This week, 5th graders in Mr. Gately's class were treated to an alumni version of "Ask Me Anything". Foothill students asked some excellent questions, and our visitors gave amazing answers. There was lots of laughter and smiles all around!
Narineh Madikians `19 goes to The Webb Schools, and Hanna Dewey `19 goes to Claremont High School. Both are juniors. Below are some of the actual (slightly paraphrased for brevity) questions and answers:
5th Grade Q: Compare and contrast Webb with Claremont High:
Alumni A: Narineh spoke to the tougher classes at Webb, all students are required to take them, and the school is much smaller than CHS. Hanna spoke to the IB (International Baccalaureate) program at Claremont, the large number of class choices, and that CHS is very large at 2,400 total, or 600 students per grade! Both spoke about pros and cons of both schools.
5th Grade Q: What are some things that helped you in high school, that you learned at FCDS?
Alumni A: Hanna immediately mentioned Cornell Notes note-taking strategies that are taught in 5th grade. She still uses this note-taking strategy as it is the best she's come across. Both alumni said they loved math classes, and Narineh talked about how the strong FCDS academics had totally prepared her for high school.
5th Grade Q: Do you have any favorite memories from FCDS?
Alumni A: Both talked about how much they loved Astrocamp, growing up together and being at FCDS for ten years (Seedling through 8th grades), and how much they miss it here.
5th Grade Q: How did FCDS prepare you for high school (focus on how, a different question):
Alumni A: Hanna mentioned that "every grade level prepares you for high school". This started a conversation about how every grade builds on prior grade levels.
Both Hanna and Narineh are driving now, and they have more personal freedom along with many more responsibilities! We are so happy they used their valuable teen time to stop by Foothill!
