Student Life
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SERVICE LEARNING
SERVICE LEARNING STATEMENT
Service Learning A key emphasis of the Westmark education is on the development of responsible members of society who contribute their time, energies, and talents to improving the quality of life in our school, community, nation, and world.
A superb education is much more than knowledge gained within the walls of a classroom. Service to our community helps develop our students’ realization of their ability to act as contributing and positive members of their community, both within and outside of Westmark.
In addition, service learning provides opportunities to build leadership experiences, develop creative talents, and increase awareness of the world at large. Students may even explore career paths as a result of volunteer involvement and thoughtful reflection.
GOALS OF THE WESTMARK SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM
- To shape young adults who possess strong personal values and who understand the importance and benefit of helping others.
- To develop leadership and teamwork skills.
- To build relationships with non-profit organizations and the outside community.
- To fine tune unique talents and interests.
- To uphold the principles of community involvement and thoughtful action.
- To learn how to effectively engage with the complex global society.
Westmark integrates service learning in each grade level’s curriculum.
Service opportunities will be age appropriate in breadth and depth. During school hours, each grade level will have a chance to prepare for and learn about their service learning project, perform their service, and debrief and discuss their experiences. We want to ensure that 100% of our staff and students are involved in service to our Los Angeles community and beyond.
Specific service learning projects will be highlighted at the beginning of the year, however we also want to be ready to extend our services should any pressing need present itself during the year. We also strongly encourage students and families to inquire within their own community, church, synagogue, scout groups, YMCA, local hospitals, food collection agencies, etc…to see what opportunities are available. Some of the richest experiences are those that a family does together.
RECORD YOUR SERVICE HOURS
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Malibu's Camp Hilltop
Malibu's Camp Hilltop
During the first week of November, Middle School students embarked on their annual 3-day/2-night outdoor adventure as part of Westmark’s signature experiential learning program. 6th and 7th grade students traveled to Malibu's Camp Hilltop. Each day was packed with outdoor adventures that also provided opportunity to learn the values of leadership, teamwork, and communication.
Students learned to place trust in their classmates, got creative, took some risks, forged new friendships and had tons of fun!
In Malibu, 6th and 7th grade students hiked to the top of Camp Hilltop where they marveled at the beautiful view overlooking the ocean. Students learned to place their trust in their classmates as they braved the high ropes course in pairs and leaped into the arms of their partner. Students also scaled the rock wall and embraced their inner artist as they decorated frames with collages made from magazine clippings. Students also experienced a chuckle creating outfits for each other using only newspaper and tape as materials.
Big Bear
Big Bear
During the first week of November, Middle School students embarked on their annual 3-day/2-night outdoor adventure as part of Westmark’s signature experiential learning program. 8th graders headed to Big Bear’s Cedar Lake Camp. Each day was packed with outdoor adventures that also provided opportunity to learn the values of leadership, teamwork, and communication.
Students learned to place trust in their classmates, got creative, took some risks, forged new friendships and had tons of fun!
In Big Bear, 8th graders were treated to a sight never seen in Los Angeles-snow! Naturally, students welcomed this sight by making snow angels and initiating an impromptu snowball fight with each other and faculty chaperones Mr. Paul Curtis and Ms. Erin Shapiro. Students enjoyed the calm serenity of Cedar Lake and also participated in the high ropes course like their 6th and 7th grade counterparts. Our 8th grade students rose to the expectation of responsibility and independence and impressed their faculty chaperones with their camaraderie, fearlessness and willingness to take risks.
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C.
Spring break was an exciting time for our 8th grade class; faculty chaperones Mr. Paul Curtis, Ms. Vanita Star and Ms. Erin Schwarz led our students to Washington D.C. They had the opportunity to be given a private tour of the Capital, visit historical monuments such as Mount Vernon and even explored the Natural History Museum. The kids enjoyed being together outside of the school's setting, gained independence, developed deeper relationships, and had a blast with their pizza and pool party at the hotel! D.C. taught the students a better understanding of the nation's history.
AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT
LOWER SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT, SPRING 2019
This is a 8-week session. Classes run from 3:15-4:15 pm. An after school staff member will drop-off/pick-up students to/from their enrichment class. Students participating in bus transportation will join After School Supervision and will ride the 5:00 pm late bus.
Students are enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis.
If a class fails to reach required enrollment, it will be cancelled. If cancelled, parents will be notified as soon as possible.
Classes will be billed to your student account after the first class. If you choose to withdraw from a class, you must do so prior to the second class. Withdrawals after the second class will not be refunded. There are no refunds for absences or missed classes due to athletic practices/games.
Course prices vary dependent on number of classes. Some courses have fewer classes due to observed holidays.
ALI GUERRERO
ASE Coordinator
(818) 986-5045 ext. 340
aguerrero@westmarkschool.org