Greyhound Academy

List of 37 items.

• Biology (Grades 9-12)

  This course will explore the areas of Genetics and Heredity, Evolution, and Ecology to complement many traditional biology courses. Units will be customizable based on student history. Lessons will include application videos and articles, discussion boards, and interactive games and online lab experiences. For questions about this session, please contact Liz Charleston at echarles@ycds.org. 

• Advanced Biology - Cells/Genetics (Grades 11-12)

  This course will cover chemistry of life, biochemistry, cells, cellular processes and genetics. Students will use an interactive platform that includes virtual lab activities, collaboration boards, open responses, mini-quizzes and application questions to study biology. Students will receive frequent personalized feedback and instruction. For questions about this session, please contact Jillian Giese at jgiese@ycds.org.

• Anatomy and Physiology 1 (Grades 10-12)

   This course will cover the language of anatomy, cells and tissues, skin & body membranes, the skeletal system, the muscular system, and the nervous system. Students will use an interactive platform that includes virtual lab activities, collaboration boards, open responses, mini-quizzes, games, diagram activities, and clinical application scenarios to study anatomy and physiology. Students will receive frequent personalized feedback and instruction. For questions about this session, please contact Jillian Giese at jgiese@ycds.org.

• Anatomy and Physiology 2 (Grades 11-12)

  This course will cover the special senses, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, lymphatic system, digestive system, and reproductive system. Students will use an interactive platform that includes virtual lab activities, collaboration boards, open responses, mini-quizzes, games, diagram activities, and clinical application scenarios to study anatomy and physiology. Students will receive frequent personalized feedback and instruction. For questions about this session, please contact Jillian Giese at jgiese@ycds.org.

• Chemistry - Semester 2 (Grades 10-12)

  This course will cover chemical names and formulas, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, phases of matter, thermochemistry, and acids and bases. Students will use an interactive platform that includes virtual lab activities, collaboration boards, open responses, miniquizzes and games to study chemistry. Students will receive regular personalized feedback and instruction. For questions about this session, please contact Jillian Giese at jgiese@ycds.org.

• Integrated Science (Grades 6-8)

  This course will offer mini-units in chemistry, biology, and environmental science to complement many traditional middle school science courses. Units will be customizable based on student history. Lessons will include application videos and articles, discussion boards, and interactive games and online lab experiences. For questions about this session, please contact Liz Charleston at echarles@ycds.org.

• American Civilization I (Grades 9-12)

  This course surveys American civilizations from colonial times through the American Civil War. It reviews the basic chronology of American civilizations while focusing on the major events and problems of American history, including political, social, cultural, and economic developments. The course also emphasizes interpretive contemporary issues regarding major events and problems in American civilizations and how these problems are rooted in the past.For questions about this session, please contact Scott Gyenes at sgyenes@ycds.org. 

• Ancient/Medieval Civilization (Grades 10-12)

  This course examines the world’s major religions and philosophies—Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Both the historical foundations and major tenets, of each, will be examined. An introduction to many of the lesser known world’s religions will also be studied. For questions about this session, please contact Scott Gyenes at sgyenes@ycds.org. 

• Early Modern Europe (Grades 9-12)

  During this course, the student will be introduced to key issues in European history from about 1400 to 1800, commonly referred to as “early modern Europe.” Early modern Europe served as a kind of crucible for modern life. In the post-medieval world, Europeans began to challenge their world in all areas: social, political, religious, geographical and economic. This course examines topics such as the Renaissance, Reformation, the Age of Exploration, Absolutism and Constitutionalism, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, and the Revolutionary period. The goal is to illustrate the monumental changes made by Europeans during this brief, but important, period. The course also emphasizes interpretive contemporary issues regarding major events and problems in European civilizations and how these problems are rooted in the past. For questions about this session, please contact Scott Gyenes at sgyenes@ycds.org. 

• U.S. History I (Grades 6-8)

  This course explores all aspects of American history from its earliest beginnings to the modern times with a focus on geography, economy, and politics. The class will examine how geography has shaped America’s power, prosperity, and way of life. Students will explore different economic and political systems and understand how the ideals of human equality, limited government and democratic representation have influenced the U.S. The course will also highlight how immigration has shaped the ethnic, racial, national, and religious make-up of the United States. Finally, students will learn about the U.S.’ diplomatic, military, and humanitarian role as a member of a global community. Current events will aid students’ understanding of what it means to be an American. For questions about this session, please contact Mary Hunter at mhunter@ycds.org

• U.S. History II (Grades 10-12)

  This course explores U.S. history starting with the 20th century. A focus is laid on the more recent decades of the United States’ history. Following chronological order, students explore key events that shaped the United States socially, politically, and economically. Weekly current events discussions help students find their voice while also learning to appreciate other points of views. This course will allow students to understand how the U.S. has influenced world affairs and what role it currently plays in a global world. For questions about this session, please contact Mary Hunter at mhunter@ycds.org.

