Fly Tying, Student Teaches the Class
In December, Erin’s biology class learned how to tie several fishing flies from Chrysalis student, Peter Anderson. Before tying a fly, fly fishers must know about fish feeding and territory behaviors as well as insect life cycles. Peter taught the class how to tie a midge dry fly called the Griffith’s Gnat and the ever popular Woolly Bugger, which is a wet fly or streamer. The class completed this project in two class periods.
Peter enjoys spending time in many outdoor activities. Fly fishing is one of his favorites. He recently built his own fly rods. Thanks for teaching us Peter!
Our Model
There are many things we do in our program to prepare our students for college. Instead of filling their day with the traditional, typical, intense instruction and homework, we model our program after colleges.
1. First, like most colleges, our classes do not meet every day. There is time between classes to do research and complete assignments independently rather than sit in class with other students and the teacher.
2. The time between classes is important for processing information, forming opinions about the concepts, and considering the relationships of new information and prior knowledge. It doesn’t look like much is happening at this stage but it is critical for long-term memory, understanding the subject in depth and the ability to thinking critically about the subject.
3. Students have a choice of the classes they want to take, the teacher, the time of day, and how they will cover the required material. They can choose textbooks, movies, games, computer simulations, field trips or field experiences to complete their coursework.
4. They learn to be independent and prioritize their workload. Once in college, students have to know how long it takes them to do an assignment, how well they can do on a given style of assignment, and manage their time and resources accordingly. Our students have a lot of practice with this type of work.
5. College students need to see their teachers as partners. Our students are used to that relationship because of our one-on-one instruction. This allows our students to feel comfortable seeking out college instructors during their office hours for critical assistance, giving them another advantage over students who see teachers as adversaries.
6. What college student doesn’t drop courses when their progress is suffering? As Kenny Rogers sang, “Know when to hold them and know when to fold them.” Our students learn to evaluate a teacher’s style and know if it is a strong style for them or weak style for them. You may have to drop that one impossible class in college to make the others work well. We encourage students to evaluate why a course is or is not working for them.
7. A rigorous curriculum is one that allows the learner to study a concept in depth and at a complex level. It doesn’t mean more homework.
Lyal’s Very Accurate View of his Kindergarten Day at Chrysalis
Chrysalis, The School
Once upon a time, there was a school called Chrysalis. Everybody at school was super fun and really nice. And, everybody at the school cared about everybody that was there.
When you come in, you check in. Then, you order lunch. Then, you go into class. Then, you have PE.
Then, you have study hall. In study hall you study math, reading, or whatever you need to do. You can get a snack if you want to! Snacks are good!
Then, you have lunch. And, after lunch you have recess. And, after recess you have drama or science. In those classes you do a lot of work but it’s fun. And, then you have PE again. Then you have study hall. You can get more snacks if you want, but first you have to check your lunch to see if your mom packed you some.
Then, when study hall is done, you check out. Then, you get picked up and you get ready to come back tomorrow.
THE END
*Transcribed by Sarah Viers
In Memory of Kyle Meyer
Chrysalis student Kyle Meyer passed away Thursday, October 31, 2013. We will miss him greatly and send our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.
A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Kyle Meyer is scheduled for Thursday November 7 at 1:00PM.
Chrysalis High School
15900 Woodinville-Redmond Rd, Woodinville, WA 98072
Kyle loved Chrysalis because of the wonderful teachers and friends he made. He enjoyed all the latest technology gadgets, used for videotaping, playing music and computer games, and connecting with his friends and family on Facebook. His favorite hobby was Magic The Gathering.
Kyle’s inquisitive mind and witty nature will be missed by us all. He always had a kind or joking word for everyone he met.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kyle Meyer Scholarship Fund, send to:
Chrysalis School
ATTN: Kyle Meyer Scholarship Fund
14241 NE Woodinville Duvall Rd #243
Woodinville, Washington 98072
or online: