2022 Summer Bridge Program Information Page

Course Descriptions

Week #1, August 1 – 5, 2022

Introduction to AP Biology – This summer course will provide a snapshot of topics outlined in the AP Biology Course and Exam Description. This course will provide students with a soft introduction to the scope and breadth of the course. Topics relating to cell structure and function, genetics, cell communication, central dogma, and natural selection will be highlighted. Students will be engaged through interactive instructional practices focusing on some of the most common misconceptions and challenging concepts of the course. This course will encourage student collaboration, discussion, and application of content. Science practices will be threaded throughout the course to provide students with an introduction to skills necessary for success in the course and on the AP Exam.

Introduction to AP Calculus – Students will begin the session with a review of the trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic, inverse, and inverse trigonometric functions which are spread throughout the AP Calculus curriculum. On each day of the session, students will take some time to explore the various capabilities of the TI graphing calculators. Near the end of the session, students will learn about Limits and Continuity taken directly from the first unit of the AP Calculus curriculum.

Introduction to AP Chemistry -The online AP Chemistry Bridge Program is designed for high school students seeking additional skills to prepare them to enroll in AP Chemistry in the fall. The course will cover periodic trends, stoichiometry and gas laws (contents covered in units 1, 3 and 4). Students will be able to practice problems using the above concepts to assess their understanding of the content covered in class.

Introduction to AP Computer Science A – In this course, we will be using a scenario to introduce and connect the basic concepts of Object-Oriented programming that are covered in Units 1 – 5 of the AP course. These units include: Unit 1 – Primitive Datatypes, Unit 2 – Using Objects, Unit 3 – Boolean Expressions and If Statements, Unit 4 – Iteration, and Unit 5 – Writing Classes.

Introduction to AP Computer Science Principles – The AP CS Principles Bridge Course will allow students from a wide variety of programming backgrounds and experiences to prepare themselves for the AP CS Principles course. Whether you have never programmed before or have experience writing your own programs, this course will help you practice programming while learning about the big ideas of AP CS Principles. Using various online platforms including Code.org’s AppLab and/or GameLab, you will practice reading and writing code in a block-based language that is similar to the one tested on the exam.

Introduction to AP Environmental Science – Join me on an exciting trip into what your year in AP Environmental Science (APES) will look like! The usual pre-requisites for APES are that you have had some form of Biology and Chemistry course prior to taking this course. What I have often found is that some of the math skills, and basic science understandings from the pre-requisite courses, has been forgotten…or maybe never learned. This APES Intro course will strengthen your APES specific math skills like metric conversions, scientific notation, and dimensional analysis. It will also solidify your graphic interpretation and creation skills. Finally, you will use your freshly honed numerical and graphing skills to design, and implement, an environmentally specific experiment. While math and graphing skills are useful in just about all science classes, wouldn’t it be great to have a head start on seeing these things through an APES specific lens? You will start your AP Environmental Science year with more confidence, which will empower you to dive more deeply into becoming an environmental champion.

Introduction to AP Statistics – The objective of these statistical summer sessions is to familiarize students with key concepts of organizing, viewing, and describing univariate data. Through data collected from both the students themselves and the world at large, these budding statisticians will experience the nuance and understanding that the course requires, especially as the year goes on. We will take a look at some applied problems and mix in some real AP questions so that students get a taste of what is to come. Graphing calculators will be used throughout the sessions and topics will include displaying and describing categorical data, displaying and describing quantitative data, standard deviation, and the normal model.

AP Study Skills for All – In this course, we will explore strategies to help us confidently engage with the challenging work that an AP experience provides, focusing on study skills, time management, habit building, and organizational skills. Designed to support anyone entering an AP course, this course will allow us to begin forming sound work habits and learn to not only set attainable goals but also effectively communicate our needs. By the end of the week, we will have a toolbox of resources to help us succeed in the upcoming academic year.

Week #2, August 8 – 12, 2022

Introduction to AP Literature & Composition – During this week-long course, students will work on honing and strengthening their analytical reading and writing skills. Each day, students will work on strengthening and building their ability to write fluently and persuasively and explore short fiction, poetry or topics of interest to them. Daily sessions will also increase students’ familiarity with the content of the AP English Literature exam by introducing the three types of essays (poetry, prose fiction argument, and literary argument ) to better prepare students for their coursework in the fall. At the end of the week, students will have built a solid foundation to better prepare for their AP English Literature and Composition course in the fall.

Introduction to AP Language & Composition – During this week-long course, students will work on honing and strengthening their analytical reading and writing skills. Each day, students will work on strengthening and building their ability to write fluently and persuasively and explore current events or topics of interest to them. Daily sessions will also increase students’ familiarity with the content of the AP English Language exam by introducing the three types of essays (synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and argument) to better prepare students for their coursework in the fall. At the end of the week, students will have built a solid foundation to better prepare for their AP English Language and Composition course in the fall.

Introduction to AP Physics 1 – Let’s get ready for Physics! In this course, we will explore the basics of motion through hands-on activities and collaborative learning experiences. This course will focus on learning to think like a physicist, developing lab skills, collaborating with others, and applying mathematics to science.

AP Science Study Skills – AP Science Study Skills is a 5-day online review class covering the major skills necessary to be successful in AP science. Any students enrolling in AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics or AP Environmental Science will benefit from this course. The topics which will be covered include scientific method, claim evidence and reasoning, statistics, graphs and data analysis, mathematics integration, and understanding visuals and models. During this workshop, students will work in small groups, complete hands-on activities and practice with the material leaving them feeling confident and prepared with the skills needed to be successful.