• Comparative World Religions (Grades 9-12)

   This course examines the world’s major religions and philosophies—Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Both the historical foundations and major tenets, of each, will be examined. An introduction to many of the lesser known world’s religions will also be studied. For questions about this session, please contact Scott Gyenes at sgyenes@ycds.org

• Western Civilization II (Grades 9-12)

  This course covers the history of the western world, or what is called Western Civilization, from the impact of the Reformation in the 16th century through the recent past. This course will cover the following topics: The Reformation; the development of absolutism and constitutionalism as political systems; the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment; the French Revolution; the industrial transformation of the West; the development of major political ideologies; the impact of nationalism and imperialism; the post-World War II era, including the Cold War, the revolutions of 1989, and political, cultural, and economic challenges posed to the West by global developments. The course also emphasizes interpretive contemporary issues regarding major events and problems in European civilizations and how these problems are rooted in the past. For questions about this session, please contact Scott Gyenes at sgyenes@ycds.org. 

• World History (Grades 6-8)

  This course is designed to introduce students to world geography, diverse cultures, and different economic and government systems. The class focuses on exploring the physical world, climates, and the human experience. Students will examine different geographical regions such as North, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia and how the human experience varies based on geographical region. Students learn the skills and understanding about location, place, and human interaction. The course will compare and contrast these themes across all continents. Instruction will foster and integrate skills from history, economics, geography, civics, and the humanities to promote higher level thinking and problem solving. Current events will aid students’ understanding of what it means to be a global citizen. For questions about this session, please contact Mary Hunter at mhunter@ycds.org.

• World History I (Grades 9-12)

  This course introduces students to global historical developments from prehistory through the expanding horizons of the 16th century. Using both a chronological and thematic approach, this course will facilitate the student’s understanding of the international framework in which major societies developed and interacted in that timeframe. This course will explore geographical, cultural, political, economic, and social aspects of that history in specific regions, primarily in the non-Western (typically considered to be outside of Europe and the United States) world, and will allow students to compare and contrast developments across time and geographic space. For questions about this session, please contact Scott Gyenes at sgyenes@ycds.org. 

• World History II (Grades 9-12)

   This course introduces students to global historical developments from 1500 to present. Using both a chronological and thematic approach, this course will facilitate the student’s understanding of the international framework in which major societies developed and interacted in that timeframe. This course will explore geographical, cultural, political, economic, and social aspects of that history in specific regions, primarily in the non-Western (typically considered to be outside of Europe and the United States) world, and will allow students to compare and contrast developments across time and geographic space. For questions about this session, please contact Scott Gyenes at sgyenes@ycds.org. 

• Western Civilization I (Grades 9-12)

  This course explores the concepts, practices, and methods of the discipline of history using the history of the western world, or what is called Western Civilization, from the earliest civilizations in the contemporary Middle East, through the aftermath of the religious and political ruptures associated with the Reformation. This course will allow students to develop critical thinking skills associated with analyzing the historical sources used to reconstruct and interpret the past. The following topics will be discussed: early civilizations; the ancient world, including Greece and Rome; the rise of Christianity; Europe after the decline of the Roman Empire; the Middle Ages; Western interaction with the non-West; the Renaissance; the Reformation. Political, economic, cultural and social developments will be explored. The course also emphasizes interpretive contemporary issues regarding major events and problems in Europe and to a lesser extent World civilization and how these problems are rooted in the past.For questions about this session, please contact Scott Gyenes at sgyenes@ycds.org. 

• Improving Reading Comprehension ( Grades 2-3) - Just Added

  This course will provide skill based comprehension as students learn to support their thinking with evidence from engaging texts. Through a variety of high-interest and curriculum-based topics including Science, Social Studies, informational texts, and literature, students will answer text-dependent questions that address a variety of reading skills. For more information about this session, please contact Kim Vottero at kvottero@ycds.org. 

• MIDDLE SCHOOL English and Language Arts Review (Incoming 6th graders)

   

  This course provides students transitioning into 6th grade, to review and refine their literacy skills including comprehension, vocabulary, fluency and written expression. Students will study a variety of end of 5th grade texts including the exploration of high quality literature and student centered discussions. Reading content will be both fiction and non-fiction with a focus on historical content reading. Writing will be infused in daily activities as students strengthen their writing skills in authentic writing tasks. For questions about this session, please contact Kari Miller at kmille53@ycds.org. 
  

