Friday, July 12, 2019 - T.G.I.F! (Thank Goodness It’s FORMAN!)

Academic Update:  Mr. Burkhart's Academic Reading I class continued to incorporate the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching reading. Students were introduced to advanced phonetic concepts including morphology and word origins. Additionally, students completed a number of exercises that were devoted to providing them with strategies and skills to improve their reading comprehension. To conclude the week, students read Man from the South by Roald Dahl. While reading this short story, students were asked to annotate the text and utilize a graphic organizer to help piece together different aspects of the story. Using the graphic organizer helped students to organize their thoughts and have something tangible that they could refer to when discussing the multiple aspects of the story. Students enjoyed Dahl's creative and humorous writing style, and asked if they could continue to read short stories written by this famed author.

Activity Update:  The Forman School Gymnasium was alive today with the sounds of bouncing basketballs, clanking (errrr-I mean swishing) shots, and the high-spirited laughter and cheering that distinguishes any basketball practice.  Today players participated in skills and shooting challenges against one another to see who could score the most layups, free throws, and three-point shots.  And, because you never know when a last-second, championship-winning shot will be necessary, players practiced the ever-exciting half-court shot. They’ll surely be ready for any Housatonic Valley Athletic League (Forman’s own athletic conference), NCAA, or NBA Championship game now!  Players also worked on their ball handling and conditioning during their activity block today.

Students were treated to a Movie Night in the Student Center after dinner this evening.  They watched A Knight’s Tale (2001), a romantic- adventure-comedy set in medieval times.  In this movie, a young peasant pretends to be a knight to win glory and, of course, the heart of a fair maiden. SPOILER ALERT - he does both!  Students and staff enjoyed the typical movie snacks to complete their viewing experience. It was a great way to usher in our second weekend here at Forman Summer.