Beyond Academics

Here are the "SuperCurricular" Activities we anticipate offering in 2009-2010. SuperCurricular means Above and Beyond the Curriculum, so come join us in these Superb Opportunities!

Athletics, clubs and recreational activities are a key part of the New Roots experience. We all need time to play, challenge ourselves, exercise our bodies and minds, try out new things, be part of a team and have fun! A sample of what we plan to offer this year is listed below. Our offerings may change depending on student interests, staff availability, or other factors. Check back for updates. For more information about supercurricular activities, contact Rudy Blackman, Dean of Students at rblackman@newrootsschool.org

ATHLETICS:

As we start off our first year, all athletics offerings at New Roots will be co-ed, "everybody-can-play" activities. We will take an intramural approach (play sports with others from within our own school) and will likely develop opportunities to compete with teams/groups outside of New Roots over time. Athletics activities will meet an average of twice per week (one hour each meeting, directly before or after school), leaving time for other pursuits on other days. There will be no fee to participate in our athletics program, though purchase of some basic personal equipment may be necessary (e.g. running shoes).

Physical activity will extend far beyond our athletics program, and will be integrated into all that we do at New Roots. Walks around town will be a regular part of class time. All students will also participate in regular physical education classes that are designed to develop well-rounded skills and habits. We will also be offering intensive mini-courses that involve physical activity throughout the year, and may plan special outings outside of school hours for activities that require transportation and/or specialized equipment or facilities (e.g. skiing, kayaking, skating, skateboarding, fencing, archery, climbing wall, swimming, bowling, golf...).
Proposed Athletics offerings, by season:

Fall 2009
Soccer
Outdoor Adventure/Hiking
Cycling and/or Running
Dragon Boat (meets Thurs. 6-8 pm)

Winter 2010
Strength/weight/fitness training
Table tennis
Basketball
Yoga

Spring 2010
Outdoor Adventure/Hiking
Frisbee Golf and Ultimate Frisbee
Running (track, road running, cross-country, possibly biathlon)
Softball

SUPERCURRICULAR CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES:

We have surveyed students, parents and faculty members about their interests and skills in this area and have come up with an amazing array of possibilities. Some of these options are below, and will become more defined during the first weeks of school: 

Theater
Health Ed. Interactive Theater Troupe
New Roots Service-Learning Corps
Food Preparation and Preservation
Bread and Pie Baking
Tutoring/Homework Club
Math Club
Computer Club
Audio-Visual Club
Chess and Other Games
Mindfulness Meditation
Social Justice Club
Digital Photography
Yearbook, School Paper, or Other Publications
Debate Team
Arts, Crafts, Dance and Music Groups
Special Events Planning Groups and Advisory Committees
Plant Identification
Wilderness First Aid
Pottery
Farming and Gardening
Primitive Living Skills
Key Club, Rotary Club
Sewing, Knitting
Astronomy
Carpentry
Micro-Business Club