Brightmont Academy - Sammamish

Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Aubrey - 01/29/2018 - Aubrey joined our Sammamish campus on November 1, 2017. Although she has only been with us for a couple months, she has made quite an impact on our instructors and her fellow students. Many of her teachers have noted her good sense of humor. Her health teacher...more
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Aubrey - 01/29/2018 - Aubrey joined our Sammamish campus on November 1, 2017. Although she has only been with us for a couple months, she has made quite an impact on our instructors and her fellow students. Many of her teachers have noted her good sense of humor. Her health teacher April said, "Aubrey approached health class with curiosity and a genuine desire to develop into a holistically healthy person. She completed all her homework on time and even finished the course early! Aubrey has a lot of potential and is motivated to excel."

Outside of Brightmont, Aubrey has done volunteer work with Girl Scouts and is considering various careers, some of which are related to working with children. Aubrey's presence adds to the positive atmosphere on campus and she has formed bonds with many instructors and students. Congrats Aubrey!...hide
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Colson - 07/21/2017 - Colson is a 6th grade student at Brightmont Academy - Sammamish.  A bright, generous, and thoughtful student, he brings energy and laughter to the campus on a daily basis. Colson has excelled in all of his courses this year, covering the entire sixth grade cur...more
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Colson - 07/21/2017 - Colson is a 6th grade student at Brightmont Academy - Sammamish.  A bright, generous, and thoughtful student, he brings energy and laughter to the campus on a daily basis. Colson has excelled in all of his courses this year, covering the entire sixth grade curriculum in four and a half months. He has worked extremely hard to get his coursework finished, including designing a board game for his English class, creating an Egyptian death mask for his social studies class, and conducting a survey project for his math class.  Congratulations to Colson as July Student of the Month!...hide
Brightmont Academy Teacher of the Month: John Kernan - 02/26/2018 - Dr. John Kernan joined Brightmont Academy Samammish about two years ago. John comes to Brightmont with a very extensive background in education as well as in coaching track and field. He holds a bachelor`s degree in health and physical education, a master`s d...more
Brightmont Academy Teacher of the Month: John Kernan - 02/26/2018 - Dr. John Kernan joined Brightmont Academy Samammish about two years ago. John comes to Brightmont with a very extensive background in education as well as in coaching track and field. He holds a bachelor`s degree in health and physical education, a master`s degree in special education, and a doctor of education in human performance and fitness.  John has coached track and field for over 43 years at all levels, including U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes. He is currently coaching at Star Center in Tacoma with the Wounded Warriors, a group comprised of disabled youth, disabled adults, and wounded soldiers ages 6 to 60.

Brightmont Running Club is one of John`s special contributions to campus life. He started the club with students and teachers in October of 2017, and its members have since walked, jogged, biked and run a total of almost 400 miles. Students have been really excited to get involved and get active and it`s made a huge impact in their ability to focus on afternoon studies. The club has held four fun runs with participation at every one.  John says, "The running club helps students get active, set goals, get involved with their communities, track their miles, and do better in their academics." He added, "I see no difference between coaching and teaching. I learn things from my students I can use with my athletes and vice versa."

Nolan, a 10th grader who has John for his world history course, has been running with John from the start of the club. According to Nolan, "John is motivational, and he has a lot of experience. He uses unique teaching styles to best fit his students." Cole is a senior at Brightmont and has worked with John in English for the last two years. Cole says, "John is just a really good teacher. He is fun and helps me learn in the ways that are best for me."

John`s favorite thing about Brightmont Academy is the one-to-one setting and how it allows him to create a special learning environment for each student. John enjoys meeting a student and then discovering how they learn best. He tailors his teaching style, his approach, and the overall atmosphere of his class to each student`s needs.  He said that Brightmont Academy is a dream school for him. He wishes he could have been a part of a place like this throughout his whole career. He sees Brightmont as such a unique place and he loves being a part of that....hide
Brightmont Academy Teacher of the Month: John Kernan - 02/26/2018 - Dr. John Kernan joined Brightmont Academy Samammish about two years ago. John comes to Brightmont with a very extensive background in education as well as in coaching track and field. He holds a bachelor's degree in health and physical education, a master's de...more
Brightmont Academy Teacher of the Month: John Kernan - 02/26/2018 - Dr. John Kernan joined Brightmont Academy Samammish about two years ago. John comes to Brightmont with a very extensive background in education as well as in coaching track and field. He holds a bachelor's degree in health and physical education, a master's degree in special education, and a doctor of education in human performance and fitness. John has coached track and field for over 43 years at all levels, including U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes. He is currently coaching at Star Center in Tacoma with the Wounded Warriors, a group comprised of disabled youth, disabled adults, and wounded soldiers ages 6 to 60....hide
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Cassie - 08/31/2017 - Cassie came to Brightmont Academy - Sammamish the summer before she officially started 9th grade, seeking a school that would allow her to have a more flexible schedule.  She decided to get a jump start on her high school credits and embarked on a rigorous pro...more
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Cassie - 08/31/2017 - Cassie came to Brightmont Academy - Sammamish the summer before she officially started 9th grade, seeking a school that would allow her to have a more flexible schedule.  She decided to get a jump start on her high school credits and embarked on a rigorous program of advanced courses, including honors English and chemistry as a freshman.

