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GWCCAT Principal's Newsletter
End of First Quarter
Principal's Letter
Hello, Carver Center Families, Alumni, and Community Members!
November 3 marks the end of the first quarter, and what a productive quarter it has been! As one of our teachers pointed out, we helped our freshman acclimate to high school and so many NEW things—new school, new social group, new teachers, new classes. We welcomed them into the Carver culture and the Carver Cornerstone for Learning—Respect yourself. Respect Others. Respect your work. Respect their work.
For our sophomores, juniors, and seniors, they have acclimated to an addition to our grading expectations designed to allow some flexibility but hold them accountable for timeliness. Last year, we found too many students waiting to do work and leaving too much to be completed at the interim or end of the quarter. We saw this causing too much stress and anxiety for students. Teachers are reporting that the implementation of the “Last Date Accepted” resulted in much better rates of work completion and submission than they saw last year. In addition to reducing some anxiety, we also hope that timely work completion benefits learning. For questions about the LDA, please refer to the website for the explanatory document.
We are gearing up for American Education Week November 13-17. Families should have received a mailing with the schedule and an opportunity to sign up in advance so we can prepare for your visit and reduce your wait time. If you do not receive our automated voice messages and e-mails, please call the office to be sure that we have an accurate number and email address for you.
Our eleven primes have been so busy! I’m thrilled to share the highlights of their first quarter work below.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Trivas, principal
Upcoming Events
- Literary Coffeehouse, Friday, November 10, 2023, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
- Diwali Observed, Monday, November 13, 2023, Schools Closed to Students
- American Education Week, November 14-17, 2023
- Carver Center Theatre Presents, Museum, Thursday, November 16-18.
See the Carver Center website for tickets. https://carverhs.bcps.org/
Prime Highlights
The Power of Age--Cosmetology
FX Make-up Class
Culinary Smiles
DANCE
The freshmen class is off and running! They are already feeling a strong sense of connection and community. My personal highlight was their "Spinal Anatomy" presentations where they researched a section of the axial skeleton and created dances studies which featured their assigned section.
At our Magnet Showcase, the Sophomore performed "A House Divided," and the junior dancers performed "Trinity." The juniors are also preparing to lead cultural dance sessions for the upcoming Culture Fest. They have also been showing student choreography during Wildcat Time performances. We are so proud of their creative work!
Senior dance performed "Pneuma" at the Black Choreographer's Festival at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore City. The senior classalso performed the piece “Divergent” in the Maryland Choreographers Dance Festival at Publick Playhouse.
They were outstanding. College applications and acceptances are starting to come in with positive results. Members of the Inertia Dance Company are participating in community outreach through lecture/demonstrations at magnet middle school programs.
Lastly, the NHSDA has begun their annual food drive! We are collecting non-perishable food items until Thanksgiving break! Please support our organization in helping the hungry.
LITERARY ARTS
- · Our students went to UMBC for a humanities day and writing workshop.
- · They also launched this year's edition of Synergy with our Synergy Under the Sun coffeehouse.
- · Seniors have been connected with Goucher writing students and community writers to begin one to one editing work on their thesis manuscripts.
- · Sophomores completed their poetry seminar with Carver poet-in-residence Shirley Brewer, who brought her signature "plorking" style (play+work) to writing poetry.
- · The Journalism Club, Catalyst, will be releasing the first print edition of the paper in one week, which will also launch this year's online edition of the paper. link: carvercentercatalyst.com
- · Our next coffeehouse is this coming Friday: Synergy Under the Sea in the main Theatre at 7pm!
THEATRE (Acting and Design and Production)
The Theatre Department took its first field trip in 5 years to go see one of its own, Megan Anderson-Prue (class of '96) star as Nora in Everyman Theatre's production of A Doll's House. It was a gripping performance of a new translation/adaptation of the play which enthralled our students.
The department kicked off the first of its five shows this season in early October with our production of the original work Ominous Nights directed by Ms. Young. The piece collaged selections from classic horror poetry together alongside original video, and live radio play foley sound effects to create a haunting new piece. We're already in rehearsal for our next production, Museum by Tina Howe, directed by Ms. Hall, which will play November 16-18 at 7pm in the Black Box.
We've been excited to welcome our new students, see the growth of our existing students, and see the possible next steps for our seniors as they have already begun the college audition and portfolio review process, with some already receiving acceptances to top programs!
COSMETOLOGY
On October 7, Cosmetology students hosted a Saturday Salon Day for Friends and Family who had appointments to receive services and to offer our students hands-on experience.
Our Cosmetology students attended the Power of Age field trip to Timonium Fairgrounds where they practiced providing services to those attending. Carver students completed over 100 manicures for some very happy clients!
Starting on October 25, cosmetology students participated in a four-week FX Make-Up Class to earn credit through CCBC. Students did an amazing job and displayed their creations for voting.
DIM
Digital Instrumental Music seniors are immersed in writing and producing their individual year-long Senior Album projects, which range in styles from jazzy funk rock to musical theater to dubstep pirate shanties. DIM ensembles are currently exploring "what makes a catchy tune catchy" in order to write children's songs, which will be shared with BCPS elementary music students for a vote on which DIM group wrote the catchiest tune. The culminating DIM event of the 1st marking period was the annual DIM The Lights concert of horror-themed music, which presented a cheering crowd with the wide diversity of talent and creativity in the DIM prime, including heavy metal violin, classical guitar, a student-written mashup of Abba with Phantom of the Opera, music from films and video games, a string and percussion quintet, and several varieties of rock, pop, folk, and R&B music.
CULINARY
Freshman have been practicing knife cuts, both stick and dice. That product was used to make stocks which I demonstrated for them. They have done some basic baking in the way of biscuits, scones, and cookies. The next unit they will be learning about sauce-making ingredients, techniques, and methods.
Sophomores have been preparing all semester to take the NRA Servsafe exam in mid-November. Passing the exam will result in a national certification for the students. They have been honing their baking skills, producing biscuits, cookies, and pies.
Juniors developed menus for next year, which they will tweak during the last semester. Juniors have also been studying heat transfer and cooking methods, dry, wet, and combination. For the past few weeks, they practiced a combination cooking method called stewing, and sauce-making for soups. They learned how to break down a whole chicken.
Seniors did recipe conversions for their menus. Seniors learned how to break down whole chickens. The seniors are learning how to make pan sauces and practicing sautéing proteins. They are also making soups.
All classes are making Dutch apple pies in preparation for the Holidays.
IT/IMP
Students in IMP3 have created original character along with animation rigs to be included in short cartoons or in game projects.
Oxide Games has offered to send speakers from their development company to talk about some of their experiences in the industry and answer student questions.
VOCAL
Vocal has gotten off to a great start this year. Our students in 11th and 12 grade sang French and German art songs in the October recital. Our 9th graders are currently preparing British art songs for a recital on 11/8 and the 10th graders are preparing Italian art songs for the same recital.
Our seniors have been applying to colleges and preparing for the music school auditions, using repertoire they have performed in their time here, as well as challenging themselves with some new rep. We can’t wait to start hearing about acceptances and scholarships!
Six of our students auditioned and were selected for All County Ensembles.
VISUAL ARTS
Our Visual Arts students started the year off with their summer work show, which was on of the best shows ever! The department hosted a successful Visual Arts Junior Parent Information Night. We are hosting a variety of art college visits in the AP studio. Our seniors are applying for Young Arts awards and colleges. Following a great showing at the Magnet Open House, the department is preparing for the upcoming magnet assessments.
CARPENTRY
Our carpentry students started quarter one with the sophomores working on their OSHA certification. All of our classes have had time in the shop. Our carpentry teacher resigned after the first quarter, and we are actively searching for another teacher. We all members of our community spreading the word to anyone who may be interested.
CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION
SGA organized homecoming spirit week and the annual fall pep rally to celebrate all fall athletes. Homecoming week culminated with a Spooky Soirée - Carver’s Homecoming Dance.
BLACK AWARENESS CLUB
The Black Awareness Club trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture was a profound and enriching experience for the students. Here are some highlights from the visit:
4th Floor Arts Showcase: The students found the 4th floor particularly enjoyable as it showcased a diverse range of arts, including acting, singing, dancing, visual arts, and fashion. This resonated with the students, reflecting the various aspects of their studies and interests within the realm of arts and culture.
Emmett Till Exhibit: One of the most impactful moments for many students was the Emmett Till exhibit. The emotional connection was strong as they realized that Emmett Till was the same age as them. The exhibit's portrayal of Emmett's brutal beating and the open casket was deeply moving, providing a stark reminder of the historical injustices faced by African Americans.
Emotional Impact: The exhibit on Emmett Till touched the students on a personal level, eliciting strong emotions. Seeing someone their own age subjected to such violence was a powerful reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by previous generations in the fight for civil rights.
Waterfall and Inspirational Quotes: The waterfall on the 4th floor, accompanied by inspirational quotes on the wall, left a lasting impression on the students. The combination of the natural element and thought-provoking words created a serene and reflective atmosphere, inspiring the students to contemplate the significance of the African American experience throughout history.
Educational Experience: The entire trip served as an educational and eye-opening experience for the students, allowing them to connect with their heritage, gain a deeper understanding of historical events, and appreciate the resilience of the African American community.
Overall, the trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture provided the Black Awareness Club with a meaningful and memorable experience that will likely influence their perspectives and appreciation for their cultural heritage.
LATINX CLUB
Carver’s Hispanic/Latinx Awareness Club celebrated National Hispanic Heritage month by creating a book display in the library media center featuring authors of Latin descent, organizing a school supply drive for students in need, promoting Hispanic Heritage facts on Instagram and the morning announcements. They also started a peer support program, offering English Language Learner support along with a TESOL certified teacher during Wildcat Times.
SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY
The Spanish Honor Society celebrated Dio de los Muertos or Day of the Dead by setting up a beautiful display for their peers to enjoy.