upper school peak week catalog february 2015 cultural travel – by air

UPPER SCHOOL PEAK WEEK CATALOG
FEBRUARY 2015
Courses and/ or their prices may vary slightly depending upon enrollment.
CULTURAL TRAVEL – BY AIR
DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS
Instructors: Ms. Jenny Hernandez and Mr. Bruce Buenaventura
Dates: February 9th –14th
Cost: $1,400.00
This course is open to 7th – 9th graders
Come join Miss Hernandez and Mr. Buenaventura to explore the state of Texas! This
great state has many historical, geological, and cultural landmarks unheard and
unseen of by west coast natives. The brief tour of Texas will start with a few days in
Houston where you will explore the Johnson Space Center/NASA, The Battleship
Texas and San Jacinto Monument, and tour the one of the busiest ERs in the United
States and catch a neurology lecture the medical school with Dr. Monica Wattana.
We will then move on to San Antonio to visit historical battle sites, like the Alamo,
and geological features like the vast underground caverns under the city.
Throughout our time in Texas you will also experience a college tour (Texas A&M,
University of Houston, or Rice University), southern hospitality, and cuisine on top
of the physical features of this great state!
THE LAND, THE ART, AND THE FOOD OF TUSCAN ITALY
Instructors: Mr. Jim Skrumbis, Mr. Tom Keller, Ms. Robin Kerrigan, Ms. Wendy
Northup, Mr. Jon Ellinghouse, et al
Dates: February 6th – 15th
Cost: $2950.
This course is open to Upper School Students only.
Join Mr. Skrumbis and others on a truly extraordinary exploration of the history, art,
and food of central Italy. Whisked to the airport just minutes after the completion of
the School day on February 6th, students will fly to Rome that day, arriving day,
where the splendors of the Eternal City await. The group will enjoy two full days in
Rome, visiting ancient sites and museums that have become the very bywords of
historic sightseeing: the Forum, the Coliseum, the Vatican, the Spanish Steps, the
Fountains of Trevi, and St. Peter’s Basilica, amongst others. From there, we will
head out into the gorgeous Italian countryside to settle into our home base for the
next five days: two spectacular villas in a rustic town nestled between Pisa and
Florence. Our explorations will take us to medieval towns and art-filled cities as we
experience firsthand how the region of Tuscany has attracted visitors for three
thousand years, from the time of the Etruscans and Romans to the Renaissance and
beyond. We will explore Florence, Sienna, Pisa and several beautiful hill-top towns
during our time in Tuscany. The trip will end with an exploration of Bologna and
Venice. Directly descended from the ancient Mediterranean and having committed
an entire teaching career to the history of the region, Mr. Skrumbis will regale us
with stories from the cradle of civilization and then guide us in a celebration of the
incomparable Tuscan food. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the land
through the eyes of faculty members who love it and know it well.
NEW YORK THROUGH THE EYES OF THE THEATRE PROFESSIONAL
Instructors: Mr. Christopher Tulysewski and Mr. Matt Cate
Dates: February 8th- 15th
Cost: $1,800.00 (most meals not included)
This course is open to Upper School Students only.
Students in this Peak Week program will visit the theatre capital of the world to
explore the framework of theatre as a profession at close range. No other city is
home to as vibrant a theatre scene as New York and students who intend to pursue
theatre in college and beyond will not want to miss this course. In addition to
attending several plays and musicals both on and off Broadway, and seeing some of
the key tourist sites, students will be introduced to theatre professionals at every
level of the industry. What is the role of the producer? How does an advertising
agency design a show’s campaign? How is a professional audition handled? How is
a professional rehearsal run? What is the difference between a general manager
and a stage manager? This course will answer these and so many other questions
and hopes to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the many
professional opportunities within the world of theatre.
