Pitsco Synergistic Suites
Piper USD #203 High School
2012-2013
Teacher: Mr. Chris Brindle
Room: 116 & 106/202
Contact Info:
School: (913) 721-2100
Email: Plan periods: P3 & W3
I will be available at 7:15am to answer any questions students may have about the course.
Course Description:
Pitsco Harbors is an elective class at Piper High School. Responding to the need for an applied learning curriculum at the high school level, Pitsco developed Synergistic Suites. Synergistic Suites is a patented process for teaching core content and teamwork as well as providing relevancy at the high school level. Six students work together in a Synergistic Suite, exploring an in-depth topic for nine weeks. Students work through cycles of gaining and applying knowledge while building essential skills like problem solving, communication, and teamwork. A Synergistic Suite is based around progressively more difficult challenges, during which students must learn and then apply topic-specific core content towards the solutions. Successful completion of the challenges requires a mastery of both core content concepts and real-world skills.
Course Objectives:
Students acquire a foundation in technological material, energy, and information. Challenged by laboratory activities, students create new ideas and innovations, build systems, and analyze technological products. They work in groups to build and control systems with engineering in the development of a technology.
Vision Statement for student exit-outcomes:
At the end of this course, students should be able to
- Get along and work well with others
- Communicate with others
- Be responsible, make ethical decisions
- Solve problems, discover the relevancy of teamwork
Daily Materials Required:
1. Day Planner
2. Writing implements- pens and pencils
3. Notebook for notes; loose-leaf paper for assignments to be handed in.
Course Evaluation:
Grades are based upon completion of the following:
- Electronic Assessment (varies)
- Student Portfolios (20% of each Harbor Rotation)
- Participation & Cooperation, Daily Evaluation (50% of each Harbor Rotation)
- Presentation (25% of each Harbor Rotation)
- Peer Evaluation (varies)
Total Points achieved by the Student = % Class Grade / Total Points in Class
A = 100 – 90 %
B = 89 – 80 %
C = 79 – 70 %
D = 69 – 60 %
Class Expectations:
1. Every student is expected to complete all readings and assignments so that they are prepared to participate in class.
2. Every student is expected to display respect of the opinions, comments, and ideas voiced by other students and the instructor. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HARBOR WITHOUT PERMISSION!
3. Every student is expected to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in the Student Handbook. No Cell Phones or Music Players in the classroom. No Food or drinks except bottled water.
4. All assigned work will be written neatly in ink on loose-leaf paper or typewritten as required by the instructor. NAME, DATE, HOUR on all assignments.
5. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR FULL CREDIT!!! All homework will be turned in when I ask for it. You can turn in late work for 1/2 credit the next day. If you are sick you will have 2 class periods to make up the assignment, or test that you missed.
6. Absent work is to be made within 2 class periods of returning to school. However, previously announced quizzes, tests, projects and assignments are due on the dates assigned.
7. Every student is expected to listen and take notes as required in class. In order to do this, each student will bring his or her planner, folder, and supplies to class EVERYDAY.
8. Each student is expected to take care of all equipment in the lab.
9. The safety rules are very important. Each student must abide by the safety guidelines and put safety first in all situations!
10. Teacher/Class Detentions will be dealt with on an individual basis. Any student who receives a class detention will serve that detention within 36 hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:25 a.m. in my classroom. Make appropriate transportation arrangements. Any teacher detention that is not served within the 36 hours will result in an automatic office referral.
11. I have 3 Rules for my classroom: 1) Be on Time and Prepared 2) Don’t Throw Anything
3) DO THE RIGHT THING
Classroom Tips:
1. Be on time, do the right thing, and don't talk when the teacher or a classmate is talking.
2. LISTEN, then READ all instructions attentively before beginning assignments.
3. Keep up on all assignments and REVIEW notes in preparation for Presentations.
4. Use your planner daily.
5. ASK FOR HELP when you need it. I am available for assistance before and after school or during seminar.
Please sign and return parent signature page attached to this syllabus.Pitsco Synergistic Suites
Parent Signature Page
(To be turned in to Mr. Brindle for your first points of the semester.)
I acknowledge receipt of the Pitsco Synergistic Suites syllabus and the handout of P.S.S. guidelines. I have read and understand the contents. Furthermore, I understand that my student will be held accountable for the requirements listed. Safety and respect for all equipment and people is of utmost importance.
Parent/Guardian Signature:______
Student’s name:______
Parent Contact Information
Many times throughout the year I will send out e-mail reminders to parents of students in the Pitsco Harbors classes regarding due dates, upcoming projects, and schedules. In addition, I try to make periodic phone calls to parents to update them on student progress. Please provide me with the most complete contact information that you can. Feel free to contact me at any time with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have. Thank you!
Parent/Guardian names:______
(please print)
______
Do you have Internet access at home? Yes or No (Circle One)
Parent e-mail address:______
______
Parent Phone numbers—Please indicate with an * the number you would prefer me to use.
Home:______
Work:______
Cell:______
If necessary, please provide names and information for any other family member or guardian who I might need to contact throughout the course of the year.
Pitsco Synergistic Suites
Personal Info Sheet
2011-2012
*Name:______*Grade:______Class Period:___
*Parents-(names)/occupations optional):______
Brothers or Sisters (names, any at Piper, alumni): ______
*Hobbies/Interests- (collecting, skiing, etc.)
______
*Sports/Extra Curricular Activities: (football, gymnastics, boy scouts) ______
Top 3 favorite web sites ______
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One thing exciting that happened over the Christmas Break: ______
Where and what do you want to be when you are 30? ______
______
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Who is the most influential person, or persons in your life, and why? (parents, sports figures, teachers, etc.) ______
______
*What is your favorite quote? ______
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What do you want to get out of this course? ______
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