Stonington High School Joins League of Innovative Schools

A press release from Stonington High School:

Last Spring Stonington High School became one of ten Connecticut High Schools to participate in the League of Innovative Schools. 

The League of Innovative Schools is a regional professional learning community for schools committed to educational equity, student-centered learning, and ongoing improvement. All participating schools become part of a growing network of learning institutions working to strengthen their programs, exchange professional expertise, and create better learning opportunities for their students.

The information below from the League’s website highlights what this partnership provides SHS:

1. Connects educators. We know that collaboration and strong professional relationships motivate, accelerate, and sustain school improvement, and that school leaders and teachers are more effective when they work together. The League of Innovative Schools brings together educators working to build stronger communities, create more energized learning environments, and get better results for students.

2. Spreads good ideas. Educators are an endless source of inspiration and innovation for other educators. When good ideas are shared, and when educators discuss what works and what doesn’t, our schools improve, teachers are more professionally fulfilled, and students graduate better prepared for life. The League of Innovative Schools is forum for school leaders and teachers to exchange expertise and learn from their colleagues.

3. Accelerates improvement. Innovation does not happen in a vacuum—the best ideas come from collective enterprise and shared knowledge. When schools work together, they get better results and they get them quicker. The League of Innovative Schools helps educators learn what’s worked—and what hasn’t—in other New England schools. 

The other Connecticut member schools in the League of Innovative Schools include Conard High School; East Hartford High School; E.O. Smith High School; Farmington High School; Naugatuck High School; New Britain High School; New Fairfield High School; Watertown High School; and William H. Hall High School.

For more information about the work of the League of Innovative schools go to http://lis.newenglandssc.org.

In an effort to place emphasis on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) SHS have embarked on a number of initiatives.

We have revised or implemented new courses that use technology to enhance instruction.  We offer Video Game Development I and II where students create video games utilizing state of the art software and develop project plans similar to the gaming industry. In Web Development students create web pages that could be used for personal, business, or entertainment venues.  In Computer Troubleshooting students run a computer “help desk” and provide computer help to anyone in the district, whether on the telephone, via the internet, or in person.

We are one of 18 high schools in Connecticut to offer the state Model Algebra Curriculum for which a state End-of-Course assessment will be administered.  Through the Dana Center in Texas, the Advanced Math Decision Making course is offered at SHS and in four other high schools in Connecticut.  Students develop college and career readiness skills such as conducting research, working individually and collaboratively, justifying opinions with evidence, preparing written reports, and making oral presentations.  With purposeful teacher guidance, students are expected to develop self-direction and to assume increasing responsibility for meeting high standards through multiple representations, modeling, and problem solving.

Through a partnership with the Mystic Aquarium we have installed the Exploration Control Console in our science department allowing students to follow Dr. Robert Ballard’s ocean expeditions with real time access. Three monitors and two computers allow for live satellite feed, 24 hours a day, when expeditions are underway.  Through high-def video feeds and exclusive live interactions, students enjoy the feeling of being in the midst of the action aboard the Nautilus.  Students see science in action in an authentic real world environment as they interact with the crew of the Nautilus when they are deployed anywhere in the world. 

The Academy of Digital Arts and Science Program is a specialized 4-year sequence of courses focusing on the study of math and science through emerging technologies.  The Academy program facilitates a cross-disciplinary application of academic knowledge, creativity, design, and innovation skills with the integration of digital media into the study of science and technology topics.  All courses feature problem-based learning and comprehensive projects as the foremost instructional activity for all students.  Students enrolled in the Academy may earn up to 12 college credits articulated through Connecticut community colleges, state universities, and UCONN. 

Innovation and redesign are hallmarks of SHS.  We are continuously trying to bring new and exciting capabilities to better engage students in their learning.  It is our belief that students will be more successful when they can see their learning as exciting, meaningful and relevant to their college and/or career goals.