FIRST STAR COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND

ACADEMY SUMMER 2017

Personal Development: Building a Sense of Self Through Community

OVERVIEW OF FIRST STAR COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND ACADEMY PURPOSE AND DESIGN

The First Star College of Staten Island Academy (the Academy) provides a four-year, college

preparatory program for up to 30 male and female foster youth who entered in the 8th or 9th

grades and live in the NY Metro Area. The program provides these participants with the

academic support, enrichment, and encouragement needed to help them become

competitive applicants to 2 and 4-year colleges. The program will provide grade-appropriate

information regarding higher education by offering monthly academic support and

enhancement meetings throughout the school year. The Academy will present students with

a preview of the collegiate experience through participation in a four-week residential

summer immersion experience on a university campus. Participants will receive superior

individualized attention and services through a foster "alumni" who is now attending college,

as well as extensive adult mentorships.

One of the primary objectives of the program is to enhance student scholarship in math,

literacy, science, engineering, and technology. Tutoring and mentoring facilitate each

student’s improvement in these areas throughout the academic year.

Students also engage in a variety of active learning opportunities that support improvement

in overall psychosocial functioning, educational outcomes, and self-sufficiency. Typical

activities include academic trainings and seminars, independent study, monitored group

study hall, adult mentorship, financial literacy workshops, supervised free time, transitional

living and life skills workshops, presentations by university and community guest speakers,

individual therapeutic and peer support groups, service learning (e.g., volunteer work and

job shadowing), and social/cultural activities (e.g., concerts, plays, museums, amusement

parks, and films).

An individualized education and transition plan with personal goals is developed for each

participant based on specific needs and interests. These goals include promoting intellectual,

emotional and physical strength, endurance, and health that lead to new understanding of

the relationships between the brain, the body, and the learning processes. Instruction will

focus on development of metacognitive skills, attribution or ownership of behaviors, cause

and effect relationships, and internal locus of control.

By providing superior academic support, enrichment, and encouragement, the Academy is

laying a foundation to improve the likelihood that youth will seek and attain higher

education, good jobs, personal well-being, career advancement, economic independence,

and the ability to contribute to society as responsible citizens.

FOSTER AGENCY REPRESENTATION

Agency Name # Youth Participants

Seamen’s Society 3

NY Foundling 2

Children’s Aid Society 1

Mercy First 2

SCO Family Services 6

Forestdale 1

Jewish Child Care Association 5

Good Shepherd Services 1

Children’s Village 1

Graham Windham 1

Abbott House 1

New Alternatives for Children 1

FIRST STAR CSI SUMMER ACADEMY GOALS

1. Students will receive preparation for the next grade level in various subjects.

2. The Academy will enhance student’s academic skills using their individual strengths.

3. Students will gain a basic understanding of personal growth and leadership through

the 11 principles.

4. The Academy will strive to build a family and student centered environment to

achieve maximal success.

FIRST STAR CSI 2018 GOALS ACADEMIC

1. Students with identified remedial needs will improve at least 1 grade level in

language arts and math.

2. Student GPAs will increase up to .5 points by the end of grade 9 and 10.

3. Students will be enrolled in high school courses required for higher education

admissions.

4. Students will enroll in and complete an SAT/ACT preparation course.

LIFE SKILLS

1. Students will be able to understand and identify resources and systems that exist to

support foster youth.

2. Students will be develop a resume, identify interviewing strategies and able to

identify at least one career pathway of interest.

3. Students will be able to apply the 11 Academy principles as a guide for personal

development and leadership.

ADVOCACY AND CAREGIVER SUPPORT

1. Students will identify at least one adult who is committed to their success.

2. Students will be able to identify at least 3 situations in which they advocated for

themselves or other foster youth.

2017 SUMMER ACADEMIC COURSES

During the 2017 Summer Academy students participated in four academic courses; English

Language Arts, History, Math and Science. Courses met block schedule style, 2.5 days per

week with each period of instruction lasting 2 hours. The courses were largely designed to

address the remedial needs of the students. While a few students were assessed as proficient

in the subject areas, the majority required review of the subject material learned in their

freshman year of high school. The incoming 9th grade students were introduced to concepts

and skills they will be taking during the upcoming school year.

