Week 3 of Summer Academy 2021

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SUMMER ACADEMY 2021
WEEK 3 - Respect Yourself and Others and Discover Your Best Self

Written by Leyla and Daiana - Student U High School Interns
Edited by Dexter - Student U Advancement Intern

On the Friday of Week 3, we held our annual Career Day, where professionals from various fields such as yoga instructing, restaurant franchising, DJing, and more spoke to all of our students. Students were encouraged to dress up as their dream career for this day, and we were excited to see everyone’s outfits! During this time, students learned about these individuals' professional/academic journeys and the daily responsibilities within their field of work. Before students heard from the Career Day presenters, they participated in professionalism workshops where they learned and practiced elevator pitches and public speaking skills.

Leyla and Daiana are discovering their best selves this summer through our internship program supporting Student U's Development and Communications departments. Watch their story to learn more about their internship experience and their dreams for the future.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle school stayed productive throughout Week 3! The Student U store opened for 6th and 7th grade, and they were allowed to spend their U-Bucks to purchase items. U-Bucks are earned by completing various tasks such as making it to class on time, completing assignments, winning family/advisory challenges, etc.

Week 3 Highlights:

In Ms. Bri’s class, students did a gallery walk and shared comic strips which focused on the plot of any story of their choice. They also participated in a fun voice game about the difference between formal and informal voice!
In Ms. Ainsley’s class, students participated in a plate tectonics activity using crackers to represent the tectonic plates.
In Mr. David’s class, students participated in a poetry activity that focused on enhancing their poetry skills.
The self-esteem club did a community service project where they put lessons together to help teach others about science tech, engineering arts, and math!

HIGH SCHOOL

Throughout week 3, high school classes stayed productive with many different activities!

Week 3 Highlights:

In Ms. Rachel's class, students made posters about how to stay safe during a protest.
In Mr. K’s class, students identified the world's regions and learned about the difference between a region and a continent.
In Ms. Deziree’s class, students discussed the barriers that prevent the Latinx community from moving forward and the impact of Donald Trump's presidency on their community.
High school students also learned how to make their elevator pitches.
On Friday afternoon, every high school student participated in CrossFit.

HIGH SCHOOL INTERNS

Last week the hard work the interns put in preparing for Career Day paid off. We had excellent attendance from our professional guests for Career Day. During Career Day, interns helped by welcoming our guest speakers and guiding them to their designated classrooms.

SAVE THE DATE FOR LIFE BEYOND STUDENT U VIRTUAL TOUR
THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Learn More and Register Today

Are you curious about what our students are doing after they make it through our 11-year program? If so, please join us on the Life Beyond Student U Virtual Tour (via Zoom)!

You will learn more about Student U programming with staff and student interviews highlighted, including a live Q & A with a Student U college student, a student alum, and a former Student U teacher, hosted by Student U’s Executive Director, Alexandra Zagbayou and our college program staff.

JOIN US IN TRANSFORMING OUR CITY

We empower and equip first-generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city. Together, we are creating a Durham where all students succeed!