Girls learning, leading, succeeding
Academics
Academics
The Middle School
Resources
Dana Hall School offers a dynamic and challenging academic program within a nurturing, caring environment. The faculty encourages students to ask questions, learn from each other, take the initiative to master the content of their course work, and acquire life-long learning skills. Dana Hall offers a variety of academic resources to assist students in meeting these goals.
Academic support begins with the expert instruction of the classroom faculty who use a variety of pedagogical techniques to teach students in their classes. Dana Hall's Middle School Learning Specialist is available for consultation if a student is having particular academic difficulty in several of her classes. The Learning Specialist works in concert with the student's teachers, advisor, and family to develop an appropriate academic support plan drawing upon the available resources. For students with significant academic struggles, one-on-one support may be available for a limited period of time as determined by the Division Director. If students require on-going, one-on-one support, the Learning Specialist will help families find an outside tutor in the student's area of need and/or recommend educational testing when appropriate. While Dana Hall's students represent a variety of learning styles, including those with specific learning disabilities, it is important to note that the School is not able to serve all children or provide extensive remedial support. A list of the specific accommodations that can be made for students is available from the Learning Specialist.
Dana Hall’s Middle School also offers the following resources:
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Conference Period
Tuesday through Friday, the Middle School provides a 25 minute Conference/Study Period, a time during which all students and teachers are free. This is a valuable opportunity for students to talk with their teachers about concepts covered in class, review class notes, begin their homework, ask for feedback on an assignment, or prepare for a test. Conferences are typically small-group format. A Planning Period is also offered on Mondays.The Middle School faculty encourages its students to make use of the academic support available to them at the School. Ultimately, we would like each of our students to develop their skills so that they become resourceful learners in the classroom and in the world, capable of working independently and collaboratively, drawing upon the expertise and ideas of their teachers and fellow students.No fee is charged for any of these support services. They are open to all students on an as-needed and as-available basis. -
Study Hall
In order to assist students in making effective use of their time, the Middle School offers proctored study halls. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders may have one or two study halls during the school day each week. In addition, a supervised after-school study hall is provided Monday through Thursday, 4-5pm. Middle School students who are on campus during this time are expected to attend study hall.The Middle School faculty encourages its students to make use of the academic support available to them at the School. Ultimately, we would like each of our students to develop their skills so that they become resourceful learners in the classroom and in the world, capable of working independently and collaboratively, drawing upon the expertise and ideas of their teachers and fellow students.No fee is charged for any of these support services. They are open to all students on an as-needed and as-available basis. -
Math Lab
The Middle School Math Lab is available Monday and Thursday afternoons during after-school study hall. In Math Lab, students may review concepts covered in their math classes, do homework and ask for feedback, or receive assistance in preparing for upcoming tests or quizzes. Math Lab is coordinated by Math teacher Michele Gerdes; sessions are small-group format.The Middle School faculty encourages its students to make use of the academic support available to them at the School. Ultimately, we would like each of our students to develop their skills so that they become resourceful learners in the classroom and in the world, capable of working independently and collaboratively, drawing upon the expertise and ideas of their teachers and fellow students.No fee is charged for any of these support services. They are open to all students on an as-needed and as-available basis. -
English Lab
The Middle School English Lab is also open Mondays and Thursdays during after-school study hall. Assistance is provided on writing assignments at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to drafting to final editing. In addition, students may seek help in understanding assignments involving grammar, writing mechanics, vocabulary, and reading. The English Lab is coordinated by English teacher Winston Emmons; support is given in short, individual sessions.The Middle School faculty encourages its students to make use of the academic support available to them at the School. Ultimately, we would like each of our students to develop their skills so that they become resourceful learners in the classroom and in the world, capable of working independently and collaboratively, drawing upon the expertise and ideas of their teachers and fellow students.No fee is charged for any of these support services. They are open to all students on an as-needed and as-available basis. -
Super Study
Super Study is offered on Mondays from 3:30-4:30pm. If a student needs teacher assistance on a piece of homework, she may bring that assignment to Super Study and work on it with the guidance of the Middle School Learning Specialist, Sarah Eslick.The Middle School faculty encourages its students to make use of the academic support available to them at the School. Ultimately, we would like each of our students to develop their skills so that they become resourceful learners in the classroom and in the world, capable of working independently and collaboratively, drawing upon the expertise and ideas of their teachers and fellow students.No fee is charged for any of these support services. They are open to all students on an as-needed and as-available basis. -
Learning Strategies 6
Learning Strategies 6 is designed to facilitate the transition to sixth grade academic life at Dana Hall. The course focuses on developing the “skills of being a student” that can be applied to the students’ core academic classes. Direct instruction in such areas as organization and planner use, note taking, test preparation, and reading comprehension is provided. Study hall time is also a component of the course, allowing sixth graders the opportunity to practice their skills under the supervision of a teacher.The Middle School faculty encourages its students to make use of the academic support available to them at the School. Ultimately, we would like each of our students to develop their skills so that they become resourceful learners in the classroom and in the world, capable of working independently and collaboratively, drawing upon the expertise and ideas of their teachers and fellow students.No fee is charged for any of these support services. They are open to all students on an as-needed and as-available basis.
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Dance
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Poetry project
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Spanish III Honors
Favorite Class
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Francesca
"In my Literature Composition I class we did a poetry unit before winter break. Our poetry project was in collaboration with a school in Turkey. We created our own websites to display our works of poetry. The last day of school before winter break we were able to Skype with the kids from the school in Turkey, and it was so much fun to interact with students who were so far away. We were able to learn what their school was like, and how their classes worked."-Francesca
