Pen Pal Program
Our students in grades K-6 are invited to participate in the Laurel Springs Pen Pal program. Parents work with members of our faculty to connect children based on factors such as grade level, hobbies, and personal interests. It is a wonderful way for young children to build relationships with other Laurel Springs students who are located nearby or on the other side of the world. Our Pen Pal program also encourages the development of essential reading and writing skills in an enriching, relaxed environment.
If you are interested in being matched with a pen pal, please complete the Pen Pal Form, and allow up to 7-10 business days to receive your pen pal list. Parental approval is required before this request is processed. The Pen Pal Program has completed its registrations for fall 2011, and will re-open for new members in January 2012.
Clubs
Our online clubs are a key part of our virtual school community. Beginning in 7th grade, our students may participate in clubs, which deepen relationships and provide the opportunity to work collaboratively. Members socialize with fellow students who share the same interests, talents and goals. Students gather in the context of a stimulating, inviting and secure online environment, where they talk to each other in real time and dive deeply into subjects that interest them. Under the guidance of our experienced, dynamic teachers, students work together on club projects and activities. Examples of clubs which may be active at any given time are described below:
Art
This club is open to students who are passionate about art. Art Club offers a combination of application and appreciation for art. Whether you love to simply admire artwork or prefer to create your own masterpieces, this club is for you. We consider various art forms and how they have contributed to mankind through the ages, review works of the masters, learn to critique without criticism, and experiment with a variety of media. This club offers students the opportunity to explore our inner selves through personal artistic expression, enjoy lively discussions, share ideas and suggestions, display our finished works, and together, take great pleasure in this common bond: the love of art.
Chess
Chess Club is for students who are intrigued by, or even just curious about, the game of chess. We meet to play friendly games of chess. For those interested, we hold a chess tournament in June. Along the way, we learn some of the special moves and strategies for developing a winning game. We also have some fun looking at the fascinating history of the game of chess and great chess masters of the past.
Creative Writing/Poetry
Creative Writing Club members write and publish the Laurel Springs Vision student newsletter and Voices Magazine, published each quarter. The club is for students who enjoy writing and reading poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Through peer editing and a monthly meeting, students improve their creativity and craft.
Environmental Club
The Environmental Club is for students who care about keeping our air and water clean, our wildlife protected, and our planet safe for ourselves and future generations. We examine the controversial issues that make the news as well as those that don’t. Students discover how these issues affect their own communities, as they share ideas and strategies for what they can do to make a difference.
Film
This club is open to students who have an interest in the art of filmmaking. Students discuss all aspects of do-it-yourself movie-making, from contemporary technologies to development of screenplays. Students learn where they can share their work and what to consider if they are thinking about a career in the film industry. Expertise or previous experiences are not pre-requisites for this club.
French
This club is open to students of the French language who would like to have a real experience of French and France, in a highly interactive environment. Our goal is to use the skills already acquired in the language and go on a discovery journey of France, its landscapes, and all aspects of its culture.
Model United Nations
The Model United Nations Club engages is an authentic UN simulation in which students learn the skills of debate, compromise, conflict resolution and negotiation. Model UN team members have fun learning about the workings of world diplomacy through the lens of current events.
Music
The music club is open to students who love, create or live for music. Our goal is to celebrate, educate, support, inspire, create, listen to and express our love of the spirit of music. Students create songs online and explore ideas of how sound, song, and community are affected by the expression of music.
Science
Members of the science club explore the mystery and discovery of science in its many forms. Students participate in inquiries about the natural world and its phenomena, in a quest to gain a deeper and often useful understanding of the world.
Technology
The technology club is a forum for networking, discussing, educating and encouraging interests that incorporate technology. The overall goal is for students to enhance their education and life experience, through discussions of how technology can have a positive impact on our lives. The students discuss and share the positive impact of technology in our lives.
Private Online Social Network
Beginning in 7th grade, our students and families can collaborate and make friends within our secure social network environment, My Laurel Springs. Our students can participate in online clubs, find new friends, pair up with study buddies, and share their creative expressions. Parents can join various groups, meet other parents, and engage in discussion groups related to distance learning. Our private social network is a valuable tool that promotes both academic collaboration and builds friendships that span across state and national boundaries. Our students are able to develop and maintain relationships without regard for challenges such as different time zones or family mobility.
Students who are under age 13 but in 7th grade may participate in our private social network with their parents’ permission; please complete this form in order to gain access.
Symposia
Laurel Springs students are encouraged to attend our series of symposia, called “Meetings with Remarkable Men and Women.” These live, exclusive events are held about once a month, and feature inspiring stories from speakers who are leaders in their fields. During each symposium, your children can ask questions, offer comments, and engage in discussions with experts and their peers. Past speakers have included an astronaut, an environmentalist, a South Pole explorer, and a documentary film maker.
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