• How to Read like an English Teacher (Grades 9-12)

  This course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of textual analysis--in other words, the way their English teacher reads a story. Students will practice several key skills used in literary criticism, including, but not limited to, close reading, symbolism, and New Historicism. At the conclusion of the course, students will learn how to craft strong, argumentative paragraphs for an MLA-style literary response paper. For questions about this session, please contact Kristen Spangler at kspangler@ycds.org. 

• British Literature (Grades 10-12)

  This course will examine British literature from the reign of Queen Victoria forward, drawing upon socio-cultural and historical backgrounds as foundations for textual discovery. Students will use a variety of approaches to further critical reading and compositional skills, including, but not limited to, Socratic seminars, thematic discussions, close reading analysis and peer review. Additionally, students will explore British current events as a means of understanding British culture and its depiction through course texts. For questions about this session, please contact Kristen Spangler at kspangler@ycds.org.

• American Literature from 1890 - Present (Grades 10-12)

   This course will examine American literature from the Modernist movement forward, drawing upon socio-cultural and historical backgrounds as foundations for textual discovery. Students will use a variety of approaches to further critical reading and compositional skills, including, but not limited to, Socratic seminars, thematic discussions, close reading analysis and peer review. Additionally, students will study MLA citation methods for composition. For questions about this session, please contact Kristen Spangler at kspangler@ycds.org

• Dystopias (Grades 6-8)

  Middle School English emphasizes critical and analytical writing and reading. Analysis of primary and secondary sources and the integration of ideas from these sources into one’s writing will be a focus. Students will hone their skills of using end text and parenthetical MLA citations. Readings may include, but are not limited to, Legend by Marie Lu and short stories, poems, and essays that will further explore the themes of utopia and dystopia. In addition, grammar and vocabulary study will enable students to enrich their written and oral communication. For questions about this session, please contact Kristen Spangler at kspangler@ycds.org.

• Grade 5 Math (Incoming 5th and 6th graders)

  Moving from elementary math to middle school math can present a challenge. In this session, students will review concepts in the final quarter of 5th grade math. Students will investigate measurement, practice multiplication and division with decimals, review fractions, work with rules for graphs and tables, and much, much more. Math concepts will be presented in an engaging and dynamic format. Students entering grade 5 are also welcome to register. This session is sure to have your child develop a love for math. For questions regarding this session, please contact Jamie Graham at jgraham14@ycds.org. 

• Geometry (Grades 9-12)

  This course is designed for students in grades 9-12 who were enrolled in geometry during the 2019- 2020 academic year. In this course, students will explore, investigate, and discover the properties of geometry that are essential to move forward successfully in mathematics progression. This course will invite students to ask questions and engage in discussions to create a deeper and more complete understanding of concepts. Geometry is a high school Euclidean geometry course which includes the practical and conceptual use of points, lines, and planes as the fundamental building blocks of the study of polygons, construction, congruency, perimeter, area, volume, symmetry, and similarity -- all integrated around the concepts of logic and proof. For questions about this session, please contact Thaddeus Abbott at tabbott4@ycds.org. Materials needed: compass, straightedge, and protractor recommended

• Algebra 1 (Grades 9-12)

  This course is designed for students in grades 9-12 who were enrolled in Algebra 1 during the 2019-2020 academic year. In this course, students will review the essential algebra basics to build strong foundations in their mathematics progression. This course is designed for students who would like to develop a deeper and more complete understanding of the concepts they may or may not have covered in their algebra class this academic year. Algebra I is designed to provide the foundation for more advanced mathematics courses and to develop problem-solving skills. Topics include, but are not limited to: variables, structure and properties of the real number system, firstdegree equations and inequalities, relations, functions, graphs, and much more. For questions about this session, please contact Thaddeus Abbott at tabbott4@ycds.org. 

• Intro to Robotics (Grades 6-8)

  This course will offer an introduction to robotics and programming with virtual VEX robots and the Scratch coding platform. Students will receive weekly challenges to solve and share with their peers. All challenges can be differentiated based on student experience, interest, and motivation. For questions about this session, please contact Liz Charleston at echarles@ycds.org.

• Middle School Digital Animation (Grades 6-8)

  This course will explore the history and the 12 principles of animation. Students will use the software Adobe Animate to bring their drawings to life. Students will have several animations to show off by the completion of the course. This course includes the use of videos, articles, discussion boards, online labs, and one-on-one feedback from the instructor on work completed. For questions about this session, please contact Elia Filippone at efilippone@ycds.org. 