Courses were taught by high school certified instructors who are also adjunct professors at

several CUNY colleges. A few students received credit recovery for their participation in the

Academy courses.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Instructional Days Summer Academy Class Schedule

Monday & Wednesday: Science and History Tuesday & Thursday: Math and ELA Friday: All Subjects (small group instruction)

Town Hall: 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM 1st Period: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lunch: 12 PM – 1 PM 2nd Period: 1 PM – 3 PM

MATH

During the 2017 Summer Academy, students were assessed on their background knowledge

in Algebra. Based on the assessment results the Academy focused on review and skill

building on content that ranged from Order of Operations to Solving Equations. As shown in

the assessment data, students experienced gains in test results.

MATH ASSESSMENT RESULTS

Students Pre-test 7/6/17

Post-test 7/25/17

Gains (pts)

Y.B. 28 32 4

A.S. 88 96 8

L.R. 64 92 38

D.D. 52 76 24

A.J. 52 64 12

C.D. 52 64 12

S.P. 44 28 -16

C.D. 52 68 16

C.L. 88 100 12

C.W. 24 40 16

K.M. 36 68 32

A.T. N/A 32 N/A

C.G. 40 N/A N/A

X.W. 40 44 4

J.B. 68 92 24

S.C. 80 88 8

A.S. 80 92 12

A.A. 68 84 16

D.M. 44 56 12

G.R. 20 36 16

J.G. 80 96 16

J.P. 20 48 28

D.M. 36 48 12

S.K. 48 60 12

C.F. 44 64 20

FIRST STAR CSI SUMMER ACADEMY ALGEBRA COURSE

Algebraic Concept and Skills

Workshop I-III • Number types

• Symbols in Math

+, -, x, , (parenthesis), |absolute value|, ! factorial

• Integers (+, -, x, )

• Order of operations

• Writing expressions

Workshop IV-VI • Game of 24

• 4, 4’s

• Properties of Math

Commutative Associative Distributive Identity Inverse

• Rounding decimals

• Ordering numbers

Workshop VII & VIII • Solving equations

Like terms same side Like terms both sides Distributive property

• Radicals

Simplify radicals +, -, x radicals Estimating radicals

• Decimals vs radicals

Workshop IX & X • Factoring

Greatest common factor General trinomial Difference between squares

Workshop XI & XII • Graph types

Linear Quadratic Exponential Square root Absolute value

FIRST STAR CSI SUMMER ACADEMY ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS COURSE

The English Language Arts course taught in the summer Academy was designed to elicit

critical thinking. More specifically, the course was designed to develop critical thinking skills

in order to be able to read and write about abstract thoughts and ideas. The primary

educational goal was close analytical reading of a short story. All elements of a story were

reviewed and discussed: plot, conflict, characterization, resolution, and setting. The use of a

short story (fiction), was used to illustrate that a character (and real life individuals) can

struggle with issues that are impacted by society and culture. Students were also able to

discuss and cite evidence of their claims within a text. Students wrote using appositives,

adjective, and with emphasis on appropriate grammar and vocabulary. Students culminated

the course by producing a 3-page reflection of a short story read in class.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

ELA Concepts and Skills

Workshop I • Reading – Paul’s Case by Willa Cather

• Physical and personality traits of a character in literature

• Parts of a Story: Setting & Conflict

• Writing – Write a paragraph explaining what you know so far about Paul’s character.

• Group Activity: One half will explain in their own words, the other will find text evidence. Text to self-

connection: Briefly write about a person you know who is like Paul in some way.

Workshop II • Reading – Finish reading Paul’s Case.

• Attention to unfamiliar words using context clues to decipher meanings.

• Identify and analyze external and internal conflict.

• Identify topic for essay.

• Making predictions and inferences.

• Independent Practice: Complete activities on handout. Share out.

• Citing evidence for a research essay. Primary and Secondary sources.

Workshop III • Reading – Essentials of a Story: Setting, Plot, Point of View, Theme

• Briefly define each element.

• Group Activity: Identification of Setting, Plot, etc. in a short story.

• Writing – Write a sentence using an appositive, describing yourself.

• Define: Three paragraph essay, Introduction, body paragraph(s), conclusion.

Workshop IV • Reading – Figurative language, poetry. Mother to Son by Langston Hughes, Birthday Box by Jane Yolen

• Writing – Complete activities on hand-outs:

• Using similes and metaphors, discuss topics for essay, begin introduction.

Workshop V • Reading: The Art of the Argument, Don’t sweat the Small Stuff, by Richard Carlson.

• Writing: Complete activity on handout in groups, complete draft of essay introduction. Proofreading, revising skills.

