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March 16, 2017
by: Keira Collin, Étude Studios Writing Intern

Building Community through Town Hall

As clusters of students and staff alike filter into the IDEAS Academy Drama Room, there is animated chatter that is only heightened by an air of anticipation. An advisory cohort gathers in a tight circle in the front of the room, heads bowed closely together to shield their secrets from the rest of the group. As the entirety of the school settles, a student steps ahead of the group and hollers:

“HANG TEN!” and throws their arms into the air, counting down to quiet the excitement of the room.

This assembly is known dearly to those of IDEAS by the name Town Hall. Town Hall occurs every Wednesday morning and functions much like its namesake: to gather as a school in order to share announcements, broadcast concerns, recruit collaborators, and to bond as a community that is deeply rooted in decency and trust. Each gathering has a similar layout.

First, a roll call commences to insure that all advisories are present. This is usually prompted with the embellishment of a hand movement, a word, or a clap.

Then, announcements are called. Prior to the Town Hall, students and staff are asked to fill out a form that calls for the details of the announcement they would like to deliver. This is a time for members of the community to ask for help with projects, advertise events within classes and in the community, recruit peers into Camp Étude clubs, and speak about important issues or happenings within the school.

The announcements are usually followed with an activity. Each week, a different advisory is assigned to prepare an activity for all of the others to compete in. These encourage advisees to bond and work together as a team in innovative ways to reach a shared goal.

This week, advisor and teacher Molly King’s advisory modeled a Town Hall after The Oscars as a sort of send off to appreciate the seniors who will soon be graduating. After sending out a survey through e-mail to allow the school to vote for titles such as “Most likely to write a best-selling book series,” or “Most tech-savvy,” the students created awards and a Mad Lib-esque outline for an acceptance speech that would be written and read by each advisory. With the red carpet rolled out invitingly, students got the chance to appreciate each other and cheer their friends on whilst practicing their skills of collaboration and thinking on the spot.

To close the weekly meetings, hands shoot up to share appreciations towards each other. These are to thank teachers for extra help, shed light on the good deeds of peers, and to recognize those who strive to do good in the community. Students leave after each meeting with a renewed sense of togetherness and a refreshed attitude towards their learning. Town Hall is a pillar of strength and trust for the IDEAS Academy community.

Photography by Madison O'Brien, Étude Studios Photography Intern


March 6, 2017
by: Keira Collin, Étude Studios Writing Intern

IDEAS Student Receives Honorable Mention

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Screen Shot 2017 03 06 at 5.12.14 PM Hannah Staats, a senior at IDEAS Academy, was awarded with an honorable mention throughout the Midwest for her writing portfolio. She submitted a group of works compiled mostly of flash fiction, poetry, and some prose to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

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March 6, 2017
by: Keira Collin, Étude Studios Writing Intern

IDEAS Student To Be In Navy’s Nuclear Program

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Screen Shot 2017 03 06 at 5.04.46 PM I spoke with Jeremy Sharp, a senior at IDEAS Academy who recently enlisted in the United States Navy’s Nuclear Program. Below, Sharp talks of his future plans, worries, and offers his advice to others hoping to follow a similar path.

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February 28, 2017
by: Erica Brown

I.D.E.A.S. Academy Shadow Day

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I.D.E.A.S. Academy is hosting a Shadow Day on Tuesday, March 14th.

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February 6, 2017
by: Keira Collin, Étude Studios Writing Intern

IDEAS has a volunteer culture

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During Exhibitions of Learning (EoLs) at IDEAS Academy, a group of dedicated students volunteer their time to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently. Volunteer positions include curating the gallery for gallery walks, timing presentations, ushering at Jake’s Cafe, managing sound equipment, and introducing presenters.

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January 30, 2017
by: Erica Brown

Information Night

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I.D.E.A.S. Academy and The Mosaic School are hosting an Information Night on Tuesday, February 7th, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in room 3402. Please invite friends and families to learn more about The Mosaic School and I.D.E.A.S. Academy. Staff and students guide tours and will be available to answer questions about the program.

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January 6, 2017
by: Keira Collin, Étude Studios Writing Intern

IDEAS students spread kindness before the holidays

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The IDEAS Academy class of 2017 along with facilitator Karen Robison developed a calendar for the month of December with daily prompts for students to complete in order to spread kindness throughout the school before winter vacation.

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January 2, 2017
by: Erica Brown

Shadow Day

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IDEAS Academy will be hosting a Shadow Day on February 2nd. Shadow day is designed to give students an opportunity to explore the many opportunities offered at I.D.E.A.S. Academy. The morning begins with a team building activity, followed by attending classes and ends with a question and answer session. If you are interested in attending, please contact Erica Brown at ebrown@etudegroup.org.

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January 2, 2017
by: Erica Brown

Information Night

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Help us share the great things that happen at our school by inviting your friends and families to attend our Information Night on Thursday, January 26th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in room 3402. Please join us!

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December 14, 2016
by: Keira Collin, Étude Studios Writing Intern

IDEAS students attend writing festival

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Before dawn broke on Wednesday, November 16, a group of IDEAS Academy writers boarded the bus heading to the UW-Whitewater Creative Writing Festival. The festival, an annual tradition for 32 years, is an opportunity for writers at the high school level to acquire constructive feedback on their work. It also allows them an audience to build upon their skill of presenting and public speaking.

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