Monthly Archives: January 2012

Students Visit to Radio Station during RSEC Student Intensives Week

JANUARY 30, 2012 – Intensives Week is an opportunity to explore less conventional subject matter and get out of the classroom, and several RSEC students took a musical field trip in late January that included some studio time at the Boston-based The River 92.5 radio station. Eight students had a chance to see DJ Rita Cary in action and record and play back their voices, among other music-related activities that filled their day in Boston.

These high school students spent the day touring the Berkeley School of Music, meeting with a local drummer in a rock band, and dining at the Hard Rock Café and enjoying its musical atmosphere and memorabilia. The highlight for many was going to The River studio, meeting a DJ who was on air, and seeing the on site performance studio where bands like The Verve and Coldplay have played live and left behind their signatures on the studio walls.

Dianne Hunter had a connection with Rita Cary, who she met at a concert. They connected by e-mail and she asked if the kids could come to the studio. “We were introduced to the entire staff. They were wonderful and really sweet and spent a lot of time with the kids,” said Dianne Hunter, a teacher who accompanied the students on the trip. We watched her do her live show, learned how they organize songs into their queue, and the students even had an opportunity to record themselves speaking or singing and then hear what they sounded like. The kids loved it – they were very excited,” she added.

Intensives week takes place in between terms. The students select the subject matter, work with the staff to plan out the week and then sign up for the subject in which they want to participate. Dianne Hunter had met Rita Carey at a concert and e-mailed her to see if a visit was feasible. The DJ responded positively and the visit was incorporated into the week.

The River 92.5 is one of few independent radio stations that have their own DJs on site and the students were advised that launching a career in radio is challenging. However, the focus of the week really was music, and it culminated in an effort by the students to write and record a song. They learned how challenging this was, but thoroughly enjoyed their week and the chance to visit places where music is taught, performed and played.

Challenges Abound for “The Future.”

JANUARY 2012

It was a week of challenges for the RSEC Academy intensive group “The Future.”

This adventurous bunch engaged in activities that showed them what life entails after high school. From touring colleges to writing resumes and learning interview tips and techniques, these students got a taste of the “real world.” Intensives Week at the Academy is an opportunity to explore less conventional subject matter outside of the classroom and takes place between terms.

“The Future” students faced a week of realistic life challenges that were new to many of them. They were put on a tight budget that required them to compare prices at local grocery stores to get everything they needed for breakfast and lunch all week – and then they had to cook it themselves! For many, this was the first time they fried an egg or flipped a pancake, but all the kids stepped up to the plate and prepared many delicious and nutritious meals.

“All week, in between cooking meals and cleaning boot camp, the group researched and planned for the culmination of the intensive week, which was a day trip to Boston. The students navigated the group from Amherst, NH to Cambridge, MA to reach the subway station, purchase T passes, and figure out how to ride the T – a new experience for many, and they only got on the wrong train once,” said RSEC teacher Sara Piper.

On foot, the students used maps and landmarks during a scavenger hunt through Public Gardens, the Common, Government Center, Faneuil Hall, and to the New England Aquarium – a great final destination to take a rest and watch the harbor seals, which was a highlight of the day for everyone.

“With the weather taking a turn, the group was forced to head north to NH earlier than planned, cutting our evening short to avoid getting caught in the storm. While the group was disappointed with having to cancel the dinner reservations and the sleepover at school they had organized, overall the day was a huge success, with the students truly taking on the city in all forms. After a full week of challenges, we can officially say: watch out world, the Future group is coming for you,” she added.

The RSEC Academy recognizes that students have a variety of learning styles. Intensives, which all Academy high school students are expected to participate in, provide hands-on and real life experiences to teach social skills and to build community. Students are challenged to work cooperatively, communicate effectively, and solve problems creatively while building their self awareness about social skills. Intensives allow students to take advantage of alternative educational settings and aim to strengthen student learning through unique opportunities for in-depth investigation of cultural and academic endeavors, social skills practice, and reflective methods.

Want to learn more about Intensives? Contact Us!