Alongside many advanced courses, Schreiber offers entrance into three specialized programs: math, science, and social science Research. For selection, ninth graders choose to take entrance exams that dictate whether or not they will move into the second stage, which is an essay portion. After the second round of testing, the students who passed again continue onto interviews, where each class is eventually capped, choosing 10 students per year.
The selected students learn the basics of conducting independent research, how to connect with mentors who will help guide their studies, and develop projects in their areas of interest. In June, each program celebrates the students’ involvement with a symposium, welcoming in the newest class of freshmen and celebrating the graduating seniors.
May 28 was the Math Research Breakfast. The event ran from 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m where students in grades 9-12 gathered with their families and teachers to discuss their futures in the field of research. Seniors passed on advice to rising sophomores about what to expect from the coursework, and how to balance the independent research load with other academic responsibilities. They also shared strategies on how to effectively manage both mathematical and computational data using advanced modern software. The event was an opportunity for upperclassmen to celebrate their hard work with loved ones, while the incoming sophomores had the opportunity to see what their future with the program will look like.
“It was a nice class. I had some fun with my classmates and we talked about really interesting topics. Through my opportunities in this program, I was able to get real experience working at a lab and now will be pursuing optics and photonics research next year in college. Looking back, I’m so glad I found my passion through my involvement in Math Research. It’s amazing and has done so much for me during my high school academic career,” said math research student and senior Justin Lee.
On May 29, the Social Science Research Program had their breakfast. Projects of the seniors and juniors lined the walls of the library, showcasing the broad variety of topics that had been researched. The breakfast served as a comprehensive introduction to the class, including what kinds of local and regional competitions they often compete in and what qualitative skills are expected to be learned over the next three years. Students learned about methods for gathering data, conducting ethical surveys and writing academic papers.
“I think the research breakfast is a great way of exposing the newer students to the program for the next three years. It’s a way of celebrating the seniors that are graduating and moving on whilst also welcoming a younger class. Social Science is known for its flexibility and what I liked most is that students who are unsure of their interests can delve into a wide range of subjects from psychology to archeology,” said social science Research student and sophomore Elena Gibbons.
The Science Research dinner took place on June 3, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Here, graduating seniors shared their projects with both fellow students and family as freshmen got a firsthand glimpse of how they might benefit from the program. Additionally, as a long-standing tradition of peer mentorship within the department, rising sophomores received binders from the seniors with past research papers that they will write about over the summer, to prepare for the curriculum. Participants all contributed to the symposium by bringing food and making the experience welcoming for the current and new families of the students.
“I’m excited to see what the dinner is like. I feel proud of getting in, and can’t wait to explore the opportunities I’ve heard about from the seniors. I’m looking forward to studying astrophysics over the summer and preparing for what’s to come next,” said incoming science research student and freshman Madeline Lee.
Overall, these end-of-year symposiums provide students with a welcoming and enjoyable experience. Beyond presenting their final projects to families and faculty, the events allow the different research departments to connect in a casual, supportive environment. The graduating seniors have left behind a strong foundation of mentorship, advice and expectations, ensuring that the members of the rising classes feel prepared as they head into a busy summer of independent study, and as they look forward to the upcoming school year.