May 6, 2005

Week Without Walls

By Steven Gottlieb
Special to the Times

If you could build your own roller coaster, what would it look like? How does a forensic scientist solve a crime using the mysteries of DNA?

During “Week Without Walls,” Leadership Public Schools - East San Jose High School student Daniel Saucedo took apart and reassembled a bike in a class on bike mechanics

Students enrolled in Leadership Public Schools – East San Jose (LPS-ESJ) High School recently explored these topics and more in a unique program called “Week Without Walls.”

During Week Without Walls, LPS – ESJ students have the opportunity to suspend their normal schedule for a week and participate in a very intensive study of an elective topic.

These graded courses are taught by LPS – ESJ teachers and allow students to build on the number of non–UC approved credits. While students focus on one particular subject area, they’re also practicing their leadership skills.

LPS – ESJ is a public charter school located on the Mt. Pleasant High School campus. The tuition-free school teaches a college preparatory curriculum built around the A- G entrance requirements of University of California schools.

While the focus of the school is preparing all students for college, it is done through innovative ways such as a four-year leadership class and various programs such as Week Without Walls.

Outdoor course
Leadership training proved to be a tremendous asset for students who opted for the hiking, camping and climbing course, as they and two teachers forged a path from Castle Rock State Park to Waddell State Beach through the Santa Cruz Mountains.

They learned how to live, protect and appreciate the natural world.

Students also built upon their team skills in orienteering, rock climbing, back packing and other activities associated with outdoor activities that require teamwork to produce a safe and fun experience.

Starting a business
Starting your own business is something students often express an interest in, not only for the thrill of being their own boss, but as a way to give back to the community. To meet these students’ interests, LPS – ESJ offers a class called “How a Small Idea Becomes a Success.”

Nelson Candy Kitchen, Hilmar Cheese Factory, Jelly Belly, Trinchero State and Copia Museum are some of the businesses that have invited students to learn how they run their operation, as well as the importance of marketing and team work.

Hands-on building
Business might not interest the students who want to follow in the footsteps of bicyclist Lance Armstrong. LPS –ESJ’s own resident semi-professional bike racer taught a class on how to take care of a bike, how to build a bike, bike safety and the ins and outs of bike riding and racing.

Students also had the opportunity to visit a major bicycle headquarters in the area and work at a bike store for a day.

For the students who wanted to design something unique, the San Jose Tech Museum provided an outlet to discover technology’s impact on society and explore the nuances of what can be done with computers and science. Students took part in labs, design workshops and watched an IMAX movie regarding the forces of nature.

Performing arts
Some students would prefer to be in a drama than watch one. These students went to the San Jose Repertory Theatre and worked with the Red Ladder Company, picked a play and then staged the production to perform for their peers.

The play was culturally relevant and gave students a chance to experience life outside of their own. Students needed to rely on their leadership and team skills to pull this off in five short days.

“I had the greatest time at the theater,” said Kimberly Canido, a ninth grader who attended the theatre class. “My favorite part was going to see the play ‘Making Tracks’ and getting to show all my peers my awesome acting skills with my partner Mary Ramirez.”

During “Week Without Walls,” Leadership Public Schools – East San Jose High School students Zaida Casillas, Vanessa Estrada and Lino Hernandez built a roller coaster at the San Jose Tech Museum.

Devon Kniess, another ninth grader in the theatre class, described it as “enjoyable and educational …  a week to remember!”

Golf
Very few LPS - ESJ students had played golf or even stood on a golf course. The rules and etiquette of golf are applicable to every aspect of life. What better way to teach courtesy, respect and commitment then through this refined game?

In conjunction with the U.S. Golf Assocation, which provided the golf clubs and instructors, students learned the game of golf at various golf courses and driving ranges in the area.

“I never knew golf could be so educational and fun at the same time,” said Izzy Flores, a ninth grader attending the class.

Expanding horizons
Many of the students at LPS – ESJ had not been outside San Jose or even their own community before Week Without Walls. These learning experiences enhanced the curriculum as students applied what they already knew to the subject matter, brought back new-found knowledge and applied it in the classroom through presentations, discussions and journal entries.

Most important, students chalked up new experiences, opening the door to new possibilities or future opportunities.
As one parent said prior to Week Without Walls, “My child has never been outside of San Jose. Whatever it takes, my student will go on this trip and learn what is needed to run a successful business. I believe she will come back from this knowing that she can achieve her dreams.”