Roosevelt Independent Study Students Share Learning with the Community

Eighth graders who participated in the Roosevelt Independent Study program presented their work to friends and family on Thursday June 6, and to the school community on Friday June 7.

Independent Study, run by WHS juniors Kaitlin Abrams, Sarah Davidson and Rebecca Plotkin, a long with RIS science teacher Mr. Jeff Robbins, is a program looking to “explore something we are passionate about and take pride in our creations,” according to their website, www.freetolearn.weebly.com.

According to Abrams, students apply to the program with an idea for their project, and are paired with a high school mentor who guides them through the process. She also stated that all students are accepted regardless of their grades, because “we believe that everyone can explore their passion.”

In its sixth year, Independent Study’s motto “You are free to learn” was reflected in the wide variety of projects including photography, a new phone design, creative writing, forensic science, rock climbing and the affect of music on the human brain.

RIS Assistant Principal Mr. Brian Gechtman stated that he is “extremely proud” of all of the students, and that programs such as Independent Study make the school what it is.

Said Plotkin: “The students who participated in Independent Study were clearly driven and self-motivated learners. I am so proud of their commitment. Each of their final projects taught me something new.” She added, “Independent Study gives students the opportunity to become teachers and explorers and these kids went above and beyond.