Martin spent years developing this curriculum overseas . Model UN , she said , “ Is an experiential learning exercise where students assume the role of diplomats , look at complicated global issues from a perspective different from their own , and engage in academic skills to write and verbally articulate their positions and negotiate toward a common goal .”
She will be expanding Model UN to 4th and 5th grades , called “ Junior Diplomats ” to get kids started on the learning skills , research and methodology needed for the regular program in high school . The school will also run two Model UN conferences and several summer camps . preschoolers to start their day with outdoor walks in the safely enclosed natural setting , Kelly said .
Students in preschool through 5th grade attend what ’ s called “ lower school ,” which is literally on the lower part of the campus . Students in grades 6th through 12th attend the upper school portion , though kids of all ages engage with each other for key activities through the buddy program .
The day is balanced to provide students space for creativity , physical movement , academics , and time to be together . There are cross-grade electives , lunchtime hangouts and clubs . There are also AP and Honors classes for students who want the extra push , Kelly said .
The school also takes unique field trips or “ learning journeys ” including an 8th grade trip to Boston , an oceanography and marine biology trip to Catalina Island , a junior trip to Washington D . C . and a senior trip to India . In India , Goewert said , “ we take curriculum and apply it to a particular region or area .” This year they ’ ll be looking at climate issues .
One of the programs the school is especially proud of is its Model United Nations ( UN ) program , headed by Lisa Martin , lower school director .
Additionally , Martin is spearheading the sustainable development goals ( SDG ) initiative . “ SDGs were adopted by the UN in 2015 . It ’ s 17 goals with 120 targets to address how to live sustainably , protect our planet , and promote justice ,” she said .
Mount Madonna School ’ s existing philosophies and practices of being a compassionate global steward and leader already align with these SDGs . Kami Pacheco , the preschool director pointed out that “ Environmental science permeates our whole school . Kids understand protecting the environment , why we compost and have a waste free lunch . We start young taking care of our natural surroundings .”
For parents who struggle with the idea of sending their littlest kids off to a school that seems far away , Pacheco reassured , “ It ’ s very safe up here . There ’ s an inherent safety because you have to meet someone at the gate to even drive into our campus . We know who ’ s here .”
Mount Madonna School also welcomes parent volunteers in all grades . Though it ’ s not a co-op model where parents have to volunteer , Pacheco said , “ We ’ re founded on community service .”
Mount Madonna School sits is located at the southern end of the Santa Cruz mountains , on Summit Road , between Gilroy and Watsonville . Students pursue studies on the the 375 acre , campus of sprawling California redwoods . The school provides a diverse learning community dedicated to creative , intellectual , and ethical growth , and incredible opportunities to engage and learn from world leaders . Learn more at :
mountmadonnaschool . com
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