Cassie is an enthusiastic student who brings life to the campus.  It's not unusual to hear her humming a tune from her favorite Broadway musical or animatedly discussing a novel from English class.  Her smile is infectious, as is her hard-working attitude.

When she is not at Brightmont, Cassie spends much of her time working with her horses.  She frequently competes in high-level equestrian competitions in the hunter-jumper category.  Cassie hopes to win an equestrian scholarship and compete at the college level. While she passionately pursues her sport, Cassie aspires to one day own and manage an equestrian school.

Congratulations to Cassie on being named Brightmont Academy Student of the Month for August!...hide
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Connor - 02/28/2017 - Conner comes to Brightmont every day and it`s a joy observing his academic growth! His math teacher Rinki Jalan said he has progressed drastically in Algebra 1. Connor is eager to learn and shows strength in character with respect, attentiveness, and punctuali...more
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Connor - 02/28/2017 - Conner comes to Brightmont every day and it`s a joy observing his academic growth! His math teacher Rinki Jalan said he has progressed drastically in Algebra 1. Connor is eager to learn and shows strength in character with respect, attentiveness, and punctuality. History teacher John Kernan said Conner`s progress in his academic skills has been phenomenal!

We are proud to recognize Conner as the student of the month!...hide
Hands-On Science: Dissecting an Owl Pellet - 03/21/2017 - We live in a region where science impacts our lives every day. Understanding our place in the rich landscapes we inhabit determines the quality and quantity of resources available to us and the diversity of creatures we share them with. A scientifically litera...more
Hands-On Science: Dissecting an Owl Pellet - 03/21/2017 - We live in a region where science impacts our lives every day. Understanding our place in the rich landscapes we inhabit determines the quality and quantity of resources available to us and the diversity of creatures we share them with. A scientifically literate society is able to participate in the important choices made by each of us every day and paramount to preserving viable ecosystems into the future.

Hands-on, inquiry science education makes learning relevant to students at Brightmont Academy on the Sammamish Plateau. Students use real samples and tools to accomplish the goals of observation, description, measurement, data collection, categorization, and communication of their findings.

Environmental Science student Claire dissects an owl pellet, sorting the materials into like parts. The parts are measured using a USB Microscope and Micrometer Calibration Ruler, then photographed and mounted. The image of the ball and socket from the hip of a prey animal projected onto the computer screen is made using the USB microscope. Analysis of the parts is communicated in a range of mediums: physical, photographic, data tables, and graphs.

The activity mirrors real world field investigations that create an understanding of the food source(s) available in the environmental range of native owls and is an indicator of ecosystem health or change....hide
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Timothy - 04/07/2017 - Congratulations to Timothy, a full-time 9th grade student who has attended Brightmont Academy for the past three months. Timothy`s Algebra teacher, Rinki says, "Timothy began as a regular Algebra 1 student but progressed so well through the course work that he...more
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Timothy - 04/07/2017 - Congratulations to Timothy, a full-time 9th grade student who has attended Brightmont Academy for the past three months. Timothy`s Algebra teacher, Rinki says, "Timothy began as a regular Algebra 1 student but progressed so well through the course work that he was able to achieve an "Honors" designation for the first semester of the class. He is adept at mathematical calculations and completes his work using mental math instead of a calculator."  And according to Timothy, "Brightmont is a good place to go. The teachers here make sure that students learn what they need to know."...hide
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Cole - 03/10/2017 - Cole is a hands-on learner who created both plant and animal cell charts to explain the parts and functions of cells for study in biology. His educational and colorful displays will serve as visual communications to other students at Brightmont Academy - Samma...more
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Cole - 03/10/2017 - Cole is a hands-on learner who created both plant and animal cell charts to explain the parts and functions of cells for study in biology. His educational and colorful displays will serve as visual communications to other students at Brightmont Academy - Sammamish who are studying the basic unit of all living things except viruses. Many thanks to Cole for his very generous contributions!...hide
Student Achievement Spotlight: Cole - 04/24/2017 - Cole first came to Brightmont Academy in August of 2015 at the beginning of his freshman year of high school after spending his middle school years in a non-traditional school environment.  The social aspect of a traditional high school with large class sizes ...more
Student Achievement Spotlight: Cole - 04/24/2017 - Cole first came to Brightmont Academy in August of 2015 at the beginning of his freshman year of high school after spending his middle school years in a non-traditional school environment.  The social aspect of a traditional high school with large class sizes seemed overwhelming, so his family chose Brightmont Academy for the closer-knit, one-to-one environment and the individualized instruction. This provided Cole the opportunity to focus on his strengths and get help with areas in need of improvement.

