As we approach the end of the calendar year, many students are gearing up for the holiday break. However, at Franklin Academy, the period between Thanksgiving and Winter break is not just a time for winding down. Instead, it marks an exciting opportunity for students to engage in the school’s December Intersession programming—an innovative, enriching experience that allows students to apply the skills they’ve learned in the classroom in meaningful, real-world contexts.
The benefits of the December Intersession program extend far beyond the typical classroom experience. This special time encourages the generalization of social and executive functioning skills, engages students in areas of high personal interest, and promotes collaboration with faculty and peers who share similar passions. By focusing on real-world applications of skills, the program fosters a sense of ownership over learning and inspires students to explore new areas of interest.
Generalizing Social & Executive Functioning Skills
For students at Franklin Academy, developing social and executive functioning skills is a central component of the academic experience. In core classes, students are taught strategies for managing time, organizing tasks, and interacting with peers in positive, constructive ways. However, these skills are most effectively developed when students are able to practice and apply them outside of traditional classroom settings.
During the December Intersession, students have the opportunity to work on these skills in a variety of hands-on, dynamic environments. Whether participating in group projects, leading discussions, engaging in field trips off-campus, or managing time to complete assignments, students are encouraged to put their learning into practice. This process of generalizing skills helps students gain confidence in their ability to navigate different social and academic situations, which is key to their ongoing development and future success.
High-Interest Areas & Passion Projects
One of the standout features of the December Intersession is its focus on high-interest areas that engage students on a deeper level. By offering a variety of topics and activities that align with students’ personal passions, the program provides them with the opportunity to dive deeply into subjects that excite them. Whether it’s a creative arts project, a science experiment, or a community service initiative, students are given the space to explore new ideas and develop skills that align with their own interests and career aspirations. This year, our intersession courses include an introduction to Scuba diving, a theater arts immersion trip to New York City, a course on the human-animal dynamic, and a problem-solving workshop using the book The Researcher’s First Murder.
This engagement in meaningful, student-driven activities is not only enriching but also empowers students to take ownership of their learning. The freedom to explore different fields allows students to connect with their intrinsic motivations and curiosity, making the learning process more enjoyable and impactful. It’s also an invaluable way for students to discover new talents or areas they may not have previously considered. Additionally, the December Intersession is also a time for students to connect with their peers and faculty in a collaborative, informal setting. Students work alongside others who share similar passions and interests, allowing for meaningful connections to form. Whether collaborating on a group project or engaging in a friendly debate, students have the chance to bond with others over shared pursuits, fostering both academic and social growth.
In addition, faculty members become mentors and collaborators rather than just instructors. This sense of community and collaboration is one of the defining features of Franklin Academy’s approach to education, allowing students to build lasting relationships with both their peers and their teachers.
Making the Most of the Time Between Breaks
It’s no secret that the period between Thanksgiving and Winter break can often feel like a time when students’ focus wanes. With the excitement of the holiday season drawing near, it’s common for productivity to decrease during these weeks. By offering structured, interest-driven programming during the December Intersession, Franklin Academy ensures that students remain intellectually and socially engaged, using this time productively to continue developing their skills.
Rather than letting the weeks before Winter break pass by without purpose, the December Intersession transforms what could be a lull into a period of growth, exploration, and personal development. Students are given the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences that build their academic skills while also nurturing their passions and social abilities.
By keeping students actively engaged in learning during this typically unproductive stretch of the school year, Franklin Academy ensures that students continue building skills in social interaction, executive functioning, and academic content. It’s an opportunity for students to be both challenged and supported, to grow academically and personally, and to emerge from the December Intersession with a stronger sense of accomplishment and confidence.
Conclusion
Franklin Academy’s December Intersession is much more than just a break from the regular school schedule. It’s a dynamic, hands-on learning experience that allows students to apply and refine their social and executive functioning skills, pursue areas of personal interest, and engage with like-minded peers and faculty. By making this time between Thanksgiving and Winter break more productive, the school offers an innovative way for students to continue their academic growth while having fun and discovering new passions. Ultimately, the December Intersession reflects Franklin Academy’s commitment to providing students with a comprehensive, engaging, and personalized educational experience that extends well beyond the classroom.
