4 minute read
The Legacy of Interim Term
TheLegacy ofInterimTerm
Contributed by: Trinity Curry ’20, Kinkaid Communications Oce Intern for Interim Term 2020
History
InterimTerm was established in 1971 by former Upper School Principal Barry Moss and former Business Manager Bill McKinley. According to John H Cooper, former principal, interim term started off with the idea of an “educational experiment” that became a reality that still lives on today.
Seniors stepped out into the world for the first time through the
Career Research Laboratory. This program gave students the opportunity to discover the communication, art and STEM filds.
“Th student has a great deal of freedom under this type of program,” student Tim Fox ’72 said. “While at the same time making a very thorough study and enjoying peace of mind.”
During the trip to Spain, students explored theatres, shops, monuments and other historic landmarks. Th adventure was described as, “very busy and… very happy” as the Kinkaidians toured Madrid with nine young Spanish students.
Students were more eager to learn about life outside the classroom with courses ranging from science to computer technology to art and the enrichment courses that focused on “a wide range of music” and speech.
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Now, Interim Term is a time for students to transition away from normal classes by receiving a learning experience while stepping outside of normal curriculum and schedules for three weeks. Ths unique opportunity is a time for teachers and students to be further invested in their passions and hobbies.
Interim Term reinforces a sense of unity among students and teachers through lessons with fun-filled activities like projects and presentations.
Upper School mathematics teacher Carolyn Clancy says, “[teachers] from across the School, get a chance to step outside of the curriculum and teach topics that interest them as well as their students.”
Interim Term courses are designed as creative outlets for students and teachers to dig deeper into outside pastimes and skills and study them within the classroom. Students use this opportunity to express themselves through hands-on learning and group tasks that develop interpersonal relationships. Kinkaid offers classes focusing on everything from crocheting to making jewelry and dancing to kickboxing.
“All in all, Interim Term gave me just the break I needed while making sure that the change to real school isn’t going to be as rough of a ride,” says Eva Wolfe ’22.
During Interim Term, seniors are given various opportunities to explore different career filds to further spur their interests and gain experience in the business world. Students learn how their passions fit into possible work opportunities. Seniors can develop their leadership skills through various projects and assignments given by their employers. Sometimes, two or more students are placed in the same internship, providing the opportunity to collaborate and connect as a team throughout the three weeks.
Director of Career Development Martha Kirkwood says, “I love playing a small role in supporting our seniors as they explore who they want to be and what they want to do beyond the walls of our beloved school. I have tremendous pride and faith in all of them!”
Kinkaid students are also able to study language, culture and science abroad. Ths year, students went on an Iceland Science Expedition where they ventured through caves and lava tunnels, hiked on glaciers and discovered the Northern Lights.
“While Iceland sometimes seemed a series of picturesque and epic landscapes, we were shown the true beauty and spirit of the country,” Upper School mathematics teacher and trip chaperone Michael Vischak said. He adds that both the students and teachers were “informed and entertained” throughout the trip. Their adventures also included lessons in geology, astronomy, environmental science and more. Students were also given the opportunity to take a cultural tour around Spain with the homestay opportunity in Seville, coordinated by International Studies Abroad (ISA). Students traveled through historic places like cathedrals and museums while learning about Sevillano traditions like Flamenco dancing and paella cooking. Upper School Spanish Teacher Dr. Regina Ruiz said “Living in Seville with Spanish families truly exposed our students to the daily customs and traditions that were extremely different from what they are used to. However all of them were always flexble, patient and open to learn constantly,” Across the board experiences like these will always be remembered and cherished.
