NO SCHOOL Mon., May 27th, 2024

Memorial Day

There will be no school next Monday, May 27th for Memorial Day.

AUCTION BASKETS

THANK YOU!!

Thank you to everyone who has dropped off baskets! The Auction Committee is still looking for baskets of various sizes so if you have any you would like to donate, please drop them off during school hours. You can also call the office ahead of time at 248-957-8200.

CHESS CLUB

The following are the remaining dates: May 29th and June 5th.

3D PRINTING/ROBOTICS CLUB

The remaining dates are as follows: May 28th and June 4th.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL

PHS Campers

At 8 am next THURS, May 30, PHS students will depart for their Wilderness Survival, personal development experience.

This curriculum using low-impact camping criteria and Eagle Scout design is intended to give students a concrete experience that should result in their feeling, “I can take care of myself!” It has been fine-tuned over more than 20 years to minimize essential supplies and maximize the creative problem-solving of taking care of one’s self and working as a team with others.

It is not a camping trip solely for fun and games … although they do have fun, and they do have games (team building exercises and Euchre 😊 ). In previous years we have seen students build things like chairs and tables using dead wood and knots/lashings that they taught each other. One year, a student even built a 2-story tree house with an upstairs sleep space and a downstairs company space.

Students who opt out of this may choose to write a research paper of their own choosing. This option would require parent transportation for live interviews, and students would not be at school for the same period of time the campers are not at school.

Excitement is building! Pictured below, Felix (Gr. 6) and Jax (Gr. 8) are getting in shape for the hike into the wilderness by walking their laps with their backpacks.

END OF SCHOOL TRIP

HOWELL NATURE CENTER

Wed., June 12th

We can’t believe the school year is almost over! For our end-of-the-year trip this year, we will be going to the Howell Nature Center. We will provide more information as we are closer to the date but the logistics will be similar to our Toledo Zoo trip. This trip will be for the whole day and we will be doing the following activities: Skins and Skulls, Predator and Prey Games (no body contact!), Wild Rehab, and Zip Line (Adventure Play for the Early El students who don’t meet Zip Line requirements).

The following is the schedule for the trip:

9:30 AM - Arrival and Orientation

9:55 - 10:55 - Skins and Skulls 

11:05-12:05 PM - Predator Prey - No Body Contact 

12:05PM - 12:35 PM - Sack Lunch 

12:35-1:35PM Wild Rehab

1:45PM-2:45PM Zipline / Adventure Games 

2:45-3:00 Bathrooms and depart 

More logistical information will be provided next week.

SIGN UP FOR COMMUNITY REWARDS FOR STEPPINGSTONE

Do you do weekly grocery shopping? Do you have a Kroger near you? If so, then consider doing some (or all) of your shopping at Kroger and as a bonus, fundraise for Steppingstone School!

It’s easy to enroll in Kroger’s Community Rewards Program. It takes just a few minutes to create an account and choose Steppingstone School (program number 91312) as your organization.

This is a passive fund-raiser which means you just have to sign up for Steppingstone to receive a percentage of what you spend. It costs nothing to help Steppingstone receive those dollars!  … just shop as usual, and thank you!

PS.  You need to renew your participation each year.

2024 SUMMER CAMP

With summer quickly approaching, we want to highlight some of our upcoming summer camps. Camps other than the SMART Center are for ages 6-13 (or with special permission from the instructor).

Our current camps (subject to change):

Platform 9 3/4 ($400), July 8-12

Instructor: Shari Dudek

Embark on a magical journey with us for a week of enchanting classes, including Transfiguration, Potions, and Care of Magical Creatures. Get sorted into a House on the first day and accumulate points for your house throughout the week. Experience daily Owl Post deliveries and test your skills to become the Seeker for your house. Cap off the week with an end-of-term celebration where you can savor the favorite recipes of house elves. Don’t miss out on the magic!

Computer Take-Apart ($350), July 15-19

Instructor: Dr. Philip "Reef" Morse

If you’re keen on unraveling the inner workings of technology, especially computers (desktops & laptops), hard drives, CDs, printers, and more, then this camp is tailored for you! Dive into the disassembly of computers, printers, scanners, and various IT equipment to explore their construction and functionality. Your ultimate test will not only involve reassembling these components but also the challenge of restoring them to full functionality, if feasible.

Asian Cooking ($400), July 22-26

Instructor: David Liou

Are you familiar with the distinctions between a dumpling, potsticker, and wonton? In this camp, not only will you grasp the nuances, but you’ll also embark on a culinary journey exploring similar dishes from across Asia! Delve into the preparation and tasting of delectable, authentic Asian cuisines representing various regions. Alongside, acquire essential skills like basic knife safety, the use of cooking utensils, and hygienic food preparation practices. Explore unique cooking utensils and styles specific to diverse Asian cultures. Why postpone your exploration of Asia when you can savor it right now? Don your apron, bring a friend, and let’s dive in! Campers will also take home a booklet containing the recipes they’ve mastered. Please note, the camp environment is nut-free.

SMART Center for Scientific Research ($450), August 12-16

Instructor: Dr. Philip "Reef" Morse

The SMART Center offers middle and high school students a unique opportunity to engage in research just like professional scientists. Participants will be introduced to laboratory methods, gaining hands-on experience with university-grade magnetic resonance instrumentation. This high-level course involves extensive practice and problem-solving, allowing students to create, design, and analyze data for their own scientific research projects. Upon completion, students are granted the privilege to return and utilize the equipment and lab for planning and executing extended research projects. An added highlight is the chance to present their work at an International Magnetic Resonance Conference the following summer. This unparalleled STEM experience is exclusive and not replicated anywhere else on Earth! A solid foundation in pre-algebra or higher is highly recommended.

For more information on fees and registration, please visit Steppingstone School Summer Camp, download our brochure, or call the office at (248) 957-8200