(Pictured above: NGDHS student Mike Wilkinson guided a group of grade 8 students from Merrickville Public School through a mummy-wrapping activity during the NGDHS CSI event last Wednesday.)
(Kemptville) – North Grenville District High School (NGDHS) hosted its 6th annual CSI: Cool School Initiative this past Wednesday, an educational and fun-filled activity complete with clue-solving and role-playing for current NGDHS students and grades 7-8 students from feeder schools Merrickville Public School, South Branch Elementary School, Kemptville Public School and Oxford-On-Rideau Public School.
More than 500 students took part in the Egyptian-themed CSI designed by NGDHS teachers. This year’s mystery revolved around the disappearance of a time-travelling teacher whose visit caused unrest and ended with a rare, ritual sacrifice.
Students participated as groups, rotating through classroom “labs” which were facilitated by grades 11-12 NGDHS students. Students enjoyed wrapping a mummy, mixing potions, interpreting hieroglyphs, cracking codes and much more. Through completion in the lab areas, groups revealed a clue that would help them solve the mystery. At the end of the day, students gathered in the gymnasium for a dramatic finale and prize distribution by teachers dressed as a Pharaoh and priestesses.
“We host CSI as a ‘get to know your high school’ event for the younger students, and a character education event for our senior students,’” said teacher Connie Coleman. “Our grades 11 and 12 students work with teachers to lead the labs, and act as NGDHS ambassadors by helping the elementary students through the school – their future high school.”
“The schools are thematically united,” agreed teacher Marc Bergeron. “It’s a character-driven relationship builder for the faculty, staff, and students. It’s a memorable day for everyone.”
Grade 11 student Kelsey Banks led a group of grade 8 students from Oxford-on-Rideau.
“I think CSI gives us a chance to interact with people we don’t normally get to interact with,” said Banks. “It gives the grade 8s a chance to see the school in a different way.”
Eric Toomey, one of the students in Banks’ group, said the event helped him get to know his way around the school.
“It’s fun and it’s great because it’s almost Halloween,” he said.
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For more information please contact:
Connie Coleman
Secondary Teacher
North Grenville District High School
613-258-3481
Marc Bergeron
Secondary Teacher
North Grenville District High School
613-258-3481
November 5, 2009