Workshop VI • Reading – Shells, by Cynthia Rylant, Identifying types of conflict

• Group Activity: in pairs or small groups, give examples of character vs. character, character vs. self, character

vs. destiny, character vs. society, character vs. nature.

• Writing: Revise essay introduction. Begin body paragraph. Cite evidence from primary source(s).

Workshop VII • Reading – Our Juvenile Curfew is Working, by Marc H. Morial,

• Persuasive Writing. Gathering evidence to support a claim, complete activity.

• Writing – Final revision on introduction, use primary sources for body paragraphs, transitional words.

Workshop XI • Reading – Homeless, by Anna Quindlen, independently complete activity.

• Writing – Using secondary sources and transitional words for body paragraph. Citing sources. Complete draft

of body paragraph.

Workshop X • Reading – Review any primary reading, (stories), to find evidence for thesis of essay.

• Writing – Conclusion, restating thesis to assert claim. Write draft of conclusion.

Workshop XI • Reading – Continue story review.

• Read models of effective persuasive essays.

• Writing – Complete draft of essay, introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion. Revise and rewrite final copy.

Submit final essays.

FIRST STAR CSI SUMMER ACADEMY GLOBAL STUDIES COURSE

The First Star CSI Academy Global Studies course explored global societies, their culture,

connectivity and impact to one another. Students acquired knowledge by examining,

analyzing and discussing various world events, historic figures, diverse cultures, novel ideas

and revolutionary movements that have molded and fostered today’s society. The course

assessment were designed to mirror the NYS Regents examination which was designed to

assess their proficiency and knowledge of the course. This class highlighted ideas,

individuals, cultures and events that have influenced the contemporary global community.

STUDENTS WERE ABLE TO:

1. Investigate the major river valley societies

2. Discuss and analyze the ideas of the Enlightenment Period and show how the

philosophers of this era continue to influence society

3. Hone their research skills by investigating the governments and economies

that have existed and/or continue to exist in the world

4. Assess the revolutionary era which helped to successfully ignite the French,

Haitian and Latin American Revolutions

A unit on the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade was added and taught at the request of the students.

During the course students were able to utilize a series of tools and resources to facilitate

their understanding of the class. Students engaged in group work, participated in debates,

conducted research, analyzed primary and secondary documents and produced writings

based on the analysis of political cartoons, graphs and texts.

GLOBAL STUDIES 9/10

Global Studies Concepts and Skills

Workshop I • River Valley Civilizations

• River Valley Civilizations Terms

• River Valley Civilizations Worksheet

• Geography Worksheet

Workshop II • Global Studies Quiz I

• Review

Workshop III • Philosophers and Thinkers

• Four Enlightenment Thinkers Chart

• Philosophers Handout

Workshop IV

• History of Slavery

• Slave Ship Handout

Workshop V • Slavery in America PPT

• Discussion and small groups

Workshop VI • Slavery in America PPT cont.

• Discussion and small groups

Workshop VII • Government Types: The Way Governments Work

• Discussion and small groups

Workshop VIII • Government Types: The Way Governments Work

• Discussion and small groups

Workshop IX • Student Government Project

Workshop X • Post Assessment

FIRST STAR CSI SUMMER ACADEMY BIOLOGY COURSE

The First Star CSI Summer Biology course was designed to build off the Living Environment

taken by many of the students and cover biology principles normally taught in a high school

Biology class. Every week students participated in lectures to provide all students with

fundamental principles of each topic. Lectures were reinforced with a lab in a CSI laboratory

facility.

BIOLOGY

Biology Concepts and Skills

Workshop I • Properties of Life

• Hierarchical Organization of Life Cells- tissues, organs, organisms

• Cell Theory

• Prokarya/Eukaryara characteristics

• Introduction to Natural Selection

• Scientific Research

Lab 1 • Intro to Lab/Rules & Regulations

• Intro to Microscopy

• Metric Measurements

• Examination of various slides

• Examination of pond water/plant life

Workshop 2 • Atoms, Molecules, Reactions

• The Periodic Table

• Macromolecules

• Understanding food labels

• Water properties

Lab 2 • Chemical Reactions- Elephant Toothpaste

• Diffusion/Osmosis

• Evolutionary Adaptation/Bones/Birds

Workshop 3 • The Human Body: Cells to organs

• Organ Systems and their function

Lab 3 • The Human Body

• Cells/Tissue

• Organs/Organ Systems

2017 SUMMER LIFE SKILLS THEMES The First Star Academies strive to ensure that all youth have the skills needed to successfully

transition to adulthood and independence. First Star has defined seven themes that are

critical to achieving this goal: (1) Social Justice; (2) Health and Wellness; (3) Financial

