Block One of the 2023-2024 year begins on Tuesday, September and continues through Friday, December 14th.

Current Classes

The class schedule at LightHouse is divided into "Blocks", or trimesters, Fall (Block One), Winter (Block Two), and Spring (Block Three). Block One of the 2023-2024 school year begins with Orientation on Tuesday, September 5 through Friday, September 8. Our first day of Block One classes begins on Monday, September 11.

Classes are divided into three periods Monday through Thursday. Students work closely with their advisor to develop a fully personalized schedule that is both challenging and meaningful. Most students co-create a schedule comprised of a mix of classes, one-to-one tutorials, and independent studies. As students progress in their time at LightHouse, many youth choose to add community college classes through our dual enrollment relationships, internships, paid and volunteer work, and other offsite learning opportunities.

LightHouse is a competency-based program. Graduation requirements entail completing a robust set of competencies, which are both academic and personal. LightHouse graduates move into the world with strong academic skills, but also with deep understandings of themselves as learners, plans and understandings around self care and general wellness, and developed sensibilities around social justice, personal ethics, and environmentalism, ready to contribute to their communities and to the world as competent and engaged citizens, leaders of their own lives.

Each class at LightHouse focuses on a specific selection of competencies, but competencies can be developed and attainments completed in any learning context, inside or outside of LightHouse. Learning happens everywhere, all the time. One of the goals of our program is to support students to see the whole world as a place of learning, full of resources for growth, with vast, meaningful opportunities. Life is much more flexible and more beautiful than we are sometimes led to believe, or have had the opportunity to experience. LightHouse is changing what school can be.

Between first and second period we hold a daily Advisory Circle. All students gather with their Advisor and Advisory Cohort of peers for 30 minutes every day, connecting on a variety of topics. LightHouse is a highly diverse and intentional community. We thrive together through guided and compassionate communication, one of the many positive and useful skills students develop over time through our relationship-based curriculum.

Fridays at LightHouse are half day "Community Days", with staff professional development every Friday afternoon. Fridays have their own schedule with multiple options each week including field trips and group volunteer projects as well as onsite workshops, academic support offerings, sports and games, and capstone guidance for seniors.

Please reach out with questions!
READ MORE
Monday / Wednesday
Tuesday / Thursday
9:00 am - 10:20 am Making What You Want
Led by Joshua Newman

There’s no dividing line between robots and sculpture, drawing and science, engineering and crafting. You’ll learn to make what you want to make as long as we can find you the materials. Come with an idea or asking for one. Come with a favorite art and learn a new one to add to it. Use your mind and hands and eyes in concert to make things that are beautiful, that work, that you can use to express yourself and teach others.

Competencies: Experiential Learning, Curiosity, Understand Self as Learner
Class size: 20
9:00 am - 10:20 am Dreaming of Another World
Led by Kenzie Helmick

“Another world is necessary. Another world is possible. Another world is happening.” – Grace Lee Boggs

This class will take a radical, or “to the root,” look at our concepts of conflict, harm, accountability, and safety. Guided by the framework of transformative justice, we will learn alternative methods to addressing harm in our community. We will explore various cases (both local and international!) of transformative justice in practice, and develop our own skills in practicing and organizing for a transformative model of justice. Together, we will dream a new world: a world without prisons or police, a world where our lowest moments don't define us, a world that gives us all the possibility to grow and flourish.

Competencies: Global Thinking, Social Justice Concepts, Environmental Awareness
Class size: 10
9:00 am - 10:20 am Guitar Workshop
Led by Greg Eichler

Let’s play guitar! Whether you are a first time player or a 10-year veteran, all are welcome in the Guitar Workshop.  Study with professional guitarist Gregory Eichler alongside your fellow peers, as we explore everything from playing a single note to reading chord progressions and beyond! We will also be enjoying various listening sessions of some of the greatest guitarists and musicians who ever lived. Don’t have a guitar? Interested in a different instrument? WE GOT YOU! The Lighthouse Music Studio has a wide selection of guitars, but also pianos, drums, bass guitars, and more! Although this will be a Guitar-focused class, there will be much to l

Competencies: Experiential Learning, Collaboration, Understand Self as Learner
Class size: 10
9:00 am - 10:20 am Intro to Biology: Ecology and Evolution
Led by Aidan Chappuis

Do you want to learn about evolution, and the many interesting things it can do? How modern animals originated? How energy flows in a forest? Why antelope jump straight in the air to taunt lions, and why naked mole rats are Like That? This class will cover standard introductory biology, with an emphasis on evolution, ecology, and organismal biology. We will learn about mechanisms of evolution, the nuances of natural selection., and the history of life. We will cover the related field of genetics and a bit of embryology. We will discuss the important terms and concepts of ecology, including energy flow and population growth. Our class will focus mostly on the whole organism, rather than individual cells and molecules; we will cover them mostly as they relate to genetics. Human physiology will be covered at the end of the trimester if time permits.

Competencies: Problem Solving, Applied Scientific Reasoning, Advanced Sciences
Class size: 15
9:00 am - 10:20 am Geometry
Led by Mackenzie Gowans

Through activities and discussions we are going to learn about the math behind shapes and angles as well as how they overlap with our lives. We are going to focus on the why and how of the math that we are doing, and learn how to mathematically "prove" and "justify" our work. This class will have a lot of space to be creative and hone in on your problem solving skills.

Competencies: Perseverance, Problem Solving, Advanced Mathematics
Class size: 10
9:00 am - 10:20 am History of Science
Led by Nate Maynard

This class will explore the history of scientific thinking and understanding; from ancient to modern times. We will learn how people from around the world have used science as a tool to unravel some of the mysteries of the universe and we will also explore the limitations and challenges that science can pose. While we take time to learn about historical milestones we will also be reading science in the modern news to learn about some of the breakthroughs and research that are currently taking place. For the final project, students will create a science article or podcast of a current or historical scientific event.

Competencies: Voice, Effective Research, Global Thinking
Class size: 20
9:00 am - 10:20 am Civics 101
Led by Liam Russell

Civics is the study of the rights and obligations of a citizen. In this class, we will go over the American government and the systems that run it. My goal is to teach how the United States government works and how as citizens we can do our part to make changes for the better. Some topics will include How the Constitution and amendments work The 3 branches of government How voting works (National/state/local)

Competencies: Effective Research, Advanced Social Sciences, Ethical Decision Making
Class size: 15
9:00 am - 10:20 am Intro to Doulahood
Led by Theanna Hernandez-Tiedemann

This will be a discussion, and presentation based class where students will learn about the birth world, and the many different things that come along with it! They will learn about things like the reproductive anatomy of birthers and people with uteruses, different kinds of and the process of childbirth, different rolls/support systems involved in the birth world, holistic vs medicalized views, racial injustices in the birth world, what being a doula looks like and much more. We will also be discussing different ways you can get involved in supporting families without having a degree!

Competencies: Empathy, Human Sexuality, Ethical Decision Making
Class size: 10
9:00 am - 11:00 am Glass Flameworking
Led by Dan Battat

In this hands on studio class in glass flameworking, students will gain basic glassworking techniques by creating glass marbles, jewelry and sculptural forms.    Using bench mounted burners, we will melt borosilicate glass in a 6500 degree flame. A series of demonstrations and skill building exercises will lead to independent creation of finished marbles, pendants and figurines, and students will be able to explore their own unique ideas as well.    History of glass and current applications will be discussed in class, and interested students will gain knowledge of outside resources in the field of glass art and sciences.

Competencies: Experiential Learning, Curiosity, Establish and Achieve Goals
Class size: 5
9:00 am - 10:20 am Poverty by America
Led by Catherine Gobron

From the text by Matthew Desmond: “In the past 50 years, scientists have mapped the entire human genome and eradicated smallpox. Here in the United States, infant-mortality rates and deaths from heart disease have fallen by roughly 70 percent, and the average American has gained almost a decade of life. Climate change was recognized as an existential threat. The internet was invented.” On the problem of poverty, though, there has been no real improvement — just a long stasis.”In this course, we will read and discuss the 2023 book, “Poverty, by America” by Pulitzer Prize winning author, Matthew Desmond. A blend of history, sociology, politics, ethics, and meaningful stories, this text will help us understand what poverty is, how it works, and how and why it persists within our wealthy society. Students are expected to read outside of class time and arrive prepared for in-depth discussions on complicated topics. Prior knowledge is not required, but students should take on this class with a commitment to devote focus and time to meet high expectations. This is a college prep course with frequent written reflection assignments as well as a final research project.GOALS over the next thirteen weeks we will:

  • Read the 300 page text in its entirety
  • Gain a deeper understanding of American history
  • Think deeply about how and why our present realities come to be
  • Engage in discussions about nuanced and sometimes frustrating facts and ideas
  • Journal about our personal thoughts and experiences
  • Complete short but frequent writing assignments and reflections
  • Choose a related topic to research further
  • Present a final paper or project
Competencies: Effective Communication, Effective Research, Global Thinking, Social Justice Concepts
Class size: 15
10:50 am - 12:10 pm Math Lab
Led by Aidan Chappius

This class provide individualized tutoring and instruction within a small group setting for students working in a wide range of math concepts, from pre-algebra skills through advanced mathematics, including skills such as Algebra 2, Pre-Calc, or Calculus. The course provides computer programs for various math courses, tutorial videos, and worksheets to supplement classroom instruction. The teacher will work with students individually at their own pace to craft goals based on their specific math needs.

Competencies: Perseverance, Problem Solving, Foundational Computation, Advanced Mathematics
Class size: 10
10:50 am - 12:10 pm Literature Lab
Led by David Lane

Don't think you are a writer, or are you already working on your next bestseller? Is reading a painful chore, or are stories and books your best friends? Or somewhere in between? Lit Lab is for you! This lab class is designed to meet the needs of students at all levels of reading and writing skill. We will individualize each student's path to confidence and increasingly advanced literacy skills. Students will be exposed to new and perhaps strange ways of thinking about reading and writing. (For example, "Writing is talking!") Literature Lab is appropriate for students of all ages, as well as comfort-levels with writing and reading. Students will have the opportunity to access Lit Lab for help with specific projects in other classes or their independent studies, or to develop college-level writing skills, or for personal goals they have in almost any area. We will also explore research skills for a variety of purposes. Because reading and writing are critical to all other pursuits, individual students can develop projects in this lab that span a wide range of topics. We may develop book clubs, reading circles, peer-editing circles, small writing collaboratives, local artist outreach efforts, publication parties or other groups depending on student interest. Students can develop the following competencies from our Light Cycle competency based curriculum: Voice, Effective Communication, and Effective Research. Students interested in advanced study will have the opportunity to practice Advanced Research. In addition, all students will have the opportunity to focus on any competency they desire, since reading and writing skills apply to all parts of life. Our "Light Cycle" curriculum document will be a shared, group text we explore throughout the Block. All other reading material will be individualized by student interest, unless groups of students choose to form book clubs or reading circles based on a shared text.

 

Competencies: Voice, Effective Communication
Class size: 15
10:50 am - 12:10 pm Haunted History
Led by Steph Zello

Paranormal research has fascinated people for centuries. However, Dark Tourism and ghost hunting have turned historic landmarks into an industry. With all of the ghost hunting shows and haunted tours it’s easy to forget about the people who made those locations historic. During this class we will explore the scariest places in the world and find out the history behind them. What was the farm on the top of the hill before it was the conjuring house? Why do so many old houses have seance tables? And, how has the pseudoscience around ghost hunting managed to change with technology?

 

Competencies: Effective Research, Curiosity, Global Thinking
Class size: 15
10:50 am - 12:10 pm Drawing People & Things
Led by Joshua Newman

Let’s draw faces, hands, and bodies so we understand how to make characters, and then how to make characters do what they want! We’ll look at how they work, from facial expressions to skulls, hands to skeletons, bodies to muscles. Sometimes we’ll draw ourselves, and sometimes we’ll draw a teacher or another volunteer so we can see different ways our bodies work. We’ll also draw some interesting objects — soft ones like fabric and clothing, and hard ones like tools and furniture. Because our characters are covered with and surrounded by objects! By the end, you’ll have made a lot of drawings. Some of them, you’ll want to show off, and the rest you’ll put away for later to see how you’ve grown and learned!

 

Competencies: Perseverance, Understand Self as Learner, Applied Scientific Reasoning
Class size: 15
10:50 am - 12:10 pm Math lab
Led by Mackenzie Gowans

This class provides individualized tutoring and instruction within a small group setting for students working in a wide range of math concepts, from pre-algebra skills through advanced mathematics, including skills such as Algebra 2, Pre-Calc, or Calculus. The course provides computer programs for various math courses, tutorial videos, and worksheets to supplement classroom instruction. The teacher will work with students individually at their own pace to craft goals based on their specific math needs.

Competencies: Perseverance, Problem Solving, Foundational Computation, Advanced Mathematics
Class size: 15
10:50 am - 12:10 pm Open Music Studio
Led by Greg Eichler

The Open Music Studio course at Lighthouse is a largely self-driven experience. Students are free to explore their on musical endeavors, with guidance and support from professional musician Gregory Eichler. Although a primarily independent course, collaboration and community among students in the Open Music Studio is encouraged, and an ultimate goal. Performance opportunities will be available for those seeking them. Come hone your voice, discover new sounds, and share your musical passions with the community of Lighthouse!

Competencies: Voice, Self-Awareness and Identity, Effective Communication, Advanced Communication
Class size: 15
10:50 am - 12:10 pm Food Chemistry
Led by Nate Maynard

The food you eat is made up of a complex assortment of molecules that your body breaks down to create energy and build your physical form one cell at a time. Not only does your body transform food as you digest it, but the ingredients that make up food go through complex changes during the cooking process. This class will seek to explore and demystify the basics of food chemistry. We will learn about the macronutrients essential to life: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; as well as the micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. We will explore how cooking techniques transform the taste, flavor and texture of food through processes such as: caramelization, emulsification, and fermentation. We will use the kitchen and cooking process as a laboratory to test our ideas and see how food chemistry can be applied when preparing a meal. For the final project, students will create a recipe that highlights at least one of the concepts covered in class and explains the role that chemistry plays in transforming food.

Competencies: Collaboration, Self Care and Wellness Strategies, Applied Scientific Reasoning
Class size: 15
10:50 am - 12:10 pm Musical Circles
Led by Ailey Verdelle

Musical Circles is a music class involving an introduction to stylistic periods of music ranging from the 20th century to the contemporary era. We will work to center musical traditions around the world. Expect plenty of room for flexibility and exploration based on the identity and interests of participating students. This class will engage musical/lyric analysis and artistic reflection, the aim is to be creative and to contextualize our lived experience within music, soundscape, and collaboration. Hopefully we can engage in plenty of discussions about musical experiences, do some recording and computer music, and figure out what each student has to share with the class. TL;DR Some music history, recording, computer music, collaborative circles, (performing) arts.

Competencies: Voice, Self-Awareness and Identity, Global Thinking
Class size: 15
10:50 am - 12:10 pm Fashion Design and Making
Led by Sarah A Stolwijk

In this class we will first go over some basic sewing skills before we dive into our own and or collaborative sewing projects. In this class we can make something we always wanted to make for example a skirt or a pants or a bag that you always thought about or we can figure out something together in this class that inspires you to want to make. Maybe you want to work on a whole outfit or a collection of outfits with one of your classmates. I want you to enjoy what you are gonna be working on! The sky is the limit.

Competencies: Experiential Learning, Self-Awareness and Identity, Understand Self as Learner
Class size: 10
10:50 am - 12:10 pm Fundamentals of Graphic Design
Led by Jailyne Torres

Graphic Design is the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content. Register for this class and learn about design elements and about yourself with art projects involving photography, typography and 2D design while exploring culture, heritage, individualism and identity.

Competencies: Self-Awareness and Identity, Media Fluency, Understand Self as Learner, Global Thinking
Class size: 10
1:10 pm - 2:30 pm Strategies of Chess
Led by Molly Brown-Hill

Do you want to learn how to play chess, get better at chess, or already know how to play and love playing? Join this class! We will learn the basics as well as dive into different strategies, have fun, and play some chess!

 

Competencies: Experiential Learning, Perseverance, Problem Solving
Class size: 15
1:10 pm - 2:30 pm Algebra II
Led by Mackenzie Gowans

Algebra 2 is the follow up math class to algebra 1. Students should feel comfortable and confident in algebra 1 material. This course will start with an overview of the tail end of algebra 1 (linear equations through quadratic equations) and then branch into talking about polynomials. We will learn through discussions, questions, games/activities, notes, and homework problems. This course is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of mathematics and how it applies to the world we live in.

Competencies: Perseverance, Problem Solving, Advanced Mathematics
Class size: 10
1:10 pm - 2:30 pm Science Lab
Led by Nate Maynard

Students will learn the fundamentals of experimental design, safety and lab procedures, and will have the opportunity to design and run an experiment of their choosing. We will conduct several controlled experiments and discuss how the scientific method can be applied to solve problems and answer questions. A major focus of this class will be understanding science as a process and how it can be used as a tool to make sense of the physical world. For the final project, each student will create a poster or powerpoint that outlines their experiment and includes their results and conclusions.

Competencies: Problem Solving, Effective Communication, Applied Scientific Reasoning
Class size: 20
1:10 pm - 2:30 pm Journalism!
Led by Steph Zello

In this class, we create an online and printed newspaper with articles, quizzes, featured students/staff and anything else you would like in your publication! You will gain skills in interviewing, writing, research and marketing. Not only will we create a newspaper together but you will also learn law, history and ethics through journalism. This class is perfect for anyone who wants to work on their writing/editing skills, or anyone who is interested in research and media!

Competencies: Experiential Learning, Effective Communication, Collaboration
Class size: 15
1:10 pm - 2:30 pm Supported Independent Study Hall
Led by Liam Russell

This will be a staff-supported space where students can work on independent projects and work on gaining study/research skills.

Competencies: Experiential Learning, Perseverance, Media Fluency, Understand Self as Learner
Class size: 10
1:10 pm - 2:30 pm Basketball
Led by Bob Lowry

This class is a great way to get out your energy out and build teamwork while having fun and getting out into the community. We will be going to the boys and girls club as a group to play basketball and generally build basic skills in sportsmanship.

Competencies: Experiential Learning, Collaboration, Self Care and Wellness Strategies
Class size: 10
1:10 pm - 2:30 pm Humanities Exploration
Led by Carlos Pena

In humanities exploration class, we will research the broad topic of the humanities and social sciences, which is a discipline that involves the study of human society and social relationships. We will try to include a wide range of topics that we may discuss in class on subjects listed below along with topics of the social sciences.

Through a series of readings, writings, movies/documentaries, class discussions, music, and art we will explore the vast topics that are outlined in our class:

- Art and Music
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
- Current Issues
- Demographics
- Environmental Studies
- Gender and Women's Studies
- Geography
- International Relations
- Language
- Multicultural and Regional Studies
- Philosophy
- Politics and Government
- Popular Culture
- Religion and Mythology
- Social Science

Competencies: Self-Awareness and Identity, Media Fluency, Curiosity
Class size: 10
1:10 pm - 2:30 pm Designing and Building What You Want
Led by Joshua Newman

A class for those already experienced in the Makerspace. We will be using 3D design software to design the things we want to build and learning the techniques we use to complete complex design projects. We will make gaming miniatures, personalized technologies, and working machines in ways that suit the purposes we decide on in class, and we'll make them in several drafts so we can learn how to improve them.

Competencies: Experiential Learning, Problem Solving, Curiosity, Establish and Achieve Goals
Class size: 15
1:10 pm - 2:30 pm Yoga and Mindfulness
Led by Jayde Thomas

Students will learn about yoga origin, history, as well as important aspects of yoga for the mind and body. They'll learn about pranayama (breath work) and how it can be used to manage anxiety and stress. In addition, students will dive into asanas (yoga poses) in a practice flow each week.

Competencies: Self-Awareness and Identity, Collaboration, Self Care and Wellness Strategies
Class size: 15
[email protected]
413-420-8299

Menu

Get monthly news

Login to Alma
Copyright © 2023 LightHouse Holyoke. All rights reserved.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram