Winterim
For one week each winter, the St. Andrew's-Sewanee community shifts its attention from the regular academic routine to intensive courses of study dedicated to experimental and experiential learning. Winterim gives faculty members and students an opportunity to collaboratively explore and discover their passions.
2024 Courses
Arts Workshops
MORNING WORKSHOPS
Guerilla Musical
Grades 6-12, Morning, Arts
Eyerly, Ella Johnson, and Kat Carpenter
In this workshop, students will create a musical from scratch. Students will collaborate with Dr. Will on the script, music, and lyrics creating an original musical for performance in the SAS community. Students would serve as the writers, actors, and musicians for the show that would be presented Friday night in McCrory.
Stencil Making and Painting Workshop
Grades 9-12, Morning, Arts
R. Lomeli
This workshop will explore the history of stencils as we review different examples of the techniques and how stencils have been used throughout history. Following this, students will select images and create stencils using both homemade techniques as well as programs like Photoshop. We will delve into the process and different challenges presented in designing and cutting templates suitable for painting. Stencils are one of the most effective ways to create a striking image. They remain an extremely interesting tool for someone who is just beginning to develop their art skills. The class will end with an open-air paint session, where the group will use their newly cut stencils on pieces of plywood, experimenting with different techniques of overlapping and the repetition of images, using a variety of colors of spray paint.
Mapping our Journeys through Expressive Arts
Grades 9-12, Morning, Arts
Carlos
Who have you been, who are you now, and who do you want to become? Using the power of drawing, movement, and creative writing, we will explore our journeys through life, a deeply satisfying process that helps us to understand the selves we have been, as well as those we want to embody. Ms. Carlos will share the resources and tools she has learned in her Tamalpa Life/Art graduate program (https://www.tamalpa.org/), with which we will harvest the fruits of this movement-based expressive arts exploration. No dance, writing, or art experience is necessary!
Contemporary Experimental Film
Grades 10-12, Morning, Arts
N. Ercole
This course will examine the modern evolution of avant-garde cinema across both genres and borders by focusing on a variety of different styles from a wide range of geographic locations. Starting with the early 1970s, and ending with the early 2000s, the course will also situate these various film selections within the specific geospatial environments and socio-historic contexts that influenced their individual productions.
AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
Creative Writing Basics
Grades 6-12, Afternoon, Arts
Kemmer
This course allows upper school students to pursue creative writing work. This course aims to enable students to create pieces of literature in various genres, including, but not limited to, short story/fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Students will engage with multiple works of creative authors to spark inspiration for their own writing. This course will be collaborative while also providing time for reflection on their desired writing topics.
Knitting Basics
Grades 8-12, Afternoon, Arts
Asmus with Amelia Pond
In this workshop, we will explore the basic techniques for knitting. We will learn various stitches as well as how to choose needles and yarn and to read patterns. Crochet is an option as well. At the end of the week, participants will take with them the basic knowledge to create a scarf and additional simple handmade masterpieces!**A $10 fee will be charged to the student account.
Películas animadas latinas y hispanas
Grades 7-12, Afternoon, Arts
Johnson
Do you love movies? How about language and culture studies? Did you know you can combine both of these passions? International animation offers beautiful art and authentic themes that differ greatly from the genre-dominated storytelling of Disney and DreamWorks. In this Winterim program, we will watch some of the best-animated films from Latin America and Spain with fantastical worlds, unique art, and engaging stories. Throughout the week we will talk about where to find these films and how they can help with language learning and to understand the world around us. Films will be in English, Spanish, or Portuguese (with English subtitles when necessary). Discussions will be held in Spanglish. Delicious snacks will be provided!
Wes Andersons-in-the-Making: A Cinematic Adventure in Quirk and Charm
Grades 10-12, Afternoon, Arts
K. Lomeli and Griff Wilson
During this course, we’ll dive into the quirky universe of Wes Anderson where every frame is a canvas and every story is an adventure. We'll explore Anderson's distinct style by watching and analyzing some of his films. Then, in the second half of the course, we'll create our own Wes Anderson-inspired films. From symmetrical framing to whimsical narratives, get ready to discover the artistry behind Anderson's work and bring your own unique story to life.
Outdoor Adventure/Education
*Courses in this category satisfy a Cumberland Scholars requirement.
A Walk on the Wild Side
Grades 6-12, Morning, Outdoor Adventure/Education
M. Burns and Black
You have heard about the Perimeter Trail and have seen the signs. Now it's time to lace up your boots and follow those blue blazes. During this week-long course, students will take a walk on Sewanee's wild side by hiking the 20+ mile Perimeter Trail in five days. Each day, students will explore a different section of the trail, visiting some well-known areas such as Shakerag Hollow, the Forestry Cabin, Proctor's Hall, and the Memorial Cross, but also some lesser-known spots such as Dotson Point, King's Farm, Audubon Lake, and Elliot Point. Guest experts will join us on the trail throughout the week. The winter landscape will provide us with wide-open views of the valleys and coves, and we'll take in lakes, streams, waterfalls, and lots of interesting geological features. *This course satisfies a Cumberland Scholars requirement.
Outdoor Climbing and Exploration
Grades 8-12, all day, Outdoor Adventure/Education
Christopher
We will do full-day climbing trips to locations that are normally too far away for the climbing team to reach. Depending on student ability and interest, we will either boulder or sport climb. Some possible areas include Castle Rock, Denny Cove, Foster Falls, Zahnd, Stone Fort, Rocktown, and Sewanee areas. Depending on the weather, at least one day in the middle of the week will be dedicated to exploring and developing. We will look on Google Earth and attempt to identify areas we might want to explore, then split into teams and try to find and clean some boulders. **A $20 fee will be charged to the student account to be applied toward the entry fee at the climbing gym. *This course satisfies a Cumberland Scholars requirement.
Winter Backpacking on the Appalachian Trail
Grades 9-12, overnight, Outdoor Adventure/Education
Short and Phillips
This course will teach students how to prepare for and endure a cold-weather backpacking trip. Before
leaving, students will learn about basic wilderness skills such as Leave no Trace Principles, layering, pack adjustment, food preparation, and so on. The rest of the class will be spent hiking a 30-mile section of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. On-trail skill-building activities will include cooking, setting up and breaking down camp, bear bag hanging, fire building, and risk management. The mileage each day will be modest, but the conditions will be strenuous and challenging, providing a rewarding mental and physical experience.
**A $50 fee will be charged to the student account to cover meals. *This course satisfies a Cumberland Scholars requirement.
Off Trail Exploring
Grades 6-8, Afternoon, Outdoor Adventure/Education
D. Burns
Leave our campus trails to explore the woods, streams, and rocks on and around campus with a definite emphasis on OFF-TRAIL!! Be ready to get dirty, wet, cold, scratched up, tired, and sore. Dress appropriately and consider bringing a change of clothes for PEAK. This is a no-phone activity (we'll have a safe place for your phone during the session). We'll start each day in Simmonds Room 27. *This course satisfies a Cumberland Scholars requirement.
Outdoor Climbing and Exploration
Grades 8-12, all day, Outdoor Adventure/Education
Christopher
We will do full-day climbing trips to locations that are normally too far away for the climbing team to reach. Depending on student ability and interest, we will either boulder or sport climb. Some possible areas include Castle Rock, Denny Cove, Foster Falls, Zahnd, Stone Fort, Rocktown, and Sewanee areas. Depending on the weather, at least one day in the middle of the week will be dedicated to exploring and developing. We will look on Google Earth and attempt to identify areas we might want to explore, then split into teams and try to find and clean some boulders. **A $20 fee will be charged to the student account to be applied toward the entry fee at the climbing gym. *This course satisfies a Cumberland Scholars requirement.
Winter Backpacking on the Appalachian Trail
Grades 9-12, overnight, Outdoor Adventure/Education
Short and Phillips
This course will teach students how to prepare for and endure a cold-weather backpacking trip. Before
leaving, students will learn about basic wilderness skills such as Leave no Trace Principles, layering, pack adjustment, food preparation, and so on. The rest of the class will be spent hiking a 30-mile section of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. On-trail skill-building activities will include cooking, setting up and breaking down camp, bear bag hanging, fire building, and risk management. The mileage each day will be modest, but the conditions will be strenuous and challenging, providing a rewarding mental and physical experience.
**A $50 fee will be charged to the student account to cover meals. *This course satisfies a Cumberland Scholars requirement.
Place-Based Learning
*Courses in this category satisfy a Cumberland Scholars requirement.
MORNING WORKSHOPS
Design Challenge - Sustainable Tiny House
Grades 6-12, Morning, Place-Based Learning
Malde
This is an architecture and design workshop that incorporates sustainable design elements within the framework of designing a tiny house. The course would teach basic architectural principles and focus on form, space, and sustainable building practices. After initial brainstorming, floor plans would be drawn to scale by hand, and then a three-dimensional model would be created with foam core. Daily slideshows, field trips to local off-grid houses, and lessons on architectural practices will help students place their work in a broader context.
Exploring Relationships Between Geology and Human History
Grades 6-12, Morning, Place-Based Learning
Knoll
During this 1⁄2 day field-trip based Winterim class, students will explore local and regional sites in Tennessee and northern Alabama. A particular focus will be placed on the relationship between the
underlying geology of the region and human history. Students will develop a basic understanding of local geology as well as an understanding of how the underlying geology either controlled or impacted
events in human history. A sample itinerary would include but not be limited to: investigating the known and lesser known springs of Sewanee, Russell Cave National Monument in northern Alabama, Old Stone Fort in Manchester, Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro, Falls Mill in Belvidere, and the Lone Rock Coke Ovens in Grundy County, TN. *This course satisfies a Cumberland Scholars requirement.
Foodways of the South
Grades 9-12, Morning, Place-Based Learning
Helvey and Sjolund
Join us as we learn all about the foodways of the South. This is a place-based course with a mission to experience the best and most unique food in this area. Each day we will travel to a new location to learn about the culture, economy, and cuisine of this wonderful region we all call home. **A $50 fee will be charged to the student account to be applied toward the cost of meals. *This course satisfies a Cumberland Scholars requirement.
AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
Foraging Wild Food and Art
Grades 6-12, Afternoon, Place-Based Learning
Bowie, Long, and Sarah Brewster
This workshop concentrates on utilizing nature, found in our backyard, for both food and art. Students will learn how to identify edible plants nearby, and how to incorporate them into a recipe and then into a form of creative expression. We will focus on foraging the first half of the class with short educational discussions, and then experiment the second half of the class with food and art. Art exercises will take place both in the classroom and outdoors and will vary each day.
*This course satisfies a Cumberland Scholars requirement.
Grundy Greats
Grades 6-12, Afternoon, Place-Based Learning
B. MacLellan and Mother Short
Explore the historic, cultural, and natural wonders of Grundy County and its intimate connection to the
history of St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School. Visits to the South Cumberland Welcome Center, Tour of the
Caverns, the Grundy County Heritage Museum, Grundy Lakes and the Coke Ovens, Dutch Maid Bakery, Convent of St. Mary’s will be included in these daily tours.
**A $15 fee will be charged to the student account. *This course satisfies a Cumberland Scholars requirement.
Well-Being
MORNING WORKSHOPS
Animal Service: Working with Rescue Horses
Grades 9-12, Morning, Wellbeing
Lowe
This Winterim, we will focus on service to our furry friends. We will make homemade horse treats, halters, and other items that the horses at Bits and Peaces Equine Rescue can use while in rehabilitation. On Friday of Winterim, we will go meet the animals and CEO of Bits and Peaces Equine Rescue to learn about animal welfare and the importance of service.
*This course satisfies a Cumberland Scholars requirement. *Students earn 11 community service hours
Table Games
Grades 9-12, Morning, Wellbeing
Terry
Explore a variety of board games and card games from the world-building Settlers of Catan to the simple Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza and the spaghetti western role-playing card game Bang! Design your own game to play with friends. Win a Cards Against Humanity (family edition) throwdown on Friday.
