The town of Windham stands on the threshold of creating a “state-of-the-art” high school, one that may not be replicated for some time to come.  Transforming our notion of the traditional high school and the associated experiences many of us fondly recount to one that represents substantive change, novelty and innovation, and a wide array of broad-based experiential learning is no easy task.  Yet, our community and our school board have already put into place the processes necessary for embarking on that task.  The many committees of good citizens like you have worked tirelessly over the last few years to set the framework for something truly unique and special for the students of Windham High School.  

If one accepts the premise that 99% of all that’s good in public education comes as a direct result of who’s standing up in front of those kids day-in and day-out, then we agree that the classroom is truly the heart and soul of this new high school.  And, if we can accept as a given that only the best and the brightest will serve as their teachers, guides and mentors, then all that’s left is to articulate just what will “happen” in the classroom. First and foremost, we plan to approach the learning process through an in-depth exploration and examination of:  why things are the way they are.  Inquiry based, research driven, and “dis-covered” through what our Supreme Court refers to as “a robust exchange of ideas that seek truth through a multitude of tongues,” the learning continuum at the new Windham High School will feature “connections” at every level and across multiple disciplines.  In short, courses will strive to no longer be segmented and linear with fixed beginning and end points, but rather, unfurled patterns interwoven within the fabric of the discipline, i.e. math, science, literature, etc. with the emphasis on overlap between and amongst the various disciplines.  

More specifically, we are looking to establish math/science collaboratives at the freshmen and senior levels as well as team-taught interdisciplinary seminars for the “humanities,” i.e. World studies, American studies, etc. which will be featured freshmen through junior year.  To complement the experience, and raise the bar to a more authentic level of real-world learning opportunities and applications, we are creating exclusive partnership opportunities with such institutions as Boston College, the University of New Hampshire and Raytheon Corporation.  The time frame necessary for classes like these and others would go well beyond the traditional 40-45 minutes.  Research indicates that the optimum instructional time for secondary students falls somewhere between 60-80 minutes.  Therefore, a modified block that allows for such flexibility and extended time would provide the best opportunity.  Capstone courses including Advanced Placement and Senior Seminar will also be dominant features on the academic landscape along with a very recognizable “honors” program.  Advisory, a comprehensive wellness program, freshmen academies, and the Applied Science & Technology Center (formerly Tech Ed) are among other significant features of this transformational high school.  In addition, we are looking to establish a more “real world” view of such concepts as community service, senior projects, service learning, school-to-careers, among others that complement the classroom experience with direct application and integration with the community and beyond.  All of these efforts underscore our goal to provide the best possible post-secondary opportunity for all students graduating from the new Windham High School.

Although many of these ideas will be presented at the next Windham School Board meeting on October 2nd, I would like to extend an invitation to all Windham parents and interested community members to join us for a more interactive evening discussion over these issues and more.  This parent forum to discuss the academic program at the new high school will take place on Monday, October 15th at 7:00 PM at the Windham Middle School Cafeteria.  

Stay tuned for next month’s column which will feature:  Freshmen Academies, Athletics/Co-Curriculars and “transition” issues for students returning from Salem High School.