Meet the New Aristos Scholars for 2007-08

Aristos Scholars are selected by two methods. They may be nominated, or they may be selected based upon the quality of their Aristos grant implementation.

Eleven new Aristos Scholars joined the Aristos Academy in 2007-08. Six were selected based upon the quality of their Aristos grant implementation and four were nominated. One new Scholar was nominated as well as the author of a successful grant implementation. Scholars serve a three-year term. Each edition of MMSD Today will feature a new scholar.

David Ropa, Spring Harbor
David teaches at Spring Harbor Middle School. He used his $6,280 Aristos grant to produce an integrated curriculum designed for teachers in grades 4-8 that explores China's history, culture, political structure and environment. The curriculum is differentiated with reading materials at varied levels on a specific research topic, graphic organizers, check lists to support long-range writing projects, and visual materials. Assessments are varied so that each student can show what has been learned most effectively. The curriculum addresses standards in the areas of social studies, environmental education, science, and language arts. The UW East-Asian Studies Department funded the travel of five MMSD teachers to China enabling the teachers to collect the necessary materials for creation of the curriculum.