2021 Winterim Course Guide

Winterim Guide 2021

Table of Contents 

Courses 

Schedule. .................................................................................. 2 

Attendance. ............................................................................... 2 

Athletics. .................................................................................. 2 

Credits. .................................................................................... 2 

Partnership Students. ..................................................................... 3 

COVID-19. .................................................................................. 3 

Lunch. ..................................................................................... 3 

Virtual Classes. ............................................................................ 3 

Courses Listed by Topic. ................................................................... 4 

Morning Courses .......................................................................... 6 

Afternoon Courses. ....................................................................... 16 

All Day Courses. ..........................................................................24 

Internships 

Timeline . .................................................................................26 

Guidelines. ............................................................................... 27

COURSES 

Winterim Courses 

All students will be registering for Winterim 2021 courses using OnCampus. Courses may not be 

repeated from one year to the next. 

Each class will register on the corresponding date (see below). 

• Seniors – November 9, 6:00 pm 

• Juniors – November 11, 6:00 pm 

• Sophomores – November 16, 8:00 am - 11:00 am 

• Freshmen – November 16, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm 

SCHEDULE 

The WA school year is divided so that the first semester concludes prior to Christmas vacation. Students will 

return in January for Winterim. Winterim is an interim “semester” between the first and second semesters. 

The dates of Winterim are noted on our school calendar. The Winterim school day is divided into two sessions. 

One course is taken per session. 

• Morning Course Session: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

• Lunch (on campus): 11:00 a.m. - 11:40 a.m. 

• Afternoon Course Session: 11:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. 

The longer class periods make it possible to offer courses that ordinarily could not be held in a shorter class 

time. Students need to check course descriptions carefully to be familiar with individual class expectations. 

Attendance 

Due to the concentrated framework of Winterim, consistent attendance is very important. Even one class 

missed is a significant absence. Absence of more than 15%, which may equate to only one or two classes, 

may result in no credit being awarded for the class. Winterim credits are required toward graduation credit. 

Parents are strongly discouraged from stretching Christmas vacation into Winterim. Each absence will be 

considered on an individual basis, taking into account the purpose or reason of the absence, as well as the 

student’s past academic and attendance records 

Athletics 

We recognize the Winterim experience may cause conflicts with winter athletics, and thus we have 

established the Winterim Athletic Policy: Students involved in Freshman/Sophomore/JV level winter athletics 

may miss part of the season due to a Winterim experience without losing their place on the roster. Students 

must understand that by missing part of the season, they will need to earn their way back to their prior 

position. Because of the level of commitment that is expected at the Varsity level, students will need to choose 

Winterim experiences that do not conflict with winter sports or choose not to participate in Varsity sports. 

Credits 

All morning and afternoon courses receive one-half of a semester credit (.5) each while full-day courses receive 

a full (1.0) semester credit. Each student is required to earn one full Winterim credit per year as a graduation 

requirement. 

2

Partnership Students 

While full-time students are required to participate in Winterim, participation is not mandated for partnership 

students. Partnership students are welcomed and encouraged to participate in a morning and/or afternoon 

class. 

Partnership and full-time student registration/enrollment for Winterim takes place at the same time. Please 

review the Winterim Course registration page for more details. 

COVID-19 

Students will be required to self-certify each day before school. We will also continue our mask and social 

distancing policies as outlined in the Unite Plan. If field trips are taken, these guidelines will be enforced. 

Lunch 

Wheaton Academy’s lunch program will continue during Winterim as a grab-and-go-format. Ordered lunches 

will be delivered to your student's AM class. Students are welcome to bring a lunch from home, but we will 

have our usual lunch menu available. Students must eat lunch on campus. 

COURSES 

Virtual Classes 

There are virtual classes available for students who have opted in to virtual learning for the beginning of 

second semester. 

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COURSES 

Courses Listed By Topic 

• AM Class • PM Class *Offered Virtually 

Business 

and Career 

Training 

• Basic Car 

Mechanics 

• Business 

Innovation 

Lab 

• Military 

Intelligence 

Operations 

Christian 

Living and 

Theology 

• Characters 

of the Bible* 

• 

Christianity: 

Then and 

Now 

• Food, 

Film, and 

Forgiveness* 

• Inklings 

• The 

Russian 

Messenger, 

1866* 

• Story and 

the Gospel* 

• The 

Threads of 

Scripture* 

• Worldview 

and Film 

Analysis* 

Fine Arts STEM Skill 

Development 

• Dance: 

Telling Your 

Story 

• Video 

Editing: 

Theory and 

Technique 

• Guerrila 

Filmmaking* 

• Intro to 

Lifestyle 

Photography 

• Crafting 

the Scene 

• Every Song 

Ever: The art 

of listening 

in the digital 

age of music 

• Stagecraft 

• The Sound 

of Movies 

• Instrumental 

Winterim 

• Aviation 

• Astronomy 

• Chemistry 

of Creativity 

• 

Investigative 

Discovery: 

The Internet 

of Things 

• Make That 

• Manufacturing 

Technology 

• SAT/ACT 

Review 

Course* 

•• Activities 

for Lifetime 

Fitness 

• The 

Anatomy of a 

Story 

• The Art of 

Celebrating: 

A Small Crafts 

Winterim 

Class 

• Broadcast 

News 

Journalism - 

WATV 

•• Cooking 

for Guys 

• Event 

Planning 

Basics 

• Food 

Science 

• Hunter 

Safety 

• Intro to 

Stage Combat 

• The 

Mechanics 

Behind 

Strategy 

Board 

Gaming* 

• Rock 

Climbing 

• Steps and 

Styles 

Social 

Studies, 

Psychology & 

Culture 

•• American 

Sign 

Language 

• Brain 

Games 

• China 101 

• Food 

Around the 

World 

• The Global 

Journey* 

•• Harry 

Potter and 

the Seeker's 

Journey* 

• The Master 

of Suspense: 

A Study 

of Alfred 

Hitchcock's 

Method* 

• 

Performance 

Psychology: 

An 

Introduction 

• Understanding 

Comics: A 

Study of the 

Comic Book 

in Western 

Literature 

and the 

Impact of the 

Superhero 

on Modern 

Culture 

Sport-Based 

• Gainz and 

Glory 

• History of 

Major World 

Sports 

• Lacrosse: 

Technique 

and 

Tradition 

• Movement 

and Stillness 

• Soccer 

and Culture 

• Sports: 

More than a 

Game!* 

• Women's 

Self Defense 

All-Day 

(For Credit) 

Intro to 

Ceramics 

Intro to 

Robotics 

US 

Government 

and Current 

Issues* 

• Trash to 

Treasure 

• Videogame 

as Art* 

• Woodworking 

• Worship: 

Leading and 

Beginner 

Guitar 

4

COURSES 

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COURSES 

Morning Courses 

Morning Course Session: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

Activities for Lifetime Fitness 

Physical fitness is an essential component of 

everyone’s life. For too many high school students, 

the only physical fitness activities they experience 

are those that are part of the traditional P.E. 

curriculum or co-curricular activities. This course 

is designed to provide the students with the 

opportunity to participate in a wide range of nontraditional 

physical fitness activities as well as 

provide a different twist on traditional physical 

fitness activities. Proper clothes for each day’s 

activity needed. 