 

Instructor Bios

Kimberly Burton-Regulski – Kimberly is the mathematics department chairman at Eastern Technical High School. She has taught mathematics and computer science at Eastern Technical High School for twenty-one years. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics from Towson University in 1998 in preparation for a career in teaching. To pursue her interest in computer science and technology, she earned a 2nd Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems, followed by a Master’s of Science in Advanced Information Technology from Stevenson University in 2009. As a department chairman, Kimberly oversees the mathematics department at Eastern Technical High. She has been instrumental in building and expanding the computer science program at Eastern Tech. Kimberly is also the Innovation Coordinator in charge of the development and use of Eastern Tech’s comprehensive Makerspace. In 2009, Kimberly was awarded the Presidential Award for Mathematics and Science Teaching for her teaching of mathematics and computer science. She was also named Teacher of the Month by Code.org and the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Educator for her contributions to computer science education.

Margaret Evans – Margaret Evans is a veteran teacher in the Prince William County Public School system, located in Northern Virginia. After earning her B.S degree in Biology with the goal of becoming an obstetrician, Margaret earned acceptance into Johns Hopkins Medical School. However, quickly realizing her true calling, she turned down the coveted invitation to medical school to pursue a career in education and moved on to earn her M.A degree in Education. She started her teaching career as a biology teacher at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, located in Washington, D.C. After two years of teaching at Georgetown Visitation, Margaret felt a need to serve in the public school system. As the product of a public education in Baltimore County, Maryland, Margaret desired to be in a position where she could provide the same high quality educational experience to students she taught as those she received from her own primary and secondary schools in Maryland. She secured a position as a biology teacher in the Prince William County Public School System and is now a 23-year veteran teacher in her district. She has taught multilevel biology classes during her tenure; to include AP Biology, Pre-AP Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Biology I. She is experienced in Gifted Education and has supported instruction for ELL and SPED students throughout her teaching career. Margaret has served as a member of the AP Biology Development Committee, participates in the AP Biology Read as a leader and reader, served as the 2021 AP Daily Teacher Lead, and served as a co-host teacher for the 2021 AP Live Reviews. Margaret facilitates training in her district for culturally responsive education initiatives and firmly believes all students can learn and succeed. Margaret Evans is a dedicated teacher who continually seeks ways to improve her instruction and provide her students with the highest quality education possible. When asked by her students, “Why didn’t you go to medical school and become a doctor as opposed to becoming a teacher?” She is not ashamed to reply, “Having the awesome responsibility of educating and shaping young minds is one of the most honorable jobs I can think of. I have never regretted my decision.”

Matt Huberman – Matt is a high school mathematics teacher currently sculpting young minds at Oliver Ames High School in Easton, MA. He’s been teaching AP Stats for the past ten years and serving as a theatrical guide as the Drama Club’s Advisor and Director there as well.  Good theatre and good statistics both require good context. Matt received a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.A.T. in Mathematics from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. During his college years he taught inmates Algebra & Geometry in a correctional facility in order to progress them to completion of their GEDs. More recently, he worked on publications for the Princeton Review for their AP Statistics materials. He’s been an AP reader for the last several years and this is his fourth year proudly working with Mass Insight Education.  Matt loves spending time with his family, dog, chickens, and the occasional SUP boarding session.

Kathleen Koljian —  Kathleen teaches AP English Language and Composition and AP English Literature and Composition in an urban Connecticut high school, where she has worked since earning her Ph.D at the University of Connecticut in 2006. She has been an AP reader since 2012 and enjoys working with teachers and students in programs focused on improving educational outcomes for students.

Maureen Melanson – Mrs. Melanson has been teaching biology for 20 years at Methuen High School, in Methuen, Massachusetts. She has been teaching AP Biology for 19 of those years. She has also taught physical science, biology, and anatomy. She was awarded the 2011 National Math and Science Initiative All American Teacher of the year award and the 2021 Partners in Excellence Lawrie Bertram Award for her dedication to her students. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Bridgewater State University and a Masters in Teaching Biology from Framingham State University. She works tirelessly to continually update her curriculum and create engaging lessons calling on students to develop the skills necessary to foster inquiry, analytical thinking, and confidence.

Jayson Sylvain – Jayson has taught AP Calculus at West Bridgewater Middle/Senior High for over 20 years.  He has also served the WB student population for many years as an advisor both for the Math Club and the National Honor Society.  He graduated from Stonehill College in 1997 with a BS in Mathematics/Computer Science with a minor in Secondary Education.

Melissa Trzasko – Mrs. Trzasko has taught AP Computer Science Principles for 7 years and has received the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for the past three years. She is the Arts and Technology Department Chair and helps to oversee all the computer science curriculum for both middle and high school students. Additionally, she has served on the new MTEL for Digital Literacy and Computer Science committee which was rolled out in the fall of 2021. She is a MassInsight presenter for Saturday Study Sessions, presenting various topics to cohorts across the Commonwealth to help prepare students for the different aspects of the AP Exam. During the June 2020 AP Reading, she had the opportunity to score hundreds of AP Computer Science Principles Create Tasks. In her spare time Mrs. Trzasko loves to play baseball with her husband and two children, garden, travel and relax with her German Shepherd.