Academic and Career Explorations

As often as possible, we set out to ascribe community based learning experiences based on current lessons, chapters, and teachings from the syllabi of the school’s classrooms. The Experiential Education Coordinator works closely with the school teachers to design specific learning opportunities for the students that help to fortify their classroom learning. The teachers will then create follow up assignments related to the community based learning that further enhance the learning. We also facilitate local trips to community businesses and professional environments in order to afford exposure to the students as they begin to formulate ideas about potential career interests. While we understand that most students go through various stages of interest as they mature, we want to start the process early so that they have a more informed platform from which to draw on as they envision possibilities for themselves as they look ahead.

Zoo Trip

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VVS annual “SPREE DAY” Zoo trip.  Amy and Shannon took a trip to Forest Park Petting Zoo in Springfield, Ma. It was a beautiful spring day, a day to be outside in the fresh air! We had a great time … Continue reading

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Seussical the Musical

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Many boys from the English classes had the opportunity to attend a very unique musical play at the very ornate and renowned Hanover Theater in Worcester MA recently.  The trip was a great way to complement the classroom learning on the local Massachusetts children’s book writer and … Continue reading

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Cross Curricular Academic Exploration

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Amy’s English classes along with Shannon’s Life Science classes ventured out on a beautiful spring day to visit the aquatic animals of the big city–The New England Aquarium of Boston, MA. The trip began with a viewing of the IMAX … Continue reading

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Worcester Historical Trip

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Our History and English classes offered extra credit to those who chose to attend a Saturday Academic Exploration into Worcester. We started at the Worcester Historical Museum (sorry no photos permitted inside the museum) where we received a guided tour showcasing trains running through a model … Continue reading

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Accelerated Reading Program

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Valley View School has teamed up with the Springfield Armors, the NBA development team for the New Jersey Nets. Amy and Brendan developed reading goals with students that culminate in earning trips later this year to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield MA, and a free court side game at the Mass Mutual … Continue reading

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Birds of Prey

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Many students benefited from extra science lessons as they chose to attend either the “Owl Prowl” presented by the Worcester MA Audubon Society  or the “Life Cycles of Raptors” Lecture presented by Windows on Wildlife.  Each of the events took place during a recent Saturday afternoon/eve.  Students were introduced to live Owls … Continue reading

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Reptiles at Valley View School

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One of our favorite annual Sunday assemblies is always sure to add some additional life to the Valley View group each year.  We are always pleased to offer this exciting biology lesson to the boys as they are introduced first hand to several exotic reptiles, … Continue reading

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Capoeira Visits Valley View

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Our boys enjoyed a riveting presentation of Capoeira  for Sunday Assembly this week.  Capoeira is a Brazilian Martial Art performed in a dance like fashion accompanied with unique instruments and song steeped in rich history.  Many of the boys got right into the action as the instructor led … Continue reading

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Earth Sciences Classes Renewable Energy Tour

      After studying about renewable energy systems  in the classroom, Shannon and Amy brought the Earth Science classes on an experiential education field trip. First, the students visited the Greenfield Solar Store (www.greenfieldsolarstore.com) for a tour and one … Continue reading

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History Class Takes a Civil War Exploration

Students in Charles’ U.S. History II class went to the Worcester Historical Museum on Oct.13 to further their learning on the Civil War.  This class expedition was made to gain a greater understanding of what life was like for Union … Continue reading

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