Parent’s Guide to Rocket Stages Rocket Stages are required to help our students become well-rounded and engaged citizens. Academic accomplishments are important, but we also want our students to develop an appreciation for their role in contributing to the common good and in becoming responsible participants in a world that needs the actions of informed, committed and caring individuals.
Journal Writing We do this during advisory class. Entries should be about a page in length. Each advisory teacher handles this a bit differently. Entries are usually in response to a prompt of some kind.
Planner Time-management is important. Keeping a planner is an essential step toward organization and efficacy. The planner should include daily homework assignments, project due dates, school events, etc. It can be hard copy or digital.
Outside Reading We want our students to become avid readers. Rocket Stages Outside Reading is a chance for students to explore personal interests by reading books beyond what is required in the their coursework. Students need to have their selections okayed by their advisors. Book responses are prepared afterward as described below. There is a separate form for fiction and non-fiction.
Service Hours Learning the importance and satisfaction of giving something of themselves to the betterment of the world around them is important. Kids need to get out of their comfort zones and expend some time and energy toward improving the common good in an activity that they may not normally do. Hours can be earned in many ways such as stream clean-ups, tutoring at elementary schools, organizing a food drive, etc. School service counts as well, examples include helping at recruiting events, participating in parades and weeding our native plant garden. Hours can be earned in activities outside of TEC. Check with your advisor for approval. A write-up and verification are required.
Cultural Events Our ultimate goal is for our students to attend or participate in an event that is outside of their normal routine. In other words, to try something new and exciting that will broaden their outlooks on the world. There are many ways to fulfill this requirement including concerts, lectures, festivals, historic site and museum visits, nature walks and so on and so on. Check with your advisory teacher for approval. Periodic emails will be sent out with suggested activities. School-wide outings and assemblies do not count. A write-up and verification are required.
Portfolio The portfolio, quite simply, is a collection of a student’s best work in each subject.
Write-ups Outside Reading, Service Hours and Cultural Events require a written reflection and verification. The verification for service hours and cultural events could be a signature or note from an event organizer or maybe a program or photograph from an event. many teachers are doing this digitally with no printing involved. Submissions deemed short or insufficient will be returned for revision.
Failure to complete Rocket Stages can result in losing college classes!
