Human Development

Traditionally, renowned experts on topics of sexuality and drug education have addressed classes in Levels 5 through 8, with parent education offered during the same period that students are learning these topics. Conflict resolution is another important Human Development topic. Classroom teachers typically develop and staff programs which take students through methods of conflict resolution. In the upper grades of Elementary, Level 4 and 5 students meet in weekly class meetings to address Human Development topics. Middle School students receive character education and education in Human Development through their advisories.

Community Service Learning

Each grade level has its own community service focus that ties in directly with the umbrella curriculum and developmental needs of the ages involved.

A few examples:

Primary

Collect "gently loved" books to give to children who need them.

K-1

Distribute food to homeless persons in Venice Beach.

Level 2

Visit a retirement home and spend time with elderly friends.

Level 3

Work to restore wetlands as they were when Native Americans lived there.

Level 6

Write intergenerational poetry with senior citizens.