teacher presents to students on steps in seminar

Kent Denver Seminar
The Kent Denver Seminar provides dedicated time for students to explore a wide array of topics with guidance from experts in our Wellness, Information & Innovation, Equity & Community Engagement and Senior Leadership teams.

Seminar Topics

Seminars are unique to each grade level and meet the evolving needs of students as they move through Kent Denver's 6-12 program. Here are a few of the areas of focus that our Seminar will address this year, along with specific topics that will be covered in the first semester!

Middle School

6th Grade Seminar

Fall 2024 Topics

Fall 2024 Topics

Learning Strategies

Backpack Clean Out
Canvas
Google Calendar
Study Skills

Educational Technology

Intro to Laptop Use
Effective Use of Canvas, Blackbaud, Google Workspace
Email Etiquette
Printing

Wellness

Understanding Emotions
RULER Introduction
Growth Mindset
Suicide Prevention
Communication Skills and Conflict Resolution
Friendship
Healthy Coping Strategies

Design and Fabrication

Welcome to Impact Studio
Xacto Blade Training
CAD Tools, 3D Modeling & Printing
Vinyl Machine Tools & Sticker Printing
Laser Cutting & Bookmark Project

Cultural Competency

Who am I, Who are you? Identity Hexagons
Identity Webs + Concentric Circles about our Identities
Defining Community
Human Transformers and Communication
On the Line Activity, Bystander Effect
Taking a Stand, In Group v Out Group
Bullying + Identity-Based Bullying
Bias, Stereotype, Slur, Name-Calling Definitions
What is bias? How does it develop?
Anatomy of an Upstander, Leaving a Positive Footprint

7th Grade Seminar

digital thriving | study skills/health | service learning | wellness | sustainability

Fall 2024 Topics

Fall 2024 Topics

Head of School Welcome

Getting to know the Head of School
How to move beyond a superficial knowledge of another person
Engaging in questioning and answering activities that lend themselves to better understandings

Digital Thriving

Curated vs. Generative AI
AI Ethics
Using AI in a Transitional Time
Intro to Tools: Grammarly and Magic School

Cultural Competency

What is community? Defining community, KDS Community Statement
Empathetic Listening
Identity Wheels & Identity Masking
Bias, Implicit Bias
Microaggressions & Stereotypes
Power and Privilege Introduction
Standing Up to Bias and Oppression

Learning Strategies

Time Management/Routines
Cognitive Flexibility
Analyzing Feedback from Teachers

Sustainability

Understand the concept of sustainability and its importance
Explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and their relevance
Design a Sustainable Mini City
Foster eco-conscious behaviors and practices

8th Grade Seminar

leadership | health/study skills | digital thriving | cultural competency | design & entrepreneurship

Fall 2024 Topics

Fall 2024 Topics

Division Director Welcome

Why do schools have mission statements?
How does (or could) the physical setup of a campus reflect a school's mission and values?
How would you design your own school? Who would it serve? What would be its mission?

Leadership

Just Do Right through Individual Actions
Developed class theme of "'Beleaf' In our Unity" and identified words that would unify our class
Wrote words that will lead to unity within our class on the leaf design project

Digital Thriving

AI Ethics & Literacy
How AI Works
Intro to Coding and Machine Learning through App Lab
Tool Application: Grammarly, Magic School and Google Drive

Cultural Competency

Personal Identity, Identity Collages, Being Proud/Uplifting Ourselves and Others, Social Identities
Being an Upstander & Universe of Obligation
KDS Community Statement
Being an Ally
Intent vs Impact, Calling Others IN
Service Learning & Service Learning Project
Ethical Service

Upper School

9th Grade Seminar

Fall 2024 Topics

Fall 2024 Topics

Welcome from the Head of School and Division Director

Hiking and History of Campus with Eric Chandler
Introduction to How Schools Work with David Braemer
Building a Personal Board

Digital Thriving

Curated vs. Generative AI
Using AI in a Transitional Time
Intro to Tools: Grammarly, AutoDraw, Magic School, Google Workspace, ChatGPT

Information Literacy

Library Access and Duncan Center Resources
Intro to Tools: Noodle Tools, New York Times Database, Canva
Exploration of Physical and Digital Collection and Databases

Learning Strategies

Time Management & Organization
Canvas & Study skills (Pomodoro technique)
Default Mode
Working Memory

Wellness

Transitioning to High School
Stress Management
Boundaries and Consent
Suicide Prevention

10th Grade Seminar

Fall 2024 Topics

Fall 2024 Topics

Digital Thriving

Curated vs. Generative AI
AI Ethics
Using AI in a Transitional Time
Intro to Tools: Grammarly and Magic School

Learning Strategies

Time Management/Routines
Cognitive Flexibility
Analyzing Feedback from Teachers

Entrepreneurship / Pitch

Feature or Flaw in Design
Hooks and Tactics for a Pitch
Ideation & Iteration
Pitching

College Counseling

Role of College Counseling Office
Introduction to Higher Education
Tool Introduction: MaiaLearning

Cultural Competency

Building Cultural Self Awareness: Understanding the ways we are influenced by various cultural groups we belong to
How does my identity influence who I am and my interests?
What are values I have learned based on my cultural upbringing?
What does being part of a group or culture mean to me?
How does my cultural upbringing influence my perception of others?

11th Grade Seminar

Fall 2024 Topics

Fall 2024 Topics

Sustainability

UN Sustainable Development Goals
Methods of Consumption and Production
Energy Types and Metrics

Information Literacy

Time Management/Routines
Cognitive Flexibility
Analyzing Feedback from Teachers
Tool Introduction: Grammarly

Learning Strategies

Time Management/Breaking Down Assignments
Prioritization
Analyzing Written Directions

Cultural Competency

Building Cultural Intelligence: Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the norms/values of groups they individually do not belong to
How might others’ identities impact who they are and their interests?
What are values others have learned based on their cultural upbringing?
What are the ways cultures differ/are similar to my own?

Wellness

Perfectionism and Social Comparison

College Counseling
Note: In the second semester, the 11th Grade Seminar will allow an in-depth focus on college search topics, including:

Outline of the College Search & Application Process
Getting to Know Self by Defining Values and Researching Colleges
Building a Smart List
Learn about Various Admission Processes
Utilizing MaiaLearning
College Application Components & Case Study Exercise
Understanding Financial Aid and Scholarships
Creating a Common Application, Choosing Teacher Recommenders
Brainstorming Essay Ideas & Writing Activities

12th Grade Seminar

college counseling | college transition | CIE prep | Head of School exit interview

Fall 2024 Topics

Fall 2024 Topics

College Counseling

Applying to College
Application Platforms & Supplemental Essays
Demonstrated Interest in Action
Self-Reported Academic Record, Common App, Courses & Grades
Applying for Scholarships
Receiving College News

Cultural Competency

Personal Culture vs College Culture: Where do they differ/align? How to navigate challenges
Belonging vs Fitting in
Resources on College Campuses
Working through scenarios of homesickness, belonging vs fitting in, perfectionism, cultural differences

Wellness

Making the Transition to College: Opportunities and Challenges

Sustainability

UN Sustainable Development Goal #12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

CIE: Prepping For Success

Overview of Final Three Weeks of Senior Year: Career Internship Experiences and Senior Projects
Explore past CIE experiences and Senior Projects
Begin planning CIE based on student interests