Storytime
Grades 6-12, Morning, Wellbeing
Archambault and Bonds
Do you love reading? Does public speaking make you nervous? Do you dread having to read aloud in class? Put all that behind you! Join the Reading Winterim and learn how to overcome these problems! We will learn together how to read aloud with confidence. We will learn how to read so that your audience is fully engaged and enthralled! And, on our journey together, we will explore a diverse group of literary genres. Be prepared to change how you feel about public speaking and enter into a world of confidence!
AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
Strategic Showdown: Board Games Bonanza!
Grades 6-8, Afternoon, Wellbeing
Asmus, Knoll, Malde, Randolph
Creativity meets strategy, and fun knows no bounds in this workshop! By playing a variety of strategy-based board games, middle school students will foster their critical thinking, teamwork, and imagination skills. Through navigating complex game scenarios or devising winning strategies, this workshop provides a platform for students to think outside the box. Group activities will encourage students to work together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared achievement. Effective communication and collaboration will be essential to conquer the challenges presented.
Firewood and Chainsaw Maintenance
Grades 9-12, Afternoon, Wellbeing
Zeitler
Students will learn how to split firewood and stack it and maintain a chainsaw. We will resupply the firewood at the student union and donate firewood to serve a mountain area need.
*Students earn 11 community service hours.
Service = Action
Grades 9-12, Afternoon, Wellbeing
K. Perkins
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those around you? Many people in our community need YOUR help! In this Winterim course, we will travel each day to local organizations, roll up our sleeves, and serve individuals in our greater community. Service is an excellent way to gain perspective, show kindness to others, and ultimately impact someone more than you can even imagine. You may be surprised to know that serving others will also benefit you. It feels good to help others! Not only that, you will be cultivating connections and belonging as you step out beyond yourself. Have you heard that it is better to give than to receive? If you want to test out that theory, join this Winterim course and be a giver! Details of the exact organizations we will serve are TBD, but some possibilities include: Folks at Home, Appalachian Women's Guild, Community Action Committee, a local nursing home, and MARC.
*This course satisfies a Cumberland Scholars requirement. *Students earn 11 community service hours.
I've Got Game!
Grades 9-12, Afternoon, Wellbeing
Sparacio, Ethan Allen, and Ben Gueikian
Have you ever wanted to learn the rules and fundamentals of sports commonly talked about or played in the United States? This course will provide you with the basic skills and knowledge to understand and play football, baseball/softball, volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Each day we will focus on one sport starting with a review of the elementary rules and regulations of each game. You will then be taught the fundamentals of the sport by participating in various warm-up drills and scrimmaging. Examples of warm-up activities include shooting layups, passing a football, hitting a baseball off of a tee, etc. After the students have a grasp of the basics and feel comfortable with how the game is played, they will simulate a game with their fellow classmates through a scrimmage. You will be able to demonstrate your athletic ability in a fun and relaxed environment while learning new skills.
Adulting 101: Great Life Hacks for Beyond the Gates
Grades 10-12, Afternoon, Wellbeing
Duncan
Which Fork Do I Use? I Have A Flat Tire! How Do I Check My Oil? I Need A Resume! How
Do I Cook My Favorite Meal? What's A Credit Score? Have fun with Mrs. Duncan as you learn the ins and outs of proper etiquette, career development, leaving a lasting (positive!) impression, cooking basics/favorite meal prep, automobile maintenance, building a good credit score... life hacks for many things you should learn before graduating. Participants will have the opportunity to request specific topics!
EVENING, RESIDENTIAL
Residential Story Exchange
Boarders, Grades 7-12, Evening, Wellbeing
Randolph
During Winterim, evening activities will include a story exchange in a different residential house each night from 7-9 p.m. A story exchange builds community and allows you to learn something new about your housemates. You'll be given 2-3 story prompts to choose from, and you'll be asked to share your story with a partner during this time. A schedule and further explanation will follow as we get closer to Winterim!
Exploring Phenomena
MORNING WORKSHOPS
Airplanes and Bridges
Grades 6-8, Morning, Exploring Phenomena
Ankney
This Winterim is designed for Middle School students who like to build things! For the first project, students will learn about airplane lift and drag forces and will design, build and optimize their paper airplanes. For the second project, students will learn about the scientific and real-world aspects of bridges. Students will explore, design, and test their own bridge.