Planned activities are subject to change based on 

weather and/or COVID-19 restrictions. 

Bowling, Sledding, Cross Country Skiing, Skating, 

Downhill Skiing in Wisconsin, Laser Tag, Whirlyball, 

Indoor Rock Climbing, Badminton Tournament, 

Walking, Counting Steps for Fitness, Hot Yoga, 

Cycling Class, Bootcamp Exercise Class 

∞ Instructors: Chris Felinski 

∞ Class Fee: $75 

∞ Open to: All Grades 

∞ Available Virtually: No 

Anatomy of a Story: 

Creative Writing and Storytelling 

This creative writing class is for serious lovers of 

fiction and storytelling who want to explore and 

perfect their craft. Each day will include a deep dive 

into the most important topics in storytelling (i.e. 

premise, plot, characters, dialogue, etc.) as well as 

ample time to practice and work on our writing in 

class. We will learn from some of the world’s best 

writers and listen to some of the best oral storytellers 

in the nation. If you have always wanted to write 

a novel but have never had the time, or if you just 

want to learn how to tell stories that people love to 

listen to, this class is for you! NOTE: Don’t take this 

class if you are not prepared to spend a significant 

amount of time writing! 

∞ Instructor: Daniel Smith 

∞ Course Fee: None 

∞ Open to: All 

∞ Available Virtually: Yes 

American Sign Language 

In a few days, you can learn the foundation of a 

beautiful, useful language. Although ASL takes a 

lifetime to master, the basics of conversation will be 

introduced in this Winterim class. Fingerspelling and 

numbers, greetings, food, home, clothing, idioms, 

history, culture, media representation and ministry 

will all be presented, with time for hands-on practice 

and discussion. God is calling individuals of this 

generation to extend their hands to an unreached 

people group who live among us and across the 

world. Will you respond? 

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∞ Instructor: Alta Johnson 



∞ Available Virtually: No

The Art of Celebrating: 

A Small Crafts Winterim Class 

In an online and app dominated world, hand crafts 

get lost in the flow of daily life. In an effort to keep 

this art form thriving as well as provide the creative 

space for students to put their hands to work, we 

are offering The Art of Celebrating: a small crafts 

Winterim class. This class is designed to engage 

students in celebrating others through crafting. 

Whether it is a birthday, anniversary, or simple a 

“Happy Friday,” there is always a way to turn the 

focus away from ourselves and make others feel 

special through a personalized craft, card, or fun 

party décor. 

In the spirit of Philippians 2:1-4, another goal 

through these projects is to learn about Christ’s 

humility and live that out. Therefore, by the end of 

each week, students will send, to a person or group 

of their choice (i.e. Thank you cards to hospital 

workers, encouragement to nursing homes, family 

members, etc.), something created that week. 

∞ Instructor: Rachael Burick 




Brain Games 

Are you ready for a truly mind-blowing experience? 

Through the study of National Geographic’s show, 

Brain Games, Mr. Rivera will help you understand 

your mind. With an intricate series of interactive 

experiments designed to mess with your mind and 

reveal the inner-workings of your brain, this class will 

help you understand psychology in a fun way. Hailed 

by critics as "tremendous fun" that "makes science 

entertaining," Brain Games turns your mind's eye 

inward for a fascinating journey into the three and a 

half pounds of tissue that makes you... you. 

The TV show and class’s corresponding study will 

reveal the way brains process information related to 

topics like love, stress, addiction, competition, food, 

fear, trust, and language. Interactive games capture 

hilarious and shocking results, and students get realworld 

takeaways — how to improve memory, get a 

better night's sleep, make more money — to use in 

everyday situations. 

Watch the following clip to learn more about 

National Geographic's Brain Games: 

https://youtu.be/WTvVJ2lRR4Y 

∞ Instructor: Christian Rivera 




COURSES 

Basic Car Mechanics 

In the two weeks of Winterim, the course will provide 

hands-on opportunities to learn about the way 

cars work. We’ll work on the same car throughout 

the course to repair problems and prepare the car 

for safe and efficient operation. By the end of the 

course, you should feel comfortable and safe around 

tools and cars and will have skills either to help 

you understand what the mechanics tell you or to 

attempt some things yourself. 

∞ Instructor: Patrick Thompson 




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COURSES 

Broadcast News Journalism: WATV 

Ever consider a job in broadcast news? This class is 

the place for everyone. We need reporters telling 

the story to our audience. We need editors and 

audio technicians, cleaning up the look and feel 

of the production. We need artists looking for and 

capturing that perfect shot. 

WAtv is a broadcast news class which will focus on 

creating stories and reporting the latest news EACH 

AND EVERY DAY OF WINTERIM. This class will do 

something we have never tried before – to go live 

each morning and report on what is happening on 

and around campus. 

Take this course if you want to be challenged, if you 

love communicating, or if you have a passion for the 

truth. We need you. No experience is necessary. 

∞ Instructor: Matt Hockett 




plan for an innovative business to serve the Wheaton 

Academy and surrounding community to school 

administration and potential investors. 

∞ Instructor: Phil Strzalka 


∞ Class Requirements/prerequisites: None 

∞ Open to: All grades 


Characters of the Bible 

This Winterim class will be a Bible study for teen 

guys. We will be learning about God through the 

way He worked in the lives of biblical people. This 

class is a terrific way to grow your faith as you 

learn about the ways God used ordinary people to 

accomplish his sovereign purposes! 

We will be delving into two main areas for the two 

week period: 

1. The Patriarchs (Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, 

Jacob, and Joseph) 

2. The Deliverers (Moses, Joshua, Deborah, 

Samson, Ruth, and Esther) 

∞ Instructor: Dick Clancy 


∞ Open to: Males Only 


8 

Business Innovation Lab 

Business innovation is not random or innate to 

an individual or a company. It is not because of 

creativity or intellectual brilliance. Innovation can 

be studied, learned from, and replicated. Knowing 

this will improve your ability to be a great leader in 

for-profit or not-for-profit business. The class will 

utilize a case study format and look at innovative 

businesses such as Apple, Amazon, Starbucks, Kids 

Alive, and Food for the Hungry. We will discuss ways 

to discover opportunities and investigate potential, 

ways to know when it’s time to innovate, and ways to 

sell an idea and bring it to market. The class will tour 

companies as permitted with COVID-19 restrictions. 