Literacy & Career Preparedness; (4) Psycho-Social Development; (5) Study Skills; (6) Foster

Care Specific Rights & Resources; and Higher Education. During the Summer Academy four

of these areas were the focus of the life skills workshops and experiences. Every Tuesday,

students were introduced to a new Ted Talk in a series called “Ted Talk Tuesdays.” These

Ted Talks helped to highlight the specific life skills topic.

WEEK 1: STUDY SKILLS

Overall Objective: Students will participate in workshops that include a review of test-taking

strategies and managing individual learning styles

Topics: Time Management; How to Study; How to Take Notes & What to Do With Them

WORKSHOPS:

• Time Management and Study Skills 101

• Why Studying the Arts Can Help Your Student Succeed in College

• Building Grit

WEEK 2: HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Overall Objective: Students will understand how their bodies work and strategies for living

a healthy life.

Topics: Physical Well-Being and Healthy Eating

WORKSHOPS:

• Chronic health issues in the US and Disease Prevention

• Increasing Physical Activity and Exercise

• Team Kickball Game

• Your Health: What is nutrition and why is it important?

• Food Myths and Misunderstandings Exercise:

http://www.studentachievement.org/wp-content/uploads/Nutrition-001.pdf

• TEDTalk (When Black women walk, things change): Girl Trek

https://www.ted.com/talks/t_morgan_dixon_and_vanessa_garrison_walking_as_a_r

evolutionary_act_of_self_care/discussion

• 30- minute daily walks around track

• Health and Wellness Jeopardy

WEEK 3: PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Overall Objective: Students will understand that their thoughts, feelings and surrounding

social environment have an impact on their physical and mental wellness and their ability to

function.

Topics: Personalities & Anger/Stress Management/Conflict Resolution

WORKSHOPS:

• How our home environments shape who we are?

• Traumatic Stress and the developing adolescent brain

• Film Series and Discussion: Mississippi Damned

• Ted Talk: Change Who Waits - Former Foster Child & Social Worker Brandy Hudson

WEEK 4: SOCIAL JUSTICE

Overall Objective: Students will understand the relationship and connections between

themselves and their society in regards to their rights and responsibilities. The youth must

focus on breaking the mold of stigmas placed on foster youth and minorities.

Topics: Street Law & Self-Advocacy

WORKSHOPS:

• Advocacy and Social Justice 101

• Moot Court and Restorative Justice Presentation w/ Rosalyn Morrison Staff Attorney

at Legal Aid Society

• Pipeline @ Lincoln Center

ACADEMY WORKSHOPS AND EXPERIENCES

MATH ART WORKSHOP

First Star CSI Academy students participated in a Math through Art workshop facilitated by

Angela Bell. Math through Art is a learning program that allows students to learn new and

challenging math concepts through the lens of art. The objective of the workshop was to

create general formulas to find the volume of 3-D shapes.

GRAPHIC DESIGN ANIMATE WORKSHOP

Students were able to participate in a graphic design workshop in a graphic design facility at

the College of Staten Island. Students were provided design tables that linked to the larger

computers and created art work of their choosing. Students were also introduced to new

design programs.

Financial Aid Workshop

First Star students participated in an age-appropriate financial aid workshop in the

President’s board room at the College of Staten Island. The presentation was facilitated by

Philippe Marius, Director of Financial Aid. Mr. Marius approached the presentation from the

perspective of what the Academy students must do as high school students to maximize the

amount of financial aid they receive when they apply to college.

DANCE INTENSIVE WORKSHOP

Academy students participated in a dance intensive workshop facilitated by Howard

University trained dancer and actor, Tiffany Webb. Ms. Webb works at various schools in the

NY Metro area where she teaches a variety of dance disciplines. She is a member of the First

Noel Ensemble at Classical Theatre of Harlem. Students were introduced to basics in jazz,

modern, ballet and hip hop in a state of the art CSI dance facility. Ms. Webb will return to

facilitate additional workshops throughout the year.

CSI LIBRARY TOUR

Dr. Wilma Jones facilitated a library tour for the First Star CSI Academy students. Wilma L.

