Q5 Begins

Q5 Begins

Stay Tuned for more information and pictures tomorrow!

We started this Q5 journey 18-months ago and today the odyssey began. The process over the last 18-months was anything but easy, but a challenge with few obstacles and a successful outcome ensured is not a challenge at all. We all know that time can be a great ally and a relentless opponent, and during the past 18-months, it often felt like both. 

The logistical aspects of organizing and planning Q5 was an immense undertaking and it has been a true team effort. Thank you to CCHS staff member Laurie Fortunato for her tremendous efforts serving as Q5 coordinator. Q5 is not possible without her efforts. 

An additional thank you to Dr. Mike Vela for not only supporting the program during the last 18-months, but the very idea of Q5 originated under his leadership of the STEAM Committee. Also, Rebecca Gates has proven invaluable and Brian Miller has been instrumental throughout our Q5 journey. 

It was a team effort in every sense of the word. Central Office personnel including members of the business department as well as members of the transportation department, led by Wayne Busa and John Arena, have been a great source of help. 

Of course, none of this is possible without the generous financial support of the Concord Education Fund and the Parents Association.  Thank you!

Over the course of the last 18-months, staff members worked really hard developing a wide array of exciting courses outlined in detail in the Q5 Course Catalog. 

Today we moved from theory and concept to reality. The pictures and stories shared by students and staff highlight a beginning that has exceeded lofty expectations. Enjoy some highlights below and stay tuned for more.  

Community Service Project in Boston
Led by Mr. Lonergan, Mr. Parato, Mr. Flynn, and Mr. Hoblitzelle
One of Wednesday’s four service projects in Boston was to the Roxbury Boys and Girls Club, where students prepared meals, helped develop the Teen Library and did an outdoor cleanup of the grounds! They bagged 84 weeks of clothes today and made more than 9,000 meals.

Students will volunteer at the Yawkey Club of Roxbury (Boys and Girls Club of Boston) for community service involving local youth and various projects as they arise.  

Obstacle Course Racing
Led by Mr.Vela and Mr. McGrath. Spartan Race, Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash… Are your mind and body ready to take on some of the most difficult physical challenges in the world?  Think it’s too hard? Not true! We will teach you how to integrate conditioning, agility, power and balance into your workouts through CrossFit, TRX and Plyometrics.  We will take classes at an American Ninja Warrior and Obstacle Course Training Center and learn from professionals. We also teach you how to get the most of your workout, recover faster, and help you achieve peak nutrition.

Flight

Led by Mr. Hamblin

In this course, students will explore the dynamics of flight by building and testing their own flying powered airplanes. Upon completion of the course, each student will have built their own plane with a 2-foot wingspan.

Asa Szegvari is working to create a two-foot model airplane.  Previously, the students explored the physics of flight. At the end of the week, the students will fly their models.

Go Bionic With These Wearable Arduino Projects

Led by Ms. Picard

This course is designed to give you the framework for creating fashion garments and accessories that have electronics integrated at the textile level.  Students will design and prototype a wearable technology product.

These two students are working to create wearable thermometers that will read the outside temperature.

Books & Cookies Club

Led by Ms. Golding

This is a book club.  Students are working together to make cookies which they will eat while discussing the books they are reading: Ready Player One or Turtles All the Way Down

Speed Dating with Local Colleges

Led by Ms. Brown and Ms. Kirshstein

Expose students to various college options. We would tour each campus so the students can get a good sense if they could see themselves there and decide to apply.

Project Adventure

Led by Ms. Gillis, Ms. Lashley, and Mr. Capone

A week-long Project Adventure Student Leadership course students and staff are traveling to a Project Adventure campus in Beverly, MA where participants partake in adventure training while exploring leadership styles. Building on technical and facilitation skills on a ropes course. You will also achieve personal growth through reflection, feedback and peer interaction. There is a leader in each of us. Take this course to bring that leader to life!