Finally, the class will study and present a business

Chemistry of Creativity 

In this class, we will discover the connection 

between chemistry and creativity. Throughout 

the two weeks we will explore the science behind 

a variety of art forms. We will learn about art you 

can see, feel, and taste! After learning about the 

chemistry, you will apply your new knowledge to 

create an art piece of your own. Art pieces you will be 

creating include sculptures, fresco paintings, fabric 

dying, coffee painting, ice cream, and chocolate 

cake. 

In addition to creating art and learning chemistry, 

we will explore several career paths which involve 

science and imagination! 

∞ Instructor: Katelyn Johnson 


∞ Open to: All grades 


Dance: Telling Your Story 

Communication happens through a variety of 

methods, but nonverbal communication can 

be incredibly powerful. Dance and movements 

can be a clear and distinct way to communicate 

your story. No matter the skill level, in this course, 

students will learn the basics of dance technique, 

proper stretching, and strengthening. Students will 

discover the ways choreography and movement 

can communicate your story and worship the Lord. 

Students will watch dance performances and learn 

to critique them while also learning the skills of 

performing themselves. This class is for students 

who love to move and be active but also for students 

who are interested in learning other ways to tell 

stories and other ways to worship God. 

∞ Instructor: Abby Woelfel 




COURSES 

Cooking for Guys 

The course will help students learn the basics of 

cooking, from making something as simple as 

brownies from a box mix to preparing a complete 

meal. We will cover lots of “guy friendly” foods. 

Students will learn the way to follow a recipe and 

will have the chance to create on their own. The 

main emphasis will be quick and easy recipes. Come 

prepared to eat! Learn to prepare a range of foods: 

steak, eggs, chili, chicken, potatoes, quick snacks, 

desserts, pizza, pasta, cookies, etc. Students will 

leave the class with a notebook of recipes they have 

mastered. 

∞ Instructor: Angie Roberts 

∞ Course Fee: $50 

∞ Open to: Males Only 


Event Planning Basics 

In this class students will gain basic knowledge 

to put together an event. From discussing casual 

gatherings to larger scale events, students will 

interact with the skills needed to execute events 

such as timelines, contacting vendors, managing 

a budget, and planning menus and agendas. 

Students will also do some hands-on activities such 

as budget friendly decor options and table-scaping. 

∞ Instructor: Rachel Chaney 




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COURSES 

Food, Film, and Forgiveness 

The world of film—Spiderman, The Prestige, The 

Spitfire Grill, and others—focuses on a theme of 

forgiveness and the possible consequences of 

refusing to forgive. This class will study the biblical 

texts that address forgiveness, watch several movies 

about forgiveness—while eating food—and compare 

the messages of the movies with the truths of 

scripture. 

∞ Instructor: Elle Wilkerson 


∞ Open to: Females Only 


The Global Journey 

If one of your goals in life is to have your passport 

filled to capacity with stamps from all over the world, 

then The Global Journey class is for you! During 

Winterim, we’ll be “traveling” around the world 

and exploring some of God’s amazing creation, 

culture, and people made in his image. You’ll have 

a chance to hear from travel experts, learn best tips 

and practices when preparing for a trip, and have 

a chance to plan your own journey to a destination 

of your choice. If you enjoy traveling or just have a 

curiosity about other cultures, then this class is your 

passport to your next adventure! 

∞ Instructor: Charity Moon 




Gainz and Glory 

We play college athletics and love staying in shape. 

This experience is for those students who have an 

above average love for staying in shape and being 

healthy. We’ll take fun field trips to Ninja Warrior 

gyms, crossfit box, cycling classes, and more. We’ll 

learn the way to program workouts, plan and 

correctly follow an individualized diet, and see what 

Jesus has to say about the disciplined athlete. It’s 

a class for the hard working but also fun loving 

student. It’s open to all male students, not just 

athletes. We hope you can join us! 

∞ Instructor: ET Thompson and Justin Swider 


∞ Open to: Male Only 


Harry Potter and the Seeker's Journey 

We will explore the expansive and immersive world 

that JK Rowling built about a boy who lived. We 

will discuss and analyze the way the Harry Potter 

series mirrors the key aspects of the gospel. One 

of the overarching themes of the series is the idea 

of self-sacrificial love and conquering death so 

that others may live, just as Christ did for us on the 

cross. In addition, we will critically study the themes, 

individual characters, and the intentional parallels 

that connect the magic world to our world that 

JK Rowling expertly interweaves into the narrative 

of each book. We will also evaluate how well the 

movies bring Harry Potter to life and the ways 

different mediums can portray a story. 

∞ Instructor: Leah Rinker 




10

History of Major World Sports 

History of Major World Sports would focus on 

learning about the 4 most popular sports currently 

in the world: soccer, cricket, hockey (field/ice), and 

baseball. The class would focus on the origins of 

each of the 4 sports (political and historical) as 

well as the past and current impact of the sport on 

American and global society. We would also learn 

the way to play each sport. 

∞ Instructor: Bella Purcell 




Inklings 

An Oxford-Style Tutorial on C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, 

and G.K. Chesterton 

We will be reading and studying literature in an 

Oxford-style tutorial. We will spend time reading, 

annotating, and writing, followed by hearty and rich 

group discussion. The focus on the discussions will 

center on topics near and dear to the Inklings group 

such as authentic discipleship, apologetics, the 

power of story, life as an epic adventure, paradox, etc. 

Proposed Texts (The group will select readings from 

the following texts): 

• C.S. Lewis: The Last Battle; Till We Have Faces 

COURSES 

Hunter Safety 

This course will promote responsible ethical hunter 

conduct, emphasize the importance of wildlife 

management, laws, and regulations, and encourage 

the safe handling of firearms and ammunition. 

Through this hunter education program, students 

will obtain a better understanding of their 

obligations to the resource, the landowner, other 

hunters, and themselves. Students will be shooting 

at a range under the supervision of a trained 

instructor. 

∞ Instructor: Ken Ellis 


∞ Class Requirements/prerequisites: Recommendation by a 

WA teacher; must be at least 14 years old 

∞ Open to: All students over the age of 14 


• J.R.R. Tolkien: The Hobbit; “The Monsters and the 

Critics”, excerpts from The Silmarillion 

• G.K. Chesterton: The Man Who Was Thursday, A 

Nightmare; Saint Francis of Assisi 

∞ Instructor: Matt Dominguez 


∞ Class Requirements/prerequisites: Must Love Reading, 

Literary Analysis, and Group Discussion. Expect to come to 

the first class with The Hobbit read and annotated ready 

for discussion on day 1. 

∞ Open to: All Grades; Space is limited to 8 students. An 

application with references and an interview with Mr. D. 

may be required. 


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COURSES 

Instrumental Winterim 

If you are looking to spend some quality time with 

all things instrumental over Winterim, this class is for 

you. We will learn ensembles and solos, spend time 

listening to great music and learning some theory 

behind it, and prepare our work for some serviceoriented 

performances (both virtual and potentially 

in-person) in the community. We will also dive into 

some Biblical truth regarding life and music. All in 

all, if you have enjoyed instrumental classes and 

tours in the past, this class aims to be a Winterim 

version of the music, service, and community that 

we enjoy! 

∞ Instructor: Steve Willemssen 


∞ Open to: member of band/orchestra or permission of 

instructor 


Intro to Lifestyle Photography 

Intro to Lifestyle Photography is perfect for anyone 

looking to enhance their skills in portrait and 

everyday photography. We will start by learning the 

basics of your camera so you're confident shooting 

entirely in manual mode! You will also learn ways to 

pose people naturally, to utilize indoor and outdoor 

natural light to create more unique images, and to 

perform basic editing. As with most skills, practice 

is the best teacher, so we will be out photographing 

a lot--including a full indoor lifestyle session with a 

family! If you love capturing pictures of people and 

catching those authentic moments, you will love this 

course! 

∞ Instructor: Laura Armstrong 


∞ Class Requirements/prerequisites: DSLR camera (any 

brand) with at least one of the following lenses: 50mm, 

35mm, 18-55mm (standard kit lens) 



Intro to Stage Combat 

This instructor is certified through Dueling Arts 

International for Unarmed Stage Combat and Single 

Sword Stage Combat. This class is geared toward 

actors and movers and will teach safe ways to do 

things that look dangerous onstage. A big focus 

is compassion-based partnering; ensuring that 

everyone is and feels emotionally and physically safe 

as they support each other in the class and learn 

ways to continue that support in future projects. 

∞ Instructor: Angela Rak 




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Make That 

If you love to make things, this is obviously the 

course for you! We focus on taking anything you are 

passionate about and bringing some aspect of that 

love into existence. For example, if I were taking this 

class, I would obviously make a Stormtrooper helmet 

because I love Star Wars. We use all sorts of tools, 

ranging from low tech (glue, foam, etc.) to high tech 

(3D printing) to make whatever we want. This course 

will take your homecoming costume-making skills 

to the level! This class is open-ended, and all ideas 

are welcome! 

∞ Instructor: Josh Burick 




The Mechanics Behind Strategy Board Gaming 

For many, the idea of board games conjures up 

family game nights with the likes of Monopoly, Clue, 

or Sorry. For some these are fun, but frankly, most 

of us do not get too excited about them. From these 

beginnings though, tabletop gaming has exploded 

in popularity in recent years due to strategic, 

innovative games like Settlers of Catan and Ticket 

to Ride. This popularity has led to thousands of new 

games, many of which have widespread appeal. 

This class will look at some of the most influential 

and widespread mechanics that undergird these 

new games and give students a chance to put what 

they have learned to the test by designing their own 

strategy board game! 

Each day, students will learn about a new mechanic 

that is popular in modern strategy board games 

and play multiple games that use this mechanic. 

Beginning in the second week, students will have 

time to work in groups to design and playtest their 

own strategy board game creations. 

COURSES 

∞ Instructor: David Rivera 




The Master of Suspense: 

A Study of Alfred Hitchcock's Method 

Come join us for a study of intrigue and a chance to 

plumb the depth of Hitchcock’s cinematic genius. 

Alfred Hitchcock is recognized for his impact on the 

world of film, especially in the genre of suspense. 

We will discuss the way his prowess changed the 

film industry through his use of motif, the power 

of suggestion, philosophy, and other cinematic 

instruments. 

We will also explore the impact of his worldview 

on his films and the way we come to the genre 

of suspense as Christians. The class will view 

and analyze several of Hitchcock’s many movies 

and television series, as well as allow students to 

attempt to recreate his style of film. Bring your 

inquisitiveness, and prepare to learn from the 

master! 

∞ Instructor: Jessica Hands 




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COURSES 

Movement and Stillness 

In this course you will experience a number of 

different practices that explore what it means to be 

in movement and what it means to be in stillness. 

Within this course, you can expect to be engaged 

physically through a healthy dose of stretching and 

bodyweight exercise (and other intentional physical 

practices), intellectually through the study of 

anatomy, and experientially through poetry creation 

and play. We will focus on approaching the world 

with curiosity, awe and humility - with the hope that 

we will move ourselves intentionally in order be still 

and thus deepen our understanding of who we are 

as God’s unique creations, wired to be in relationship 

with Him. 

Stagecraft 

It takes more than actors to put on a play and more 

than musicians to have a concert; sometimes it 

takes a lot more. Stagecraft will study and practice 

live production design, lighting for concerts and 

theater, audio engineering for live concerts and 

theater, basic rigging of scenery, and more along the 

way. 

∞ Instructor: Joe Jones 




∞ Instructor: Brad Skeba 




14 

The Russian Messenger, 1866 

In 1866, two of the best books ever written were 

being published in a journal called The Russian 

Messenger. War and Peace and Crime and 

Punishment introduced the world to complex 

characters dealing with the biggest questions in 

life: do we have free will, can we rise above our 

circumstances, and how does tragedy change 

us? These books are classic works of art, and over 

Winterim we will use either the full books, excerpts, 

or movies (your choice!) to launch into conversations 

about things that really matter. Come ready to 

read, pour tea from the samovar, and spend time in 

conversation. 