Jones has been Chief Librarian at the College of Staten Island since 2002 and a member of

the faculty since 1992. In addition to her role as Chairperson of the Department of the

Library, Dr. Jones manages day-to-day operations including the maintenance and

development of services and facilities, as well as research and instructional resources.

Students and staff met Dr. Jones in the library rotunda and were given an in-depth tour of

the facilities. Dr. Jones will work to provide other activities throughout the academic year

and next summer. She will design a series of movies with social justice themes appropriate

for the Academy students in the CSI library theatre. She will also work to develop a summer

reading list for the Academy students and a contest for them to participate in.

CSI ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY TOUR

Dr. Irving Robbins, professor of Astronomy, gave the Academy students and staff a tour of

the CSI Astrophysical Observatory located on campus. The observatory is a 24’ X 24’ building

with a wheelchair lift and is topped with a 16’ Ash dome. The Observatory’s main instrument

is a Meade LX200 ACP 16-inch (0.46-m) F/10 Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope.

Dr. Robbins gave the students a brief lesson on astronomy and functions of the telescope.

FIRST STAR CSI ACADEMY TALENT NIGHT

The Academy hosted our first talent night where students had the opportunity to showcase

their talents. Students performed comedy sketches, praise dances, makeup artistry, spoken

word, art, singing and playing various instruments.

FIRST STAR CSI ACADEMY POOL PARTY

First Star CSI students enjoyed an Academy pool party at the CSI Sports and Recreation

Center Pool. The pool was rented out exclusively for the First Star students where they had

the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the water.

FIRST STAR GAME NIGHT

Put down the electronics and play board games! Students and staff enjoyed a game night

filled with chess, Jenga, Sorry!, Words with Friends, Connect 4, Guesstures, Quick Cups and

other games.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY

First Star CSI Academy hosted our very first Friends and Family day. Biological and foster

family, case planners, and friends came out in high numbers to visit our students, see the

dorms and hear about all the exciting things they were doing.

DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES (GYM, KICKBALL, MANHUNT ETC.)

During the Academy students and staff were committed to establishing healthy practices

through daily physical activities. Students visited the gym in the dorms daily, played kickball,

basketball, handball and racquetball, track and field and a fun game of manhunt, a spin on

outdoor hide-and-seek.

ACADEMY FIELD TRIPS

FRESH KILLS PARK

Students and staff participated in a guided tour at Fresh Kills Park in Staten Island. At 2,200

acres, Fresh Kills Park will be almost three times the size of Central Park and the largest park

developed in New York City in over 100 years. Formerly the world’s largest landfill, this

enormous park will one day hold a variety of public spaces and facilities, including

playgrounds, athletic fields, kayak launches, horseback riding trails, large-scale art

installations, and much more. Students were allowed to visit two recently opened areas of

the park and learned about the wildlife of the park.

BOWLING

Students and staff enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon bowling at Rab's Country Lanes. After an

afternoon of friendly competition, students enjoyed a round of laser maze where they got to

showcase their flexibility.

SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE

The Academy hosted a day at Six Flags Great Adventure for a fun-filled day of roller coasters

and park activities.

NYPL VISIT AND DAILY READING HOURS

First Star CSI Academy visited the NYPL Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library where students

checked out two books of their interest. Students were required to participate in a daily

reading hour from 5-6pm and submitted a book report about one of the books they read this

summer.

PIPELINE @ LINCOLN CENTER

During the last weekend of the Academy, students and staff visited Lincoln Center to see the

critically acclaimed play, Pipeline by Dominique Morisseau (Skeleton Crew). The play’s title

refers to the “school-to-prison pipeline,” wherein underprivileged students are channeled

directly from the public education system into American penal institutions. Students

expressed that the play was powerfully acted and that all could connect with the themes

expressed in the play. At the end, the main character Omari gives his mother his list on ten

things she can do to better reach him. He gets to number 9 and has not quite figured out his

number ten. Academy students and staff discussed the play and ways in which it applies to

their stories. Academy students came up with their “number 10” to develop a Bill of Rights.

OCFS YOUTH CONFERENCE

To culminate the Academy, students participated in the OCFS-sponsored Youth Conference:

"A Journey to Success" at St. Francis College. Students were able to participate in youth-

friendly plenaries, hear the inspirational stories of successful foster youth alum and network

with their peers. Students participated in workshops that provided information about

transitioning out of foster care and received resources that will aid in their success.