating valuable experiences for our students. Among the partners (not the full list) are:
• Burpee Museum of Natural History
• City of Rockford
• Collins Aerospace
• CoyleKiley Insurance
• Danfoss
• MercyHealth
• OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
• Rockford Bank & Trust
• Rockford Dance Company
• Rockford Park District
• Rockford University
• Rock Valley College
• SwedishAmerican
• UIC College of Medicine
• Woodward
These are real hands-on experiential learning opportunities designed to:
• Immerse students in the region’s many cultural treasures
• Connect students with community businesses, government agencies and non-profits
• Explore career options and help students discover their strengths and passions
• Develop an appreciation for lifelong learning
• Offer a bigger picture view of the world and their role in it
Intersession Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Keith introducing intersessions?
As the premier private school in the region, Keith is consistently bringing innovative ideas and energy to our educational approach to best prepare students for the continually changing world. Through intersessions, our students will have the opportunity to extend their learning through real-life, hands-on, experiential opportunities appropriate to their grade levels and interests.How will intersessions help my student?
Just as the expectations for future leaders are different today than 50 years ago, so too must be our student’s educational experience. To prepare our students for lives of meaning and purpose, Keith is extending learning beyond the traditional classroom to hands-on, real-life, immersive experiences that bring theory to life and learning to practice. All of our intersessions will ensure our students are inspired, their curiosity encouraged, and that they continue to explore a world of possibilities.What if we want to take a vacation during an intersession timeframe?
Intersessions are a valuable part of the Keith academic experience, so should be treated like any other school day. As with any time during the year, vacation time is approved by the students’ primary teacher.How much will intersessions cost?
While intersession costs may vary depending on variables like supplies, transportation, and accommodations, most intersessions are being developed with a total cost of participation for less than $200 for the entire week.Is food (lunch/snacks) included in the intersession?
To maintain a cost effective pricing structure for intersessions, food will not be included. We are asking that students bring a lunch/snacks each day.Will I need to take my student somewhere other than the school to attend an intersession?
Drop-off and pick-up will vary based on the program or host site for your child’s intersession. Please refer to the Intersessions Registration Form for transportation details and information.Will Keith faculty and/or administration be involved and onsite during all intersessions, whether on Keith’s campus or another site?
Yes, there will always be Keith faculty and leadership at every intersession.Who are the partners Keith is working with for intersessions?
We are fortunate to have a plethora of highly qualified and well-vetted businesses and partner organizations who meet our high standards of student care and curriculum needs. Examples of partners already interested in creating valuable experiences for our students include local hospitals, colleges, engineering firms, professional services organizations and regional museums and agencies. At the launch, we have more than 20 qualified partners.How are intersessions different at the Lower, Middle and Upper School?
All Keith intersessions meet our high standards for student experience and learning and must be educationally, psychologically, emotionally and socially appropriate for the various grade levels. As an example Lower School students may be exploring the natural world around them, Middle School students may be learning how local businesses protect natural resources and Upper School students may be job-shadowing careers in the environmental sciences.What if I/my spouse or my company has an interest in offering an intersession through our business?
We welcome all new opportunities and ideas to further enhance experiential learning for our students. If you have an interest in exploring an intersession or a topic to share, we ask you to forward them to Chris Doherty at chris.doherty@keithschool.net.