∞ Instructor: Luke Regan 




Story and the Gospel 

In this class, we will be thinking about the way 

all stories point to the true story of the Gospel by 

watching, reading, and recounting some of the 

great stories that have been told. As we do so, we will 

have discussion as a class about what aspects of the 

Gospel we can see in the stories we watch, and the 

reason these stories cause us to cherish the Gospel 

more fully. In addition, we will unpack the Gospel as 

a story and think deeply about the power in seeing 

the Gospel as the true story. The class will be heavily 

conversational and reflective as we respond to what 

we are watching, reading, and listening to in light 

of our understanding of story and the Gospel. Some 

movies that will be discussed are 

• Beauty and the Beast (Original Animated Film) 

• Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens 

• The Lion King (Original Animated Film) 

• Hamilton the Musical 

• The Fellowship of the Ring 

• The Two Towers 

• The Return of the King 

∞ Instructor: Tate Fritz 



∞ Available Virtually: Yes

Trash to Treasure 

Ever feel like you do not meet God's standards? Or 

your brokenness keeps you from fully experiencing 

God's grace and love? Well, Trash to Treasure is the 

class for you! We will explore the way God turns 

imperfect, broken people into beautiful vessels, 

equipped to embrace life and serve Him. We will do 

this by collecting (in thrift stores) broken, imperfect, 

even ugly objects and turning them into beautiful, 

functional, or just plain interesting art! We will also 

visit a house that was built using recycled materials 

65 years ago and spend some time at my studio 

where my sister and I created a business turning 

a rejected objects into a product of function and 

beauty. Please join me and discover how fun and 

satisfying it is to create and explore some very 

hidden treasures! 

∞ Instructor: Susie Cassel 




Video Editing: Theory and Technique 

Editing is the craft of taking video footage and 

sculpting it into a story. In Video Editing: Theory and 

Technique, we will be exploring the reasons certain 

edits work, the early history of film editing, and the 

way to use modern-day editing apps like Final Cut 

Pro and Premiere. We will shoot and edit our own 

footage in class and discuss our work together. By 

the end of this class, you will see videos, shows, and 

movies through a brand new lens and will be able to 

take your footage in potentially new directions. 

∞ Instructor: Chris Yiesla 


∞ Class Requirements/prerequisites: An interest in editing 

and some experience shooting your own footage (phone, 

camera, etc.) If you desire to learn Final Cut, an apple 

laptop is required. 



COURSES 

15

COURSES 

Afternoon Courses 

Afternoon Course Session: 11:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. 

Activities for Lifetime Fitness 

Physical fitness is an essential component of 

everyone’s life. For too many high school students, 

the only physical fitness activities they experience 

are those that are part of the traditional P.E. 

curriculum or co-curricular activities. This course 

is designed to provide the students with the 

opportunity to participate in a wide range of nontraditional 

physical fitness activities, as well as 

provide a different twist on traditional physical 

fitness activities. Proper clothes for each day’s 

activity are needed. 

Astronomy 

“The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky 

above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours 

forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.” 

So the psalmist writes about the wonders of 

the heavens. This Winterim we will explore the 

knowledge of our night sky in the classical study of 

astronomy. You will be introduced to the basics of 

observational astronomy and the inner workings 

of our created universe. Bring your warm jackets 

for outside activities, and I will provide the hot 

chocolate! 

∞ Instructors: Edie Rooks & Kiernan Mack 




∞ Instructor: David Tollefsen 




16 

American Sign Language 

In a few days, you can learn the foundation of a 

beautiful, useful language. Although ASL takes a 

lifetime to master, the basics of conversation will be 

introduced in this Winterim class. Fingerspelling and 

numbers, greetings, food, home, clothing, idioms, 

history, culture, media representation and ministry 

will all be presented, with time for hands-on practice 

and discussion. God is calling individuals of this 

generation to extend their hands to an unreached 

people group who live among us and across the 

world. Will you respond? 

∞ Instructor: Alta Johnson 




Aviation 

Are you interested in the aviation field? If so, this 

class is for you! This class will be an introduction to 

the amazing world of aviation. We will take a look at 

the basics of flight, including aerodynamics, aircraft 

systems, weight and balance, charts, navigation, 

flight planning, regulations, and weather. Offered 

with the help of the LeTourneau University Aviation 

Program, Wheaton Academy is excited about once 

again reaching for the sky! 

∞ Instructor: Lee Wilkinson 

∞ Course Fee: None; however, if weather permits, we will try 

to schedule discovery flights with students. The cost of this 

flight is an additional $100 per student should a student 

choose to participate. 



China 101 

If you think Panda Express is real Chinese food, 

you might be in for a surprise. Get your chopsticks 

ready for experiencing a taste of what real China is 

like in our class. You will learn that China is not as 

mysterious as you once thought and that Chinese 

people do not eat just rice! China’s population of 

1.6 billion people is more diverse than you might 

imagine—from food to people, from sights to smells. 

We will travel to China (figuratively speaking) via 

our taste buds, eyes, and ears. We will take a trip to 

Chinatown (if permitted with COVID restrictions), eat 

some authentic Chinese food, and learn more about 

the “Middle Kingdom.” Do not worry; we will not 

dissect its 5,000-year history but primarily focus on 

China today—its trends, culture, and diversity—and 

the way China affects you! 

∞ Instructor: Rochelle Yang 




Cooking For Guys 

The course will help students learn the basics of 

cooking, from making something as simple as 

brownies from a box mix to fixing a complete meal. 

We will cover lots of “guy friendly” foods. Students 

will learn the way to read and follow a recipe and 

will also have the chance to create on their own. The 

main emphasis will be quick and easy recipes. Come 

prepared to eat! Learn to prepare a range of foods: 

steak, eggs, chili, chicken, potatoes, quick snacks, 

desserts, pizza, pasta, cookies, etc. Students will 

leave the class with a notebook of recipes they have 

mastered. 

∞ Instructor: Ruth Lindstedt 


∞ Open to: Males only 


COURSES 

Christianity: Then and Now 

This course will explore the birth, growth, and 

branching out of the Christian church. Students 

might wonder about the history of their own church 

branch and how it is both similar and distinct from 

other branches of Christianity. This course will 

address these questions. 

Possible field trips include visits to a Jewish 

synagogue, a Catholic church, and an Eastern 

Orthodox church. 

∞ Instructor: Chip Dykema 




Crafting the Scene 

In Crafting the Scene, students will explore the 

basics of scenic storytelling. Students will practice 

discovering the arc of a story, developing their own 

points of view for designs from a script, and then 

creating their unique conceptual designs through 

a series of mixed media art projects. This class is for 

everyone, whether you love storytelling, theatre at 

large, or creating art and trying new things. This is 

an approachable opportunity to try your hand at a 

number of art mediums with a focused appreciation 

for the design of the world around us. 

∞ Instructor: Lauren Spitler 




17

COURSES 

Every Song Ever: The art of listening in 

the digital age of music 

With an endless variety of music available via 

streaming services, too many people are stuck 

listening only to the music they feel most 

comfortable with because they do not understand 

the way to listen to or appreciate the unfamiliar. This 

class will explore the wealth of musical genres from 

classical to metal, jazz to hip-hop, oldies to indie. 