• Digital Animation (Grades 9-12)

  This course will explore the history and the 12 principles of animation. Students will use the software Adobe Animate to bring their drawings to life. Students will have several animations to show off by the completion of the course. This course includes the use of videos, articles, discussion boards, online labs, and one-on-one feedback from the instructor on work completed. For questions about this session, please contact Elia Filippone at efilippone@ycds.org. 

• Portfolio Bootcamp (Grades 9-12)

  Are you looking to prepare a professional portfolio for college review or just want to showcase your work to the world? This is the course for you. In this course students will have their portfolio critiqued and reviewed by an industry designer on how to properly display their works of art (traditional or digital) to showcase in an online portfolio. Students will learn digital applications to create high quality branded portfolio pieces. This course includes the use of videos, articles, discussion boards, and one-on-one feedback from the instructor on work completed. For questions about this session, please contact Stacey Filippone at sfilippone@ycds.org

• Spanish 1 - Semester 2 (Grades 8-12)

  This course provides contextualized listening, reading, speaking, and writing opportunities complemented by explicit grammar explanations with the goal of reaching the Novice High speaking proficiency target as outlined by ACTFL. Special emphasis will be placed on the structures and some vocabulary needed for everyday topics and short exchanges. This includes question words, the present tense of regular -AR, -ER, and -IR verbs, and the present tense of irregular verbs. For questions about this session, please contact Katie Torres at kritter3@ycds.org. 

• Traditional Studio Drawing and Painting ( Grades 4-12)

  Learn techniques, principles, and materials of drawing and painting with a working studio artist. This course provides a foundation for effective visual communication and explores both traditional and contemporary drawing and painting approaches. The course will investigate process, figure/ground, line, value, and color in an art historical context. Daily exemplar lessons in the studio will be extended with synchronous and asynchronous assignments. Open to artists at all levels.

• Spanish 2 - Semester 2 (Grades 9-12)

  This course provides contextualized listening, reading, speaking, and writing opportunities complemented by explicit grammar explanations with the goal of reaching the Intermediate Low speaking proficiency target as outlined by ACTFL. Special emphasis will be placed on creating with the language for familiar topics and exchanges by combining previously learned and new material. Students will be able to ask and answer questions to form simple exchanges about the present and the past. Students will be able to understand stories in the past tense, which includes understanding the differences between the preterite and imperfect tenses. For questions about this session, please contact Katie Torres at kritter3@ycds.org. 

• Spanish 3 - Semester 2 (Grades 9-12)

  Spanish 3 - Semester 2 (Grades 9-12) This course provides contextualized listening, reading, speaking, and writing opportunities complemented by explicit grammar explanations with the goal of approaching the Intermediate Mid speaking proficiency target as outlined by ACTFL. Special emphasis will be placed on creating with the language for familiar topics and exchanges by combining previously learned and new material. Students will be able to ask and answer questions to form simple exchanges about the present and the past. Students will be able to understand stories in the past tense and tell their own, which includes employing the differences between the preterite and imperfect tenses. Additionally, students will be able to express essential phrases in the perfect tenses and imperative (commands) and subjunctive moods. For questions about this session, please contact Katie Torres at kritter3@ycds.org.

• History of the Spanish Language (Grades 10-12)

   This course explores the origins and development of the Spanish language from pre-conquest to modern days. Although not required, the course is aimed to strengthen Spanish learner’s skills by approaching historical events and literature of each period of time being studied. The course will explore changes in the language in a diachronic point of view while exploring historical events and constructing critical skills through reading and listening activities. For questions about this session, please contact Ana Hernandez at ahernandezmorale@ycds.org. 

• French 1 - Semester 2 (Grades 8-12)

  This course will cover the present tense of -ER, IR, -RE, and common irregular verbs, question formation, the “futur proche”, and “passé récent”. Focus on the modes of read, writing, listening, and speaking. No culture units. Minimal vocabulary due to differing programs - thorough grammar review.For questions about this session, please contact Kristi Spies at kspies@ycds.org. Materials needed: VHL access

• French 2 - Semester 2 (Grades 10-12)

  This course will cover the past tense using avoir and être, reflexive verbs in present and past, the formation and usage of the imperfect tense. Comparing the past and imperfect. Focus on the modes of read, writing, listening, and speaking. No culture units. Minimal vocabulary due to differing programs - thorough grammar review. For questions about this session, please contact Kristi Spies at kspies@ycds.org. Materials needed: VHL access