Walker School Freshmen Participate in 'Character Cornerstone Day'

From The Walker School:

Freshman students at The Walker School in Marietta took part this month in a “Character Cornerstone Day” as part of the school’s unique Ninth Grade Experience program. The program is designed to prepare students for success in high school and beyond.

While many schools have unique opportunities when students reach their junior and senior years, Walker has chosen to start a bit earlier. The program brings to the ninth grade the focus and intensity it has given to its Public Health Concentration, Advanced Placement offerings, and Senior Project.

Students and faculty members broke into groups and spent the morning packing medical supplies at MedShare, sorting canned goods at MUST Ministries, planting trees with Trees Atlanta, and spending time with foster children at Foster Care Support Foundation.

Upon returning to campus, freshmen then had the chance to register for classes as part of the upcoming Winterim session. The three-week “mini-term” allows students to choose from a variety of short courses that are built into their existing school schedule. Classes allow for a greater degree of experiential learning and creative problem solving than can be incorporated into a standard curriculum.

Educators have the chance to showcase their areas of interest and expertise, allowing teachers and students see each other in a new light. Some of the students’ options for this year include “Who Tells Your Story? Exploring Hamilton,” “The Virtual Tourist,” “You Are What You Eat,” “Breakout (‘escape room’ for the classroom),” “Track and What?” and more.

Photo courtesy of the Walker School