Longtime TCS friend and neighbor, storied photojournalist Jim Burger came in for the second time this year. This time Jim focused on honing the students photography skills discussing such topics as lighting, lenses, backgrounds and angles. At one point students engaged in some hands on work with each taking photographs and then sharing and critiquing the work.
The seminar had an immediate goal of continuing to develop the photographic content of TCS Student News. With Jim’s advice, students were able to devise new strategies for capturing the many people and events that take place around the school with an eye to more careful composition in the photography. Thanks for sharing your talent and skills Jim!
“I thought that the play was just perfect. The acting was really great, the soundtrack sounded amazing and it fit the play really well, the set was nice to look at, and the message was really meaningful, deep, and real.” This was the reaction of senior Olivia Yates to the play that the students attended at Baltimore Center Stage today.
The play touched on many themes common to all families of communication, hurt, misunderstanding and grief. The story was up close and personal as were the students watching from the front row of the Head Theatre at Center Stage. After the performance there was a Q & A with all of the actors that continued into a very personal conversation with one of the actors, Michelle Beck, who was especially generous with her time.
We are deeply grateful to Center Stage Executive Director Michael Ross, Director of Learning and Social Accountability (LSA) Adena Varner, and LSA Coordinator Dani Turner for providing us the opportunity to have this experience.
With only one hour to free themselves, students worked feverishly in their teams to Break Out of some very tough situations.
Jacob, Ronan, Salma and Manuel found themselves on a runaway train with planted explosives on board. They were able to break out in a TCS record of 51 minutes and 53 seconds savings themselves and their fellow passengers.
Hostages on an airplane, Aidan, Tyleiah, Jayla and Keith were able to free themselves at literally the last second! Breaking loose from their handcuffs and putting their minds together, they escaped sure disaster.
We don’t know what possessed students to go into the old mansion that had been abandoned decades ago, but Olivia, Le’Onnie, Faith and Joshua found themselves trapped inside once they entered. They raced the clock to escape and came close but didn’t make it out in time.
Claude, Destiny, Sara and Ethan were kidnapped and woke up blindfolded and handcuffed in a strange room. They had to get out before the kidnapper returned for them and with just seconds from freeing themselves, their time ran out!
All of these scenarios took place at Break OutGames in Timonium thanks to writing teacher and mentor Don Riesett. This surprise field trip followed a writing seminar where the students were challenged to create a story where they found themselves trapped in the basement of the church across the street from the school. This writing and sharing prepared them for the simulated adventure that was to follow. A great time was had by all! Thank you Mr. Don!
