Site announcements

Memorial Day Poem

by Alta Wehmeyer -

Dear Parents and Students,

Red Poppies serve as a symbol of remembrance during the Memorial Day weekend. But where did this originate? In his poem 'In Flanders's Field' by Colonel John McCrae (1872-1918), he describes the scene where poppies bloomed in the torn up fields during World War I. 

In Flanders Fields

John McCrae - 1872-1918

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
    That mark our place; and in the sky
    The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
    Loved and were loved, and now we lie
        In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: 
To you from failing hands we throw
    The torch; be yours to hold it high. 
    If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
        In Flanders fields.


Poems are teachers that use the best language. I encourage you today to read poetry. It always inspires! You can find many more here: https://poets.org/

Celebrating Mothers!

by Alta Wehmeyer -
Dear Parents and Students,

Everyday I have gratitude for every parent who love and support their children. You are my ❣️ It is only with caring parents that students are positioned to succeed and thrive.

Today we celebrate mothers. Happy Mother's Day!

From where I am in my journey, I know the value of having good character because that is what ultimately shapes society. I stumbled across this beautiful inspiring story that touched my heart, and my hope is that it will touch your hearts too!  May we all leave generational legacies that will bring positive change for everyone!

Interesting Ted Talk

by Alta Wehmeyer -

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all doing well.

Salman Khan's perspectives on AI and how his organization deployed this is jaw-dropping.

Enjoy! Share anything that you think may be of interest.

Have fun!

Alta

Older topics...

Available courses

In this class students learn thirty different ways to write paragraphs. It is through understanding how to think before the writing task begins that is important.  Learning additional tools for constructing a paragraph with intent, students expand their options and select the best structure for the task at hand. Middle school students who are confident writers may join this class upon request.

Photo Credit: Photo by Denis Chick


Class Experience:


Welcome here! This is where you are able to connect with me outside class time.

If I am busy with anyone, you will be placed into a waiting room until I am available to see you. I generally let you know with a message that I am aware that you are there.  I will get to you even if it is after the end of the time slot.

You can always message me to meet with you at any other time that will be mutually convenient.

I am here to help and will always gladly do so!

Be a lifelong learner and always strive to do your best!

Class Experience:


In this Writing-Across-the-Curriculum course elementary students meet animals that work in different parts of the world.  Learning about these regions and why that may be the only place with specific jobs a particular animal, students are exposed to geography.  A short math problem, poem, critical thinking exercise make connections to other learning areas.



Class Experience:


This class welcomes all kinds of writers and especially those who finds writing a challenge.  Students learn about interesting animals with quirky behaviours and unusual lifestyles.



Class Experience:


IEW Structure and Style for Students Level A Year 1 is the entry level to the core writing program published by the Institute for Excellence in Writing.  This is suitable for elementary students.

Get your Materials List ahead of start date: 8 September!


Class Experience:


IEW Structure and Style for Students Level A Year 2 is the continuation level to the core writing program from the Institute for Excellence in Writing.  This is suitable for elementary students that are destined for the next level of schooling in the following year.  Students who still need to build more confidence before moving up are welcome here.

Effective Note-taking and Study Skills are included!

Get your Materials List ahead of start date: 9 September!


Class Experience:


Higher order thinking development is paramount during middle school years and beyond.  This Write-Across-the-Curriculum course integrate writing practice for different subjects while inspiring students to engage and write in order to learn! It includes math riddles, mapping, learning about the systems of dog biology that map to those of all mammals. The readers serve a dual purpose of a critique on literature and a study of character traits.

Get your Materials List ahead of start date: 6 September!

Class Experience:


IEW Structure and Style for Students Level B Year 2 is the continuation level to the core writing program published by the Institute for Excellence in Writing.  This is suitable for middle school students that are destined for the next level of schooling in the following year.  Students who still need to build more confidence before moving up are welcome here.

Effective Note-taking and Study Skills are included!

Get your Materials List ahead of start date: 9 September!


Class Experience:


IEW Structure and Style for Students Level B Year 1 is the  level to the first year middle school level of the core writing program published by the Institute for Excellence in Writing.  This is suitable for middle school students that will still be a middle school student in the following year. 

Effective Note-taking and Study Skills are included!

Get your Materials List ahead of start date: 9 September!


Class Experience:


During the Imperial Transantarctic Expedition of 1914, Ernest Shackleton and his crew provide a rich canvas against which students explore history, geography, biology, physics, mathematics, English writing, literature,  social studies, critical thinking, character studies, and leadership. The lessons here in listening to others and thinking about their advice hold practical benefits for everyone, young and old!


Class Experience:

Every week students read a few chapters in the prescribed book That is discussed during class. They receive instructions on ow to complete a small mapping activity, research one crew member. A leadership skill is studied at the rate of one skill per month. 


Time Commitment:

Students must budget 2.5 - 3.5 hours in addition to the class time. Some lessons require independent research. Guidance for sources and strategies are provided.


Level and Pace Guidance:

Students in Grade 11 and Grade 12 and adults are welcome here. Several assignments are collated into larger projects in the second half of the course. Staying on task is imperative.


Prescribed Materials:

Semester 1: Could Courage: Extraordinary Times by Willy Mitchell

Semester 2: The Forgotten Men Shackleton's Forgotten Men: The Untold Tragedy of the Endurance Epic by Lennard Bickel


IEW Structure and Style for Students Level C Year 1 is the  level to the first year high school level of the core writing program published by the Institute for Excellence in Writing.  This is suitable for high school students that will still be in school during the following year. 

Effective Note-taking and Study Skills are included!

Get your Materials List ahead of start date: 9 September!


Class Experience:


IEW Structure and Style for Students Level C Year 2 is the  second year of high school level study of the core writing program published by the Institute for Excellence in Writing.  This is suitable for high school students that are preparing for tertiary level work.

Effective Note-taking and Study Skills are included!

Get your Materials List ahead of start date: 9 September!


Class Experience:


In this class students learn thirty different ways to write paragraphs. It is through understanding how to think before the writing task begins that is important.  Learning additional tools for constructing a paragraph with intent, students expand their options and select the best structure for the task at hand. Middle school students who are confident writers may join this class upon request.

Photo Credit: Photo by Denis Chick


Class Experience:


Class Experience:


Strengthen your fingers while you are learning to read notes. The prescribed text for this is Dozen A Day Mini Book by Edna Mae Burnam.


Class Experience:


These are help videos for students in Step by Step Book 1

Class Experience:


IEW Structure and Style for Students Level A Year 1 is the entry level to the core writing program published by the Institute for Excellence in Writing.  This is suitable for elementary students.

Get your Materials List ahead of start date: 8 September!


Class Experience:


IEW Structure and Style for Students Level C Year 1 is the  level to the first year high school level of the core writing program published by the Institute for Excellence in Writing.  This is suitable for high school students that will still be in school during the following year. 

Effective Note-taking and Study Skills are included!

Get your Materials List ahead of start date: 9 September!


Class Experience:


Individual Writing Class for Dan

Class Experience: