Fall 2019 Intersession: October 21-25
For all the intersessions through 9th grade, a Keith representative will be on hand. Registration and payment required by September 20.
Hi Ho Hi Ho, It’s Off to the Farm We Go
Pre-K3 | Cost: $195
Join us for a week in the life of a farmer! We will explore Angelic Organics Learning Center where their farm serves as a living classroom. Angelic Organics build sustainable local food and farm systems through experiential education. Students will have various hands-on learning opportunities at this amazing farm experience. They will continue their farm exploration at Keith Country Day School, where a couple of familiar Keith teachers will guide them through the farm life experience.
Worms, Chicks, and Bees…Oh My!
Jr. Kindergarten – Kindergarten | Cost: $195
The Discovery Center will host our Jr. K and Kindergarten students at their educational science museum. Students will observe chicks hatch, prepare and observe a worm farm, and explore the lives of bees and their importance in our ecosystem. Each learning opportunity will be paired with a literacy component, guest speakers, and musicians. Finally, students will also learn about healthy eating habits during snack and lunch.
Outdoor Exploration
1st – 4th Grade | Cost: $195
The Rockford Park District and the YMCA will lead our 1st–4th graders on an outdoor exploration where students will focus on environmental sciences. We will explore our environment beyond the walls of Keith Country Day School while focusing on team building, physical fitness, and participating in hands on experiences for outdoor living. The week will consist of one off campus field trip day and four days of outdoor exploration at Keith.
Medieval Times
5th – 7th Grade | Cost: $195
The first three days of the Medieval Times Intersession will feature both classes and handson activities. Under the direction of members of the Barony of Carraig Ban (Society of Creative Anachronism of DeKalb), students will explore Viking wire weaving, calligraphy, illumination, wood carving, medieval cooking and clothing. Other topics, such as raptors, archery, heraldry, literature, weaponry and combat, will be included. In addition to the
European middle ages, middle schoolers will study the middle ages of the world.
An overnight stay and two days of outdoor activities at Stronghold Castle will conclude the intersession.
Museum Science Research Program
8th-9th Grade | Cost: $195
Join us on a research adventure. This unique internship will bring students face to face with current science research, and provide a real-world, behind-the-scenes 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 well rounded 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.
College 101
10th–11th Grade | Cost: $195
Students will visit area colleges to tour the campus and meet with the admissions department. Colleges have scheduled to visit Keith School which will give students the opportunity to speak with representatives in
person to ask questions and determine admissions requirements. At the end of the week, there will be guest speakers that will conduct a workshop on how to prepare for the ACT, SAT, writing college essays and filling out
college applications.
Adulting 101
12th Grade| Cost: $115
Students will have the opportunity to visit the college(s) of their choice along with their families (scheduled on their own). They will also participate in a job shadow experience with a local business partner in a career area of interest.
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.