Beginning with an exploration of the way music has 

been recorded and listened to for the past 100 years, 

students will learn the art of listening by learning 

to identify musical traits such as “timbre,” “texture,” 

“dynamics,” and “melody” that defy genre. It offers 

students an opportunity to become professional 

appreciators of music in all its diversity. Students will 

also be able to share some of their favorite music 

artists and discuss the reason they enjoy listening 

to their music. Finally, we will discuss a biblical 

worldview on listening and engaging with the lyrical 

content of music. 

∞ Instructor: Joel Visker 




Food Around the World 

This class is designed to help you develop an 

incredible and adventurous palate. You will 

experience eight different types of foods from 

around the world and visit various restaurants in the 

Chicagoland area. You will pose as a food critic and 

be given the opportunity to write about each food 

experience. You may need to be brave at times and 

go outside your comfort zone. Being a food critic is 

not for the faint-hearted. You will try many different 

types of foods and record your impressions as 

descriptively as you can. If you are the kind of person 

who has a tremendous zest for life and is willing to 

take many adventures and risks, this course is for 

you. 

This course will be dependent on whether 

restaurants are open due to COVID-19. If you choose 

this course, please choose an alternative course as 

well. 

∞ Instructor: Cassie Prempas 




18 

Food Science 

Have you ever wondered why some cookies come 

out soft and gooey and others hard and crunchy? 

Baking is not as simple as it seems; each ingredient 

has a purpose in the food you make. In this class, 

we will explore the science behind food to better 

understand what makes bread rise or one cake 

dense and another light and fluffy. We will also 

explore different nutritional options and experiment 

with recipes to learn ways to incorporate healthy 

eating into everyday life. 

∞ Instructor: Brigitta Engebretsen 




guerrilla Filmmaking 

Do you enjoy telling stories through video? Being 

a good visual storyteller is not about having the 

latest greatest gadgets; it is about knowing ways to 

use what you have. We will study and practice the 

principles that make great stories whether you use a 

smart phone, Surface, or Sony video camera. 

∞ Instructor: Joe Jones 





Investigative Discovery: The Internet of Things 

This class is designed to look at the way the 

miniaturization and availability of computers has 

infiltrated all aspects of our life: houses, cars, phones, 

schools, kitchens, HVAC, etc. We will create our 

own miniaturized computer to interact with the 

environment. 

∞ Instructor: Steve Johnson 





COURSES 

Harry Potter and the Seeker's Journey 

We will explore the expansive and immersive world 

that JK Rowling built about a boy who lived. We 

will discuss and analyze the way the Harry Potter 

series mirrors the key aspects of the gospel. One 

of the overarching themes of the series is the idea 

of self-sacrificial love and conquering death so 

that others may live, just as Christ did for us on the 

cross. In addition, we will critically study the themes, 

individual characters, and the intentional parallels 

that connect the magic world to our world that 

JK Rowling expertly interweaves into the narrative 

of each book. We will also evaluate how well the 

movies bring Harry Potter to life and the ways 

different mediums can portray a story. 

∞ Instructor: Leah Rinker 




Lacrosse: Technique and Tradition 

This course will cover the history of North America’s 

original sport, from the Native American game to 

the current-day version played by over one million 

people worldwide. We will cover the rules and 

strategies used to be successful in today’s game. The 

second part of the class will focus on learning the 

stick skills and techniques needed to play the game 

at a high level. The class will spend half of our time in 

the classroom and half of our time in the field house. 

∞ Instructor: Geof Weisenborn and Cort Miller 



∞ Open to: Freshmen and Sophomores only 


19

COURSES 

Manufacturing Technology 

This class is for the students who enjoy using their 

mind and hands. 

Experience the satisfaction of turning raw materials 

into something of value. In this class, you will have 

the opportunity of using a variety of tools and 

processes to make a product: manufacturing on a 

small scale. Some of the machine and hand tools we 

will be using include welding and heating, turning, 

milling, sawing, grinding, and drilling. 

Join me and a few other students in this enterprise. 

Who knows how God might use this experience in 

your life? 

∞ Instructor: Ken Gogots 




Performance Psychology: An Introduction 

In today's society, we look up to individuals who 

perform on the world stage, we admire them for 

their extraordinary attributes and are amazed 

by their ability to stretch the limits of human 

potential. We are amazed by them, whether they are 

performing artists, athletes, surgeons, firefighters, 

military personnel, or any other performing 

individual. However, what most people overlook 

is the fact that these individuals are not born 

with the physical prowess and mental resilience 

they later display. Additionally, we all perform 

in certain capacities in our daily lives. Is there 

a common thread connecting how the world's 

greatest performers use their minds to pursue the 

boundaries of human potential? If you're wondering 

how these individuals developed the mental 

capacity to persevere during high-stakes situations, 

and want to learn how to apply these skills in your 

own life, you will enjoy this course! 

∞ Instructor: Piotr Piasecki 




20 

Military Intelligence Operations 

Technology is stolen, terrorism targets a world 

superpower, countries go to war, war is prevented. 

Why and what does it mean? Come behind 

the scenes to explore the mysterious world of 

intelligence operations. You will study the concepts 

of intelligence collection and its role in national 

security objectives and become educated on the 

blurred lines between civil liberties versus national 

security. Want to visit rarely seen intelligence centers 

and hear from intelligence experts in the field? Join 

us as we go behind those secret doors. 

∞ Instructor: Cory Roberts 




Rock Climbing 

Rock climbing is an awesome and often overlooked 

sport. Regardless of your skill level, join this class 

for a challenging and chill experience spent in the 

gym climbing with friends. In this class, we will 

be traveling to Vertical Endeavors, a nearby rock 

climbing gym almost every day. This class is open to 

all levels of climbers. If you are completely new to the 

sport, this class will teach you the basics of climbing, 

including how to belay climbers so that you can take 

on any top rope routes. Rock on! 

∞ Instructor: Maddie Urban 




SAT/ACT Review Course 

Two seasoned teachers—one for Math and one for 

English—will provide review and reinforcement of 

key knowledge and skills needed for success on both 

the ACT and SAT. In addition, students will be offered 

test taking strategies and opportunities to use 

those strategies on practice tests. This class will help 

students to prepare for the ACT and the SAT with 30 

hours of scintillating instruction. 

∞ Instructor: Val Gregersen & Trish Main 




The Sound of Movies 

In this class we will spend time analyzing what 

music and sound bring to movies. We will then work 

on making our own sound effects and sound tracks 

to some animated shorts made by the freshman 

English classes this semester. If able, we will visit 

a sound studio in Chicago that works in the film 

industry. 

∞ Instructor: Melanie Marr 


∞ Class Requirements/prerequisites: Some music knowledge 

is required. 