Cole pursued a college-preparatory program while at Brightmont, which included language arts, science, mathematics, and history.  His favorite courses were in the social sciences: World History, U.S. History, and U.S. Government and Politics.  He proactively researched topics covered in his classes to gain a deeper understanding of subjects that interested him. Cole`s passion in research and discussion is clearly evident; he is fueled by curiosity in all things.

While studying at Brightmont Academy, Cole also explored his interests in music with guitar lessons at Plateau Music. On a few occasions he even treated his schoolmates to performances of songs he was learning.  Additionally, Cole took classes at a local martial arts school, where he eventually started teaching classes as well.

At Brightmont Academy, Cole gained confidence in his abilities and has grown academically and personally.  He has become an independent learner with a keen interest in current world events, politics, and interplanetary travel.  Cole says, "Brightmont has opened doors for me that would not have been available if I had started as a freshman anywhere else.  I am very happy with the experience that I have had here."

Cole has completed his sophomore year at Brightmont Academy and will continue his studies by participating in Running Start at Bellevue College. This dual enrollment program will allow him to earn college credits and fulfill high school requirements concurrently, and potentially earn an associate's degree. Afterwards, he plans to attend a four year college to study political science, business, economics, and computer science.

We are very proud of Cole's accomplishments at Brightmont Academy and wish him much luck and success as he moves on to the next chapter of his academic life!

Written by: Ashley M. Beck, Master Teacher, Brightmont Academy - Sammamish...hide
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Kason - 10/30/2017 - Kason is an 8th grader at Brightmont Academy - Sammamish. Kason is so committed to science he is applying it to his hobbies of go-kart racing and nerf-gun videos outside of school. He takes videos with a GoPro attached to his kart then uses his knowledge from ...more
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Kason - 10/30/2017 - Kason is an 8th grader at Brightmont Academy - Sammamish. Kason is so committed to science he is applying it to his hobbies of go-kart racing and nerf-gun videos outside of school. He takes videos with a GoPro attached to his kart then uses his knowledge from his science class to improve his time on the track! Kason is not afraid to ask questions and overcome challenges in class. His teacher April says, "Kason is kind, energetic, and curious." And the rest of us agree! Congrats to Kason as Student of the Month....hide
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Larissa - 09/29/2017 - Larissa is a 7th grader at Brightmont Academy - Sammamish. Larissa is a sweet, calming presence on campus. She is very capable and committed to her education. A few of her teachers have said she has a great attitude in class, she gets her homework done on time...more
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Larissa - 09/29/2017 - Larissa is a 7th grader at Brightmont Academy - Sammamish. Larissa is a sweet, calming presence on campus. She is very capable and committed to her education. A few of her teachers have said she has a great attitude in class, she gets her homework done on time, and often goes above and beyond for her classes. Her smile will make your day better. She is a positive addition to Brightmont and we see her going very far in her life. Congrats to Larissa as Student of the Month....hide
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Claire - 11/30/2017 - Claire is a senior at Brightmont Academy - Sammamish and this is her second time receiving the Student of the Month award! She has been studying with us for just about 2 years. Claire is diligent in her school work and focused on her classes. To ensure she com...more
Brightmont Academy Student of the Month: Claire - 11/30/2017 - Claire is a senior at Brightmont Academy - Sammamish and this is her second time receiving the Student of the Month award! She has been studying with us for just about 2 years. Claire is diligent in her school work and focused on her classes. To ensure she completes her homework assignments, she prioritizes them above her part-time job. Her English and Media Literacy teacher, Clay said, "Claire has really taken responsibility for her course work. As she has put in more effort, her understanding of concepts has grown so that she understands a lot more than she expected." Claire is a peaceful presence on campus and a joy to teach.

In addition to being an outstanding student, Claire has also been taking acting classes in Seattle for about two years. In July 2017 she was invited to the International Modeling and Talent Association Competition in New York where she won awards for her acting performance. Claire hopes to be in movies and television shows one day and plans to move to Los Angeles once she graduates from Brightmont to pursue her acting career.

Claire integrates her modeling and acting career in her Media Literacy class. She designed, implemented, and analyzed a social media profile. She was sure to examine the positive, and potentially negative aspects of a social media presence. She wrote, "People online can cyberbully you, even if they don't know you. You should not trust people online if you have never met them before." Congratulations Claire on being the Student of the Month at Brightmont Academy! We are proud of you!...hide

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