What is SEM?
 

The Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) is widely implemented as an enrichment program [with]... a magnet theme/enrichment approach for all schools interested in high-end learning and developing the strengths and talents of all students. The major goal of the SEM is the application of gifted education pedagogy to total school improvement. The SEM provides enriched learning experiences and higher learning standards for all children through three goals; developing talents in all children, providing a broad range of advanced-level enrichment experiences for all students, and providing advanced follow-up opportunities for young people based on their strengths and interests. The SEM focuses on enrichment for all students through high levels of engagement and the use of enjoyable and challenging learning experiences that are constructed around students’ interests, learning styles, and preferred modes of expression.

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All grade 6 spend one period per week (Friday period 6) in a self-selected cluster based on their strengths and interests. Students are asked to read the descriptions of all clusters and select their top choices.  Students will be placed in clusters on a first come, first serve basis.  

Anime and Manga

On a scale of 1-10, how much do you enjoy anime and manga?  If your answer is OVER 9000, then Toonami in every Friday as we immerse ourselves into the lives of heroes, villains, and the adventurous journey that awaits.

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Backyard Games

Join Backyard Games to learn some popular activities to bring to your next backyard BBQ!

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Basketball

Do you like sports? Come shoot hoops in the gym with Mr. Margaroli. Learn the basics of basketball and team building.

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Basic Spanish

This basic Spanish class offers short lessons that cover the fundamentals of the Spanish language in the present tense and the most common Spanish words and phrases.
 

Board Games and Cards

Are you good at life? Do you want to be a real estate mogul? How about a detective? Do you know a lot about pop culture? Do you play cards? If you answered yes to any of these questions or are interested in learning a new game come  join us in playing "The Game of Life", "Monopoly", "Clue", "Trivial Pursuit" and many other fun and challenging board/card games. Get ready for some friendly competition and possibly learn some fun new facts in the process. 

 

Build A Bear
Students will receive a pattern to cut out of their choice of felt in order to make a Teddy Bear. After the bear is sewn, students can decorate it in any way they'd like (eyes, nose, mouth, clothing, etc.). 
 

Coloring Through Your Journey
Coloring can be a very relaxing activity to free your mind and ease any anxieties. Join our SEM to relieve your stress and to learn different techniques to enhance your coloring skills.

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Dance Making

Dance is one form of expression that allows you to show how you are feeling in a non-verbal way. Join us in creating exciting and unique routines made entirely by you!

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Esports

Do you like gamin? Of course you do! Come join the world of competitive gaming. Esports turns online gaming into so much more than just a spectator sport. It mimics the experience of watching a professional sporting event, except instead of watching a physical event, spectators watch video gamers compete against one another. Don't worry you'll compete too!!"

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Fitness for All
Make sure those shoes are tied nice and tight! Take a break from the screen and join us for some physical activities and a chance to move those feet. Bring back that competitive side in you to challenge friends and other students in sports and other games.

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Friendship Bracelets
Would you like to share something special with your friends? We will be dedicating time to creating friendship bracelets in different colors and styles! Your finished product could be a great gift, and can show the special bonds you have with your friends!

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History of Hockey and Baseball
The class will show game highlights from the course of the week of our local sports teams in Hockey and Baseball.  In Hockey we will stream games from the NY Islanders and NY Rangers going into the post season.  In baseball we will stream games from the NY Mets and NY Yankees.  As the term progresses the emphasis will slowly shift from Hockey to Baseball.  

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How to Graffiti Style Font

Do you ever try to doodle your name or a certain word, and make it look awesome? In this course, you will acquire the skills needed to create a three-dimensional font, straight letter font, block letter font, bubble font, and more. We will practice color combination and blending techniques, to really give your letters pop. You will also learn how to create special effects for your fonts such as shiny light reflections, drips, shadows, and more! 

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Italian Language and Culture

Beginner Italian will focus on communicative skills of listening and speaking comprehension. Students will learn high frequency vocabulary, basic constructions and common phrases. Additionally, students will explore Italian culture; and be able to identify basic facts and traditions associated with Italy. 

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Jazz Piano

Can you not survive without music? Does the enchanting sound of the piano touch your very soul? Are you passionate about jazz? Have you ever wondered when and where it began? AMERICA-The motherland of jazz has birthed a tremendous number of talented jazz musicians, composers and performers. No other country in the world can hold this claim. If you are interested in learning about the history and culture of jazz, as well as becoming a jazz performer. this cluster would be a perfect jump-start on your journey! You will learn the fundamentals of this complex style of music through famous jazz piano pieces by celebrated American composers and will learn to play them while grouped with peers according to your level. Possible surprise guests and class field trips will enrich your jazz introduction.

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KPop

Do you like K-pop? Who will be the next big KPop star? Join us to listen to some of the most popular KPop hits 
and to discuss our favorite KPop groups and singers.

 

 Marvel Movies

Want to learn more about your favorite superheroes? Join Marvel Movies to enjoy clips and discussions about the Marvel Universes. 
 

Math Games

Have a blast practicing math skills with some of your favorite games! You will be provided with opportunities to practice with manipulatives to demonstrate operations and thinking in a visual and physical fashion. From Mancala, Connect 4, Adsumudi  and 24 Math, these hands on games use logic and reasoning to help you think critically, identify patterns and create useful strategies.  

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Math Puzzles

Do you like puzzles, riddles, and math? Do you like challenges? Every week you will receive a riddle and various puzzles such as Sudoku, Hitori, match puzzle, KenKen, Kakuro, and others.

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Movie Critics/Cinema & Film

Movie critics evaluate and rate movies and share their critiques in print and broadcast media. If you're thinking about a career as a movie critic this is the SEM for you. We will watch many different films ranging from classic to modern and review them in a blog style format.

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Peace Studies and Music

What does it mean to have peace at home or school and how do we create peace at home or in your school community? What does it mean to be a peaceful person? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Mahatma Ghandi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Dr. Linus Pauling, Rigoberta Menchu and Malala are the names of people were or are advocates for human rights and peace. What are their stories? What can we do as individuals to contribute to peace in our lives and the global community? Who are the leading thinkers today in peace studies?

In this class we will take time to study these topics through dialogue, written word, and music.

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Scrapbooking

Students will be able to chronicle important events and special moments in their lives spent with family and friends. Each week students will work on themed pages that will accumulate into a memorable keepsake scrapbook.

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Sharks' Genius Bar

The Sharks Genius Bar is a unique club that offers members the opportunity to be tech leaders for their school. Members, also called Geniuses, work at the Genius Bar and offer technology support to any and all members of the school community. Members work collaboratively to find solutions to their customers’ problems and consequently learn more about technology and problem solving through their experiences. Sharks Genius Bar is open to all students who are willing to help others.

Sketching
Do you enjoy drawing? Do you find yourself sketching or doodling from time to time? Utilize this designated time to sit peacefully, relax, collect your thoughts, explore your creativity, sketch out your ideas, and doodle away.

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Sports History

Learn about sports history, trivia, and current news regarding the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and Soccer. We will also have discussions in a podcast format, discuss sports in 2021, and have a game show format with trivia!

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Table Tennis

Are you competitive in one-on-one games? Learn Table Tennis to improve your game.

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Volleyball

Want to get some exercise and have fun at the same time? Do you like being part of a team? Join Volleyball to learn how to set, serve, and spike! Volleyball is perfect for indoors and at the beach.

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