Exploring the Southern Gothic Literary Tradition
Grades 8-12, Morning, Exploring Phenomena
Calame
Have you ever thought to yourself that your English class just wasn't scary enough? In this Winterim
course, students will become well acquainted with the horror genre of literature, specifically the Gothic and Southern Gothic subgenres. Inspired by Gothic medieval architecture, Gothic literature was popularized in the Victorian period in England and deals heavily with ghosts, hauntings, and psychological horror. A strong Gothic tradition spun out of this movement in the American South, where it continues to thrive today. Over the week, we will read a collection of short stories and novellas from the Gothic and Southern Gothic traditions and watch a few film and television adaptations of those stories. These stories are seriously scary - not for the faint of heart! **A $10 fee will be charged to the student account.
True Crime & Unsolved Mysteries!
Grades 8-12, Morning, Exploring Phenomena
K. Ercole
This course will study some of the most interesting true crime cases and greatest unsolved mysteries of all time! During this week, students will select their own unsolved case, discuss whether the case can ever be solved, and formulate their own theories on the true answer. In addition, we will study some of the most intriguing and complex true crime stories, from a variety of time periods and geographic locations. We will also discuss forensic methods and how evidence collection can greatly impact the outcome of cases. Students will need to bring a computer and an investigative spirit each day!
AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
Legends, Archeology, and the Declassified
Grades 8-12, Afternoon, Exploring Phenomena
Dillon
This Winterim course is designed to pique the curiosity of history enthusiasts. We will explore legends, unknowns, and the tall tales that spurred on Americans. We will try to answer questions like: What are the legends of Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyon, and his blue ox Babe, John Henry, And Johnny Appleseed? Who were the real Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, Edgar Cayce, Billy the Kid, Nikola Tesla, and others? How old exactly are the pyramids and how do new pyramid discoveries challenge big archeology? Can science prove the megalodon still exists? What extinct creatures are scientists trying to bring back? Lastly, we will look at recently declassified documents from the CIA and the military about UFOs and the projected end of the world as we know it!
2024 Winterim Slideshow
2023 Winterim Slideshow
I just wanted to let you know how great Winterim was for my daughter. I was especially excited that she got to spend a week doing songwriting with Linda Heck. Linda is a remarkably unique talent, one that stuffier academic environments would be unable to appreciate. Hats off once again to SAS!
Adam Randolph, parent
What an absolute joy it has been to hear about our daughter's days this week. The meditation exercises, the positive thinking messages, the being attentive tips are feeding her soul. I know it takes time and effort to put this entire program together. Thank you for giving so much.
Kathryn Bruce, parent
SAS Winterim Schedule 2024
Sunday, February 18
Evening Activity: Residential Story Exchange from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Monday, February 19
8:45 - 9:45 a.m. Winterim Speaker
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m Morning Workshop
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Afternoon Workshop
3:40 - 5:30 p.m. PEAK
Evening Activity: Residential Story Exchange from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Tuesday, February 20
9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Morning Workshop
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 3:00 p.m. Afternoon Workshop
3:40 - 5:30 p.m. PEAK
Evening Activity: Residential Story Exchange from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Wednesday, February 21
9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Morning Workshop
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 3:00 p.m. Afternoon Workshop
No PEAK due to Boarder Breakout
Evening Activity: Boarder Breakout to Chattanooga (Boarding students only)
Thursday, February 22
9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Morning Workshop
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 3:00 p.m. Afternoon Workshop
3:40 - 5:30 p.m. PEAK
Evening Activity: Residential Story Exchange from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Friday, February 23
9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Morning Workshop
10:30 - 10:40 a.m. Break
10:45 - 12:15 p.m. Afternoon Workshop
12:15 - 1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 - 1:30 Community Announcements + Senior Chapel Talk
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Winterim Celebration
(Winterim Slideshow & Tri-Tree Challenge)
3:40 - 5:30 p.m. PEAK