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Hopewell and Bridgepoint Academies will integrate and provide transitional, academic, and therapeutic services to special needs students in a safe, nurturing, and predictable environment to ensure the positive, long-term growth of the students' academic and emotional lives.

Students joined a live virtual event with Matthew McConaughey and special guests. McConaughey had an interactive discussion on how you can create a future you can look forward to. His encouraging words gave insight on how to close the gap between where you are & where you want to be. Students enjoyed the motivational words and ideas on how to find happiness and success.

Ms. Berard's class recently completed an exciting genetics project that combined the science of genetics with everyone's favorite treat - cookies! This project aimed to teach students about dominant and recessive genes and how they relate to physical characteristics, using a plain sugar cookie and different toppings as phenotype options. Students were given a plain sugar cookie as their "genetic canvas" and a variety of toppings as their phenotype options. By selecting different toppings, such as sprinkles, icing and colored sugars students were able to create unique combinations that represented different genotypes and phenotypes. The cookie genetics project was a fun and engaging way to teach students about genetics and the science of heredity.

As part of social studies, students researched facts on a country and reported about it. They Gained knowledge about new places and different cultures and to accept and respect differences, as well as to look for the similarities between countries.

Students participated in a hands on active restoration project at Four Rivers Forrest Preserve. They learned how non-native species, are introduced in the environment and what allows them to outcompete native species. In addition, key ecological principles of diversity, competition and endangered species are part of the discussion. Students collected seeds, removed non-native species and planted native plants.

Students studied Fine Art this summer which had benefits such as promoting self-esteem, motivation, aesthetic awareness, cultural exposure, creativity, and improved emotional expression. Hopewell visited The Forge, a music venue downtown Joliet. While there, students toured behind the scenes and received a tutorial on the lights and sound boards.

The Strange and Unusual Art Gallery visited Hopewell Academy this summer. Artists from the gallery shared their stories and their journey of becoming an artist. After they presented students created a collage project depicting what is important to them.

Transition students built garden boxes to plant vegetables and herbs that the school can use for upcoming cooking projects. While building students learned:

• How to use common tools.
• Basic safety practices.
• Measuring skills.
• The difference in hardware and fasteners.
• Simple cuts and sanding techniques.

Some students are working on increasing their typing skills and speed. Improving this skill will assist with college work, job skills and everyday living. Science has linked typing to helping activate new memory muscles and build more active and strong cognitive connections that in turn will enhance overall brain capacity and function. Below is a link to practice typing basics and improve quantity and quality.

Students went on various field trips and outings. These trips not only provide a fun and educational experience but also allow students to socially interact with both their peers and people in the community. Some of the outings included: Cache Creek, Shedd Aquarium, Petland,

IKEA, Gost Coffee, local restaurants and several community parks.

Email: questions@hopewellschools.com
Website: www.hopewellschools.com
Location: 1009 South Briggs Street, Joliet, IL, USA
Phone: 815-463-9655
Twitter: @hopewell_2005