|
An educational system isn’t worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living but doesn’t teach them how to make a life. – Author Unknown
Greetings Laurel Hall Families:
Today, our 7th grade class returned from their trip to Catalina. This is another monumental event – it has been a long time since we have had an overnight field trip.
The Catalina excursion is always a popular one. This, was no exception. Students spent five days on the island under the tutelage of the Catalina Marine Institute staff, and three dedicated, selfless Laurel Hall teachers. While there, the students experienced hands-on learning through many different activities which included snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, marine science labs and even dissections. After a rainy arrival, they enjoyed beautiful weather for the week.
Trip coordinator Debby Semel, contacted us upon disembarking from the boat and simply said, “So glad we were able to take this trip in these COVID times.”
This week, while speaking with a prospective family, I began talking about the Catalina trip. The trip discussion was followed by a conversation about all our overnight trips – Sacramento, Astro Camp, the East Coast. Naturally, the conversation also led to questions, which led to more reflection and even more dialogue about pretty near everything students experience at Laurel Hall School. We talked about the recent Homecoming, the upcoming sports playoffs, the specialty offerings - in particular music, art, and drama. We chatted in the quad while the cheerleaders practiced, and the ACE students played fun games. The family with whom I spoke left their tour very happy, “discovering this North Hollywood gem.”
A full educational experience is so much more than learning core academic subjects. And while the primary reason any school exists is to ensure students are academically proficient, we do more - and we do it well. We provide an experiential environment that develops the whole child.
Best,
Mr. G
|