COURSES 

Soccer and Culture 

Soccer is a universal language. If you understand the 

world of soccer, you will have a better understanding 

of the way the world works. In this class, we will look 

at the history of soccer while also studying different 

cultures around the world. We will look at the way 

different cultures approach soccer and ways major 

events around the world over the past century have 

been reflected through the world of soccer. If you 

love soccer, different cultures, or even both, this is a 

great class for you. 

∞ Instructor: Christian Rivera 




Sports: More than a Game! 

In the class “Sports: More than a Game” we will learn 

that the sports we love are so much more than a 

game. We will watch famous sports movies, such 

as Miracle, Remember the Titans, 42, The Rookie 

(to name a few) as well as ESPN 30 for 30’s to better 

understand what we can learn from sports and what 

biblical principles can be applied to our daily lives. 

Classes will involve not only watching the films but 

also great discussions, as well as food because who 

can watch a movie without some kind of treat? 

∞ Instructor: Leah Dunlap 




21

COURSES 

Steps and Styles 

This course is for anyone who is interested 

in learning a variety of dance forms: Ballet, 

Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, and Step. 

We will start with a traditional understanding of 

Ballet and let the style flow from there. All levels 

of dancers are welcome, whether you have been 

paradiddling all your life or have no idea what that 

means. All you need is a good attitude! 

∞ Instructor: Izzy Case 




Understanding Comics: A Study of the Comic 

Book in Western Literature and the Impact of the 

Superhero on Modern Culture 

Just as great works of fiction like Frankenstein, 

the plays of William Shakespeare, or the allegorical 

writings of G.K. Chesterton are still taught in schools 

across the nation, comic books and graphic novels 

are becoming a part of educational studies as 

well. Join us as we delve into the history of the 

comic book in America, from the early days of the 

industry during the Great Depression and WWII 

to the modern era and the explosion of popularity 

of superheroes in our culture. We will study 

superheroes and graphic novels from a literary 

perspective and discuss specific comics that were 

instrumental in the advancing of the genre. We will 

explore Christianity in comics, looking for Biblical 

themes and the way they can be applied to one's 

faith journey and growth as a child of God. 

∞ Instructor: Joshua Winchester 




22 

The Threads of Scripture 

In this course we will explore the Bible and pursue 

Bible study by tracing the themes and common 

threads that are found throughout the entire 

narrative of Scripture. Studying themes throughout 

Scripture allows us to see the story that God is telling 

through the Old and New Testament by looking 

at both the overarching narrative of Scripture and 

also diving deep into the things that are close to 

the heart and mind of God. This will be a course 

in which we will do Bible study and exploration, 

project-based assignments, and some fun 

discussions and activities. 

∞ Instructor: Ryan Chaney 




Videogame as Art 

The course will introduce students to the world 

of game design and philosophy, from story to 

mechanics. We will focus on understanding the 

significance of video games historically and in 

contemporary art and culture, especially with 

regard to concept design, storytelling, and game 

mechanics. We will discuss the reason people play 

games, the way games are made, the reason they 

are important, and what makes them fun. Anyone 

interested in playing video games, video game 

culture, storytelling, and puzzle solving should 

consider enrolling. Bacon will be served! 

∞ Instructor: Sean McCallum and Zach Stolter 



∞ Available Virtually: Yes

Woodworking 

Genesis 1:26 says that God made humankind in 

His image. We are made to reflect God, and one 

of the ways that we do that is by creating. When 

we make things that are well done, we bring glory 

to God. This class is an opportunity to learn all 

the fundamental skills you need in order to work 

in a woodshop in order to create. You will learn 

the way to safely use a jointer, planer, table saw, 

chop saw, sander, and domino machine in order to 

build two projects; one project will be completed 

in groups, and one project will be completed 

individually. Whether you are just looking for a fun 

new experience, a hobby, or a potential vocation, this 

class could be a fun chance to work with your hands 

to make something! 

Worldview and Film Analysis 

This course will use a variety of films (6), and as 

a class we will watch the films and analyze the 

worldview of the writer/director, along with the 

worldview of the characters in the film. We will learn 

the skills that can be used to distinguish worldview 

in film and understand what motivates and drives 

the characters, depending on their worldview. 

The class will consist of individual analysis, group 

discussion, and written responses to the films. 

∞ Instructor: Daniel Ball 




COURSES 

∞ Instructor: Brad Musso 




Women's Self Defense 

In this class, you will learn Taekwondo kicks, forms, 

important techniques for self-defense and the 

way to break boards. There will also be a time of 

stretching and learning techniques about ways to 

become more flexible. We will study different types 

of martial arts like Karate and Hapkido. Each day, 

there will be a cardio kickboxing lesson and exercise. 

A 15-minute Bible study will end each session. We 

hope this will be a class where you leave feeling 

stronger, more educated, and prepared to handle 

any circumstance. 

∞ Instructor: Ann Kwiatkowski 




Worship Leading and Beginner Guitar 

Do you have a passion for leading worship? In this 

course, we will discover and develop the basics of 

worship leading. Students will receive practical 

instruction in guitar, vocals, songwriting and the use 

of technology in worship leading. In addition, we will 

look at Biblical foundations for worship, historical 

practices of worship, and current conversations 

regarding worship leading in the local church. 

∞ Instructor: Adam Curry 


∞ Class Requirements/prerequisites: Students will need a 

guitar (acoustic preferred) and capo 



23

COURSES 

All Day Courses 

All Day Course Session: 8:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. 

Intro to Robotics 

Introduction to Robotics is a course designed for 

students who may have an interest in engineering 

or robotics. This highly collaborative and handson 

course uses the Lego Mindstorms curriculum 

to build and program robotic tasks. Students will 

learn basic programming skills and explore subjects 

including manipulation, locomotion, perception, 

and control theory. Basic engineering context such 

as design, troubleshooting, logic, and optimization 

will be covered as students build their robots. This 

course will also satisfy a science elective credit. 

∞ Instructor: Gerard Cruz 




U.S. Government and Current Issues 

This course will include a study of government, both 

federal and state, as well as critical issues facing our 

culture. Students will be required to take and meet 

the standard for proficiency on the Constitution test 

in order to meet graduation requirements. The class 

will include a detailed study of the Constitution; the 

three branches of government; the role of political 

parties, interest groups, and the media in politics; 

and an analysis of civil liberties and civil rights. 

This course will satisfy the senior graduation 

requirement. 

∞ Instructor: Nate Leman & Evan Jasper 




Intro to Ceramics 

This course will teach students the foundational 

techniques for hand building—exploring pinch, 

slab, and coil construction—as well as treatment 

and embellishment of the ceramic surface. Each 

of the functional and non-functional pieces will be 

individually designed, created, glazed, and fired. This 

course will also satisfy a Fine Arts credit. 

∞ Instructors: Alyssa Strzalka 




24

COURSES 

25

Internships 

Winterim Internships 

Timeline 

Note: This Winterim (2021), you may have a project-based assignment included with your internship if 

the required full-time (60 hours) on-site presence is not feasible. For example, a project-based assignment 

could be a report or presentation: (1) about the industry; (2) analyzing a particular issue, market trend, product, 

competitor, or customer; or (3) about the results of a marketing campaign or display. 

At Any Time 

• Students or hosts can contact the Business & Innovation Program Director (Mr. Phil Strzalka, 

pstrzalka@wheatonacademy.org) with any questions about an internship, project-based assignment, 

career interest, or goal. 

• Students should contact potential internship hosts (i.e., family, friends, local businesses) to seek an 

internship with or without a project-based opportunity. 

October – November 

• Complete the Internship Application. Note: The application requires parental approval. 

You can access the application at families.wheatonacademy.org/intern-apply 

• Questions about internships can be submitted to internships@wheatonacademy.org 

• Once students submit the online application, we will review the application and contact the student and/or 

the host with any questions. 

December 

• If the internship is approved, students will meet with their host and establish expectations, and discuss 

responsibilities, orientation to the job or project, and workplace policies and expectations. 

January 4-15, 2021 

• Complete the internship during Winterim. 

• Students will complete a daily log for each day. 

• Project-based assignments will be presented or delivered at the end of the Internship. 

• The Internship host will evaluate the student’s overall performance and provide feedback about the 

experience. 

January 22 

Students will submit an internship portfolio by January 22 via OnCampus. The portfolio should include 

• Summary of the internship work 

• Personal reflection paper about the experience 

• Daily log or daily journal 

• Project-based presentation or report 

• Photos of internship experiences (optional) 

• A resume 

26

Guidelines 

Overview 

Wheaton Academy desires to create unique opportunities for students to engage in career-shaping 

activities and help them discover the way God has uniquely equipped them to positively impact the 

world. An internship provides a student a firsthand perspective of the skills and tasks needed to be 

successful in a potential career path. 

The experience can engage students in business strategy, digital transformation, sales, marketing, or 

operations for a profit or not-for-profit business. It can also give them a glimpse into the engineering, 

computer science, real estate, food service, wealth management, commodities trading, education, or 

healthcare industry. 

Wheaton Academy places such high value on these experiences that starting with the class of 2022, 

students must complete one internship sometime in their four years. 

Wheaton Academy specifically encourages students to use the two weeks of Winterim to pursue 

an internship. Alternate timing may be available based on the internship opportunity, nature of an 

experience, and student availability. For Winterim 2021, the internship can include a project-based 

assignment so that it does not require full-time (60 hours) on-site presence. We will work with 

businesses and students to create the best experience possible. 

Objectives 

• Provide students with realistic, challenging experiences in for-profit and non-profit business 

• Help students learn about business and careers with hands-on experience 

• Prepare students by developing leadership, management, and other employment skills 

• Expose students to professional expectations 

Internships 

• Create mentoring relationships where professionals share the benefits, drawbacks, and paths for entering 

the profession 

• Intentionally engage students to answer questions and provide information and resources about different 

careers and industries 

• Reinforce the importance of thinking, being curious, and problem solving 

Example Categories of Potential Internships 

Aviation Healthcare: Hospital Non-Profit: Mission 

Beautician/Cosmetology Healthcare: Clinician Non-Profit: Church 

Carpentry Healthcare: Rehabilitation Performing Arts 

Culinary Hospitality Publishing 

Education Investments Real Estate 

Equine Law Restaurant 

Event Planning Law Enforcement Small Business 

Financial Planning Manufacturing Sport 

Fitness Management Consulting Tax & Accounting (CPA) 

Florist Merchandising Veterinary Medicine 

Government 

Visual Arts/Media 

27

Internships 

Expectations of the Student Intern 

Students agree to the following terms BEFORE the internship experience: 

• Students should attempt to make arrangements for an internship with an internship host before 

completing the online internship application. 

• An internship host needs to be someone outside the student’s immediate family. 

• Students should show their internship host these internship guidelines and ensure their internship host 

understands the purpose and requirements. 

• Students understand that the school is not liable for any injuries that they may sustain as a result of this 

internship. 

• Students understand that they may be removed from the internship if they do not follow the guidelines or 

if they perform poorly. 

Students agree to the following terms DURING the internship experience: 

• Students must work a minimum of 60 hours during ten days of the internship. Students will arrive at the 

location on time each day, as required and agreed upon with the host. For Winterim 2021, the internship 

can include a project-based assignment so that it does not require full-time (60 hours) on-site presence. 

• Students’ workday should not exceed eight hours on any given workday. 

• In most cases, students should be working at their location for each of the ten days. Exceptions will be 

allowed (e.g., for project-based assignments) but must be approved in advance. 

• Students must submit their Internship Portfolio by the first Friday of second semester. 

• Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that complements the business’s expectations 

and policies, maintaining high standards of professionalism while at the internship location. 

• Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the internship location. 

Student Enrollment Criteria 

• Priority for internship placement will be shown to those students who are in good standing with Wheaton 

Academy. Students who are on any type of school probation must complete an interview with the Dean of 

Students for acceptance into the program. 

28

Expectations of the Internship Host (Contact Person) 

Student interns are supervised by the internship host, a staff person employed by the worksite. Typically, 

the internship host has experience and expertise in the area in which the student is interning. The host 

should be prepared to 

• Provide the student with realistic, challenging assignments that facilitate learning. (We want to avoid 

students conducting work of a clerical nature unless the internship experience is in an office setting.) 

• Provide adequate equipment, materials, and other facilities required to provide an appropriate learning 

experience for the student intern. 

• Help the student learn about business culture and adjust to the workplace. Please inform the student 

about the business regulations regarding confidentiality and public access to information. 

• Serve as a mentor, sharing the benefits and potential drawbacks of a career in the field and giving 

suggestions for entering the profession. 

• Supervise and intentionally meet with the intern on a daily basis during the internship to guide 

performance, answer questions, and provide background information and resources related to the intern’s 

work. 

• Adhere to all applicable State, Federal and government agency rules and regulations 

• Notify the Internship Coordinator immediately of any problem which occurs that cannot be resolved by the 

internship host. 

• Submit an internship evaluation and exit slip at the end of the internship experience. 

NOTE: Prior to the student’s first day of the internship, the internship host will meet (in December) with 

the student to discuss his or her responsibilities, orientation to the job, and workplace policies and 

expectations. 

Internships 

29

2021 Winterim Course Guide

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