MIDDLE COLLEGE ORIENTATION WEEK   AUGUST 2004

    During Middle College orientation week students are introduced to several emphases of the Middle College curriculum: interdisciplinary study, project orientation, and experiential learning. This year, we discussed the RVIPS of every community - including their own: RESOURCES, VALUES, INFLUENTIAL INDIVIDUALS, POLITICAL SYSTEM AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE.     

    They were then given the hypothetical situation that the city of Santa Cruz had been left $5 million by a wealthy resident who stipulated only that the money be spent in a way that would please the majority of the community. To determine what the community of Santa Cruz valued and needed, students rode the bus to the city  and analyzed current businesses, interviewed business owners and passersby, and toured the historic buildings  that reflect the city's heritage. Mayor Scott Kennedy addressed the students to explain how such a bequest would be handled by town politics. 

    Upon returning to CSM, student groups discussed their proposals for the money, then presented the proposals to the student group. The top three proposals were submitted to the City Council for review. 

Students share "artifacts" that reveal their values.

Webs of support encourage students to make connections - of yarn and friendship.

The dropped ball represents troubles that befall a community.

Reconnecting with old friends.

Too much information

Student works on her visual aid.

Helping students formulate the RVIPS of Santa Cruz

Groups create visual aid for their proposal.

Groups present their proposals for the $5million bequeathed to the city of Santa Cruz.

Proposals are debated in a competitive environment.