Blog Archives

Global Citizenship Workshops

2/28/2017

New Summit Academy’s innovative Global Citizenship program engages students in critical-thinking activities throughout their year with us, developing perspectives that apply to all of their classes and, with hope, their worlds. Twice per quarter, students and teachers focus on one of the eight facets of Global Citizenship: Social Justice, Diversity, Interdependence, Conflict Resolution, Ecological Stewardship, Sustainable Development, Digital Citizenship, and – this quarter’s facet – Human Rights.

Our community dedicates two days to the study of each facet, and works with students to create plans of action to enact change in their communities, and guides them in developing facet projects in their classes. This Human Rights workshop is focusing on worker’s rights and how our actions and purchases affect others. It includes an analysis of the ground-breaking documentary film The True Cost, and a Skype interview with its director, Andrew Morgan.

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Cloud Forest Aventura Recap

2/15/2017

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This Aventura begins with a 3-day backpacking journey into the chilly cloud forest of Tapanti National Park. On the very first day, after arriving at the park station, the group happened to see a wounded resplendent quetzal being transported to the Zoo Ave sanctuary in Alajuela. Renowned for its vibrant plumage and long streamer tail, the quetzal inhabits the humid highlands of Costa Rica, where protected lands offer this threatened species safe haven.

The experience was the perfect springboard for that day's class on the interconnectedness of cloud forest biomes and human interactions with local species. The class discussion focused on human impacts and important efforts to help rare species like the quetzal.

The trip ended on a high note with two days of adrenaline-pumping rafting on the Class III and IV rapids of the mighty Pacuare River.

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Highlights from Kayak Aventura

2/14/2017

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Students on the Kayak Aventura found a true sense of cohesion and authenticity as they paddled their way across the glassy waters of the Golfo Dulce.

When they weren't chest-deep in mangrove estuaries for hands-on classes, the guys were catching their dinner (fresh snapper and mackeral!) on handlines as they kayaked through this amazing ecosystem.

Crowning moments included:

Watching spotted eagle rays glide through the water
Having sea turtles swim under their kayaks
Crossing the Gulf bathed in the luminous glow of a Full Snow Moon

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Corcovado Aventura Highlights

2/13/2017

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Corcovado National Park, one of the planet's most biodiverse locations, was the backdrop for this physically challenging 5-day camping and trekking adventure. Students study lowland rainforest ecology, symbiosis and forest succession on this extreme journey that entails some exciting river crossings, including one high tide crossing where waters were nearly chest level!

Wildlife sightings are one of the best parts of exploring Corcovado. During their week-long adventure, the guys saw Tapir, sea turtles, four species of monkey, wild pigs, coatimundi, caimans, crocodiles and a skunk! The group also got to experience the wonders of the Snow Moon Eclipse, watching the sun rise as the moon lit up the night sky.

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Osa Conservation Community Service

2/12/2017

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Community Service marks the first of NSA's Integrated Aventuras, and with more than half of the student body participating in this initial adventure, this group was amazingly cohesive. Students showed great initiative and cooperation on both an individual and group basis during their week on the Osa Peninsula, where service was aimed at monitoring endangered sea turtle nesting sites and local reforestation efforts.

According to Aventura staff, the guys were consistently engaged in academic lessons, resulting in dynamic conversations.
Aventura highlights included:

Discovering a sea turtle nest on their first beach patrol containing more than 100 eggs that students relocated to the hatchery built by a previous NSA class
Harvesting vegetables from the Osa Conservation garden to serve at dinner
Playing 5X5 soccer
Using free time to swim in the river

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College Acceptances Begin to Roll In

2/1/2017

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Though it may seem like the college application process is just now ending, we are already having schools jump at the opportunity to admit our motivated, brilliant seniors. Each week brings new and exciting news for our students, with more sure to come.

Some of our recent acceptances include:

- Montana State
- Immaculata University
- Alvernia University
- Whittier (with a $28,000 per year scholarship)
- Juniata (with a $23,000 per year scholarship)
- Portland State (with a $24,000 per year scholarship)

Congratulations seniors!

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Global Citizenship Workshops

Cloud Forest Aventura Recap

Highlights from Kayak Aventura

Corcovado Aventura Highlights

Osa Conservation Community Service

College Acceptances Begin to Roll In

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