PARIS; CITY OF LIGHTS: A CULTURAL JOURNEY
Instructors: Madame Ines du Cos de La Hitte and Monsieur René Llaves
Dates: February 6th - 16th
Cost: $2,950 (not including meals, except for breakfast)
This is trip is open to Upper School students only
The students will embark on a memorable journey to the City of Lights accompanied
by Madame de La Hitte and Mr. Llave. The goal of this trip is to immerse students in
a francophone atmosphere while enhancing their appreciation for the culture and
history of France, without forgetting the culinary traditions. The group will visit
Paris, from Montmatre (the Sacré Coeur, the home of numerous artists, and the
famous Moulin Rouge) to the chic avenues and boutiques of Saint Germain des Prés
and the Champs-Elysées. The students will discover the impressionist painters, the
sculptors, and other artists during visits to the Rodin and the Orsay Museums.
Students will travel in time when visiting the Arenas of Lutèce, Notre Dame de Paris
(home to Quasimido), Musée Cluny (ancient Roman baths, then a monastery, and
now the Middle Ages Museum), and if time allows the Sainte Chapelle (host of the
most beautiful stain-glass windows), and the infamous Conciergerie (last stop
before the guillotine during the dark days of the French Revolution). Also, the group
will take a train ride to visit the grandiose Palace of Versailles (home of Louis XIV) in
the outskirts of Paris. Another outing outside Paris will be the Palace of
Fontainebleau: favorite royal residence of the kings of France and of Napoleon. A
trip to Paris would not be complete without strolling along the Seine River, climbing
the Eiffel Tower, shopping in the Quartier Latin and the Champs-Elysees, and
admiring the dome of the Sorbonne! Then, the group will also visit the Catacombs,
the Wall of the Martyrs (dedicated to all French Deported Jews and Résistance
people during WWII). In between these multiple activities, there will be time to
relish hot crepes and waffles as well as macaroons from La Duree, Bertillon’s ice
cream, cheese and baguettes, without forgetting those delicious patisseries.
Students need to bring their best walking shoes (because there will be a lot of
footwork), warm layers of clothes to brave Paris in the winter, camera, and a whole
lot of energy, because this promises to be an exhaustive, discovery-filled adventure
with two great teachers!
URBAN SECRETS: URBAN STUDIES — EXPLORING CHICAGO —
“CITY OF BIG SHOULDERS”
Instructor: Ms. Susan Turner Jones
Dates: February 9th - 14th
Cost: $1,100
This course is open to Upper School Students only.
Maybe you’ve seen the musical Chicago or heard people call it the second city or heard
about the good ol’ Cubs Team’s close calls, but touring Chicago with hometown Chi Guide
Susan Turner Jones will bring you not only to the best Greek food, pizza (yes, it’s the best!),
and the famous Chicago hot dogs, to great theater (Waiting for Godot), museums (the Art
Institute…), real bookstores, and a spectacular downtown, but also take you to meet up with
three Sierra Canyon Alums who have made three powerhouse universities their home away
from LA.. Beyond the touring, you will also experience the big heart of Chicago, meeting
people who create a city beyond the facts of the violence so often in the news. Here you will
travel from the South Side to the North Side, seeing first hand the range of economic and
social conditions of Chicago lives while meeting up with three different groups of
Chicagoans working in non-profits or journalism to transform the worlds of individuals and
break through barriers of invisibility. You will meet a three time Pulitzer Finalist, a founder
of a non-profit who won a major court case to force police accountability, and a director of
an organization that changes hundreds of kids life through excellence in the arts. Going way
beyond a tourist view of a city to an insider’s urban planner view, you may just come home
with ideas for how to change the world.
A WEEK IN NEW YORK
Instructors: Mr. Tom Perry and Ms. Lauren Bahedry
Dates: February 7th – 14th
Cost: $2,000
This course is open to 7th – 9th grade students only.
Take a trip through New York, guided by someone who lived there for 22 years. We
will explore as much of the city is possible during our time, focusing on how its
diversity, history, complexity and character have become a cultural touchstone,
influencing film, literature, architecture, and art. Of course, every trip to New York
means great food and shopping, so as we visit the famous New York landmarks, we
will sample food and shop along the way!
PROFESSIONAL PURSUITS
CODE RED: RESCUE 911 ****
Instructor: Mr. Dave Greenwald
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $175
This course is open to 7th – 9th graders and by special appointment of Mr.
Greenwald.
What does it take to be an emergency responder with sirens screaming and lights
flashing? Students in this course will get a first-hand experience on what it takes to
be the first on-scene to a crisis. They will focus on the operations of the Los Angeles
City Fire Department and will visit neighborhood stations to learn about firefighting,
helicopter and fire boat operations, medical rescue and “jaws of life”, radio
communications and the 911 system, arson investigation, and other specialties that
make protecting our city a demanding job. Students may actually get to lay a hose
line and participate in other hands-on activities.
ECONOMICS AND LAW FOR THE REAL WORLD ****
Instructor: Mr. Jamie Winetrobe
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $60
This course is open to Upper School Students only. Seniors encouraged.
Designed for juniors and seniors, but open to all upper school students, the class is
designed to acquaint our students with the realities of life in a modern world. Issues
such as apartment leases, car leases, credit cards, credit as a whole, what happens
legally when one turns 18, one’s first paycheck, taxes, etc.
Guest speakers will be brought in when relevant, especially for Human Resources,
taxes, and retirement issues. Also, “The Ascent of Money,” a documentary on the
history of our economic/banking system, will be presented.
MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING with Mr. BIONDI ****
Instructor: Mr. Matt Biondi
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $60
This course is open to Middle and Upper School Students.
Your turn to speak? Nervous? Wish you had the right thing to say? Well, you’re not
alone. Public speaking is the number one fear for millions of people and it doesn’t
have to be. A strong public speaker is in high demand in today’s society and with
the proper preparation, knowledge and mindset, you can become an extremely
effective public speaker. Whether you are speaking to a large group or to one
person, how you say what you want to say is a skill, something that can be learned
like anything else you are currently learning like how to punctuate a sentence, draw
a line, multiply a variable or throw a ball.
Mr. Biondi has been speaking around the world for over thirty years to large
powerful corporations including IBM, Coca-Cola, John Hancock and UPS. You don’t
need to win eleven Olympic medals and set fourteen World Records to have an
interesting or impactful story to tell. Mr. Biondi will help you combat stage fright,
develop your own style, organize speech structure, prepare for question and
answer, and how to build your self-confidence you need to be an excellent speaker.
The course will culminate with a presentation of your newfound skills to an
audience.
LOCAL CULTURE AND SERVICE
FROM THE HEART! ****
Instructors: Mrs. Alison Terry, Mrs. Natasha Patel, Ms. Alicia Komaki, Ms.
Kristy Walker, Mr. Sergio Ribeiro
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $200
This course is open to all Middle and Upper School Students.
Give something of yourself during this week of community service projects,
Whether its making care packages with For The Troops, exploring food insecurity
locally, working with our adopted “family “ at Emeritus Senior Home or preparing
items for children in local hospitals you can make a difference in someone else’s life.
Through a variety of workshops, visits and film we will explore the needs and
problems facing many people in our community today. Long –term projects have
grown out of this Peak Week and we have built relationships with several different
agencies over the years.
President’s Volunteer Service Awards: Students aiming for President’s Awards
will receive credit for the whole week on completion of ALL verification forms.
Grades 7th -9th Community Service: Students will receive 2 hours of service credit on
completion of ALL verification forms.
LIVIN’ LA VIDA LOCA ****
Instructor: Senora Marisol Pérez
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $200
This course is open to Middle and Upper School students.
Savor and enjoy Latino Culture in the Ciudad de Los Angeles/City of Angels through
an exploration of its delicious cuisine, vibrant arts, and fascinating history. We’ll
begin near Elysian Park, the birthplace of Los Angeles, and head over to Olivera
Street, home of the oldest Mexican restaurant in the city and the famous El Pueblo
de Los Angeles Historical Monument. Visits to restaurants and meeting award
winning chefs will provide a fun way to learn about modern takes on traditional
Latin cuisines. Experiencing the arts will also be an integral part of this course. We’ll
walk along The Great Wall of Los Angeles, the longest mural in existence. You’ll
better understand the role of community arts and create your own art with the help
of an artist in residence at Self-Help Graphics. SHG is a nationally recognized center
for Latino arts that specializes in printmaking. We’ll also meet artists and view their
work at Avenue Studio 50 in Highland Park. If there is an opportunity to visit a
current special exhibits or see a film in theatres, those special events will be
included in the itinerary!
THE VOICES OF LA ****
Instructors: Ms. Jennifer Vroom and Mr. Mario Garcia
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $300
This course is open to 7th – 10th grade students only
Do you love your city – proud to be an Angelino – but don’t know much about it?
Well, here is your chance to learn about your hometown! Come out and join Ms.
Vroom and Mr. Garcia as they go on an adventure that discusses and explores some
of the historical highlights of Los Angeles. Together we will learn a plethora of Los
Angles history: The Hollywood Film Industry, Sports, Car Culture, Crime, the sociopolitical culture, and the Multi-Culturalism that has created our community. Each
day we will focus on a genre of Los Angles that will lead us on possible outings that
may include: Dodger Stadium, the Staples Center, Peterson Automotive Museum,
Walking tours with the LA Conservancy (Bradbury Building, The LA Times Building,
Bunker Hill, Angels Flight, The Grand Central Market, Clifton’s Cafeteria, Union
Station, The Disney Hall, Hollywood downtown theater tours, and Chinatown). The
goal of this class is to open your eyes to the world around you, and appreciate the
history of the city that you call home.
ATHLETICS & OUTDOOR EDUCATION
THE ART OF BOXING ****
Instructors: Mr. Eric Nistal and Mr. Alex Rosenblum
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $200
This course is open to all Middle and Upper School students.
This will be a four-day introduction to the Art of Boxing. Students will participate in
a four-day training course where they will learn Boxing terminology, training
practices, and techniques. This course will require students to be physically active
for approximately two hours. This will strengthen each participant’s heart, mind and
body. They will learn one of the oldest sports in history while strengthening their
discipline and fitness. The price will include gloves, hand-wraps and protective
head-gear. For more information of the gymnasium, please see their website:
http://www.flashboxinggym.com/
DISCOVERING JOSHUA TREE: A ROCK-CLIMBING, PHOTO-JOURNALISTIC,
CAMPFIRE-BUILDING, RISE n’ SHINE GOOD TIME!
Instructors: Mrs. Cara DeCarlow and Mr. Judd King
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $575
This course is open to Upper School Students only.
A 50% deposit will be required after initial sign-ups (December 3rd) and by the
deadline specified in email to you. Please refer to PW website for more details.
Have you ever wished you could climb up mountains or jump off a cliff with no
fear? Have you ever wanted to explore unknown desert landscapes? Have you ever
wanted to learn how to take truly spectacular photographs?
Enjoy an adventurous peak week in Joshua Tree where you’ll spend half your time
rock climbing and mountaineering across rugged landscapes and the other half
shooting photographs in exquisitely remote nature regions.
The park itself encompasses nearly 800,000 acres and is comprised of 3 California
ecosystems; The Colorado Desert, The Mojave Desert and The Little San Bernardino
Mountains. The diverse plant and animal life along with the unique geology makes
this destination a favorite for rock climbers.
We will spend 3 nights/4 days camping out in Joshua Tree. Activities will include:
rock climbing, night photography sessions, caving, sunrise hikes and more rock
climbing! Experience this unique landscape from the ground, from up high and even
from below ground.
HORESEBACK RIDING IN LA ****
Instructor: Mr. Rob Anker
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $335
This course is open to Upper School Students only.
Spend four days horseback riding in Los Angeles. Students will learn basic equine
and horsemanship etiquette, including grooming, tacking, and caring for horses.
Students will learn basic riding skills and will be matched with horses appropriate
to their ability and comfort level in the saddle. Prior to the first adventure to the
Griffith Park Trails in the Hollywood Mountains, students will be given a basic riding
lesson. We will be trail riding on horseback out of L.A. Equestrian Center, Griffith
Park; Sunset Ranch in the Hollywood Hills; Malibu Trail Riders, Malibu; and Circle K
Ranch, Thousand Oaks.
NO Riding Experience is Required; only your enthusiasm
for the outdoors and horses is expected!
LACROSSE ****
Instructor: Mr. Mario Waibel
Dates: February 9th – 12th
Cost: $75
This course is open to all Middle and Upper School Students.
Lacrosse is perhaps the original, purely American sport. It originated as a Native
American game hundreds of years before Columbus stepped foot onto this
continent. It combines elements of hockey, soccer, team handball and football.
Known mainly as an East Coast Sport in the mid to late 20th century, it has been
gaining more and more popularity on the west coast. In college, men and women
both enjoy over 300 Division I through Division III collegiate teams. Mr. Travis
Aldrich, former MS Director, introduced it to Sierra Canyon and we now have a team
and all the equipment for this fun and active course.
Join Coach Mario Waibel for four days of learning.
LA SPORTS TOUR ****
Instructors: Mr. Jack Pollon
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $200
This course is open to all Middle and Upper School Students.
The Sports Peak-Week, run in previous years at Sierra Canyon, looks to be one of the
best ever. Students will be exposed to many different avenues in the sports world.
Trips will include at least two outings. Possible destinations are USC, UCLA, Dodger
Stadium, and the Staples Center. Excellent guest speakers are lined up from both the
journalism and legal fields (sports agents, executives at TV-based networks). If your
passion is sports and you would like to get a better look at the behind-the-scenes
action, this is the Peak Week for you!
“NOBODY WALKS IN LA” – A Biking and Rail Exploration of LA ****
Instructor: Mr. Noah Salamon
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $200
This course is open to Upper School Students only .
What the band Missing Persons sang long ago is, sadly, still true. But you can bike.
In fact, bicycle advocates have made dramatic improvements for bikers in Los
Angeles over the past decade, and, with a little help from public transportation, you
can really get around this town by bike. On this Peak Week, we’ll bring our bikes on
board Metro and Metrolink and explore such places as Long Beach, San Juan
Capistrano and Chinatown by bike. We’ll spend the days taking in sights, meeting
with bicycle advocates, and sampling some great food.
SAN DIEGO FARM TO TABLE
Instructors: Mr. Hutch Bibby
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $900
This course is open to Upper School students only.
A 50% deposit will be required after initial sign-ups (December 3rd) and by the
deadline specified in email to you. Please refer to PW website for more details.
The basis of this program revolves around LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY in one of the
great cities of California, San Diego; this is an essential concept as we hurtle forward
at warp speed in a globalized world with ever shrinking resources. We will keep it
fun and engaging, as students stay with group leaders dormitory style in a family
friendly green hostel and sample some of San Diego’s finest local food. Daily shuttles
will deliver the group to their destination, each day spotlighting a local organic farm
or restaurant with interactive educational opportunities! Including of course, San
Diego’s famous SoCal culture, with a Team Cooking Handmade Pizza Challenge on
the final evening at Wild Willow Farm.
Check out the Wild Willow Farm website!
http://www.sandiegoroots.org/farm/index.php
SURF n’ TURF
Instructors: Dr. Gary Mallare and Mr. Troy Samuels
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $350
This course is open to all 7th – 10th graders.
A great African American educator, Booker T. Washington said, "I have learned that
success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as
by the obstacles overcome while trying to succeed." Learning to overcome
challenges develops initiative, an important characteristic of how we successfully
pursue goals. In this Peak Week, you will have the opportunity to challenge yourself
mentally and physically in fun and challenging activities. Surf N’ Turf will allow you
to fly through the air with the greatest of ease during the same week that you surf a
southern swell rolled up from a storm in Australia. We will take you hiking, for
surfing lessons, and attend circus school, which will culminate in a performance at
the circus school on Friday. So, if you are up for action and are willing to push some
boundaries of your experiences, this is the course for you!
YOGA RETREAT: YOUR MIND, BODY & SPIRIT WILL THANK YOU! ****
Instructors: Ms. Lilia Kibarska and Ms. Carole Silverstein
Dates: February 10th –13th
Cost: $175
This course is open to all Middle and Upper School Students
Ever wonder why, living in California, you hear about yoga so much? Are you
curious as to why yogis are so happy and healthy? Ms. Kibarska and Ms. Silverstein
will lead students through a journey of discovery of one’s own personal potential.
Students will gain a deeper understanding and control over the power of the mind
and the body. It will be an opportunity to recharge, accept, renew, and care for the
authentic self. The SC Yoga Retreat will include Hatha Yoga classes taught by wellknown Los Angeles yoga instructors who specialize in working with teenagers. It
will also incorporate discussions about nutrition, meditation, health, and personal
empowerment. Athletes, countless professional and Olympic athletes use this
practice to strengthen, stretch and support their sport. Ask Ms. Kibarska and Ms.
Silverstein (or Mr. Keller…he’s a sworn yogi) what it’s all about. Don’t miss out to
empower, reset, recharge, and renew!
ARTS & SCIENCES
THE ART OF THE KITCHEN ****
Instructors: Chris Tillman and George Fitzmaurice
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $550
This course is open to Upper School Students only.
A 50% deposit will be required after initial sign-ups (December 3rd) and by the
deadline specified in email to you. Please refer to PW website for more details.
Are you addicted to the Food Network? Is your life’s ambition to be the next Emeril,
Jamie Oliver, or Julia Child? Conversely, are you incapable of boiling water?
Whatever the level of your proficiency in the kitchen, this could be the right Peak
Week class for you! Join Mr. Tillman and Mr. Fitzmaurice for a weeklong course
designed to introduce you to important and skillful culinary techniques. Each day
you will be transported to La Gourmandise, a culinary school in Santa Monica, for
private cooking lessons and be guided through the creation of a predetermined
menu. On the final day, you will engage in an Iron Chef-style competition with
teammates against other groups from our Peak Week to see whose skills have
grown the most. In addition, you will have the opportunity to take a guided tour of
the nation’s largest farmers market, visit upscale food vendors, and learn some
secrets of the restaurant industry in addition to learning the ins and outs of crafting
a gourmet meal.
BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION ****
Instructor: Michael DeMartini
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $225
This course is open to Upper School Students only.
If you are interested in science and medicine, then this is the Peak Week course for
you! For four days, Mr. DeMartini and a small group of students will discover the ins
and outs of life in various medical and veterinary clinics in the L.A. area. We will
have the chance to explore cutting-edge facilities, talk to prominent medical
professionals, and shadow physicians and vets as they examine, diagnose, and even
operate on their patients. This course is not for the faint of heart because we will
have the rare opportunity to view surgery (and possibly an autopsy) as it is being
performed.
DOCUMENTARY FILM PRODUCTION ****
Instructor: Mikael Romano
Cost: $60
Dates: February 10th – 13th
This course is open to Upper School Students only.
"Doing a documentary is about discovering, being open, learning, and following
curiosity." – Spike Jonze
Do you have a true story to share? A controversial subject to explore? A friend or
family member you have always wanted to interview? The documentary production
course gives students the opportunity to produce, edit, and screen a 10-15 minute
documentary film on a subject of their choosing. The top films produced for class
will be screened at the Sierra Canyon School Film Festival in March at Hollywood’s
Raleigh Studios, and the top film from the peak week course – chosen by a panel of
faculty and student judges – will receive a cash prize. In addition to learning the
practical craft of producing documentary film, students will view clips from
contemporary documentaries and discuss the aesthetic elements and competing
theories of the documentary art.
EDIBLE SCIENCE! AN INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY ****
Instructor: Mary Espanol
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $550
This course is open to Upper School Students only.
A 50% deposit will be required after initial sign-ups (December 3rd) and by the
deadline specified in email to you. Please refer to PW website for more details.
Are you a foodie? Have you ever wondered why food can taste so good and look like
an artistic masterpiece all at the same time? Have you ever been curious about soup
trapped in tiny spheres? If so, then this short course on molecular gastronomy is
right for you. Molecular gastronomy is the investigation of the science of cooking. It
is practiced by both scientists and food professionals in many professional kitchens
and labs and takes advantage of technical innovations from scientific
disciplines including chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. In this class, we will
explore molecular gastronomy ourselves by making tiny spheres with trapped
liquids (spherification), meringue using a nitrous oxide-charged whipped cream
dispenser (foam), strawberry-flavored spaghetti strings (gelification), frozen
chocolate wind (emulsification), and more. Each day will be an adventure in
learning the techniques that the world’s most cutting edge chefs use in their
kitchens. One day of the week, we will take a field trip to one of Los Angeles’ finest
avant-garde restaurants, The Bazaar by molecular gastronomist Jose Andres, to
enjoy an afternoon tea. We will also be taking a field trip to UCLA's Biophysics lab to
visit Professor Amy Rowat's research lab.
FASHION ENGINEERING 101: FORM, FUNCTION AND FLAIR! ****
Instructors: Joan Rohrback and Deborah Whitlock-Trotter
Dates: February 9th – 12th
Cost: $325
This course is open to Upper School Students only.
Just what does it take to bring a design to life in the world of fashion and theatre?
It takes imagination, skill, patience…..and would you believe it, but math and
science, too!?!?! Come explore the art and science of design and creation of clothing
with Dr. Rohrback who has costumed more than 70 theatre/dance productions. You
will learn basic hand and machine sewing skills and simple pattern alterations.
Students will construct 2 personal projects from raw materials, and will contribute
to the Little Dresses for Africa charity by constructing simple dresses or shorts to
send to orphaned girls and boys in Africa and around the world. The class includes
a field trip to LA’s Fabric District where students select and purchase their own
fabric to craft into a piece of clothing. Students will also model their creation during
a fashion show presented to the school in the weeks following Peak Week.
Hey guys, not just for girls; some of the greatest designers in history are men!
HIKING & HAIKU ****
Instructors: Katy Rinehart and Victoria Zielinski
Dates: February 10th –13th
Cost: $125
This course is open to Upper School Students only.
An exploration of some of the most magnificent trails of Southern California – with
time out for observations of nature and poetry writing. Ms. Rinehart and Ms.
Zielinski will lead students on three trails and share selected nature poetry and
other relevant texts. The day will include lunch and an opportunity for students to
compose written reflections on the experience – both in prose and poetry.
TRAILS UNDER CONSIDERATION:
 Malibu Creek State Park: Hike to the MASH SITE
 Sierra Madre – Sturtevant Falls (Pasadena)
 Nature Trail to the Hollywood Signs
PHOTOJOURNALISM: STORIES IN PICTURES AND WORDS ****
Instructor: Tara Ah Sing
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $200
This is open to all Middle and Upper School students.
Throughout human history, storytellers have been among the most revered in
society, respected for their role in keeping their people’s history intact. For
centuries, our ancestors relied on oral traditions and writings on walls. Since then,
we’ve come a long way. Written language finally appeared and thousands of years
later, we are writing novels and spitting rhymes in front of screaming crowds. We
are speaking our minds and showing the world what it looks like through our eyes.
In this class, you will be exploring two of these mediums, creative writing and
photography. Do you want to be the best storyteller in your group of friends, learn
how to blow away the competition with your college application essays, or find a
new passion in the arts? This is your opportunity to show what you know or
showcase a new talent. Final projects will be displayed, with the option of a takeaway photo/ narrative album. There are no perquisite abilities needed. The
minimum skills developed will be the following: you will learn the basics of
photography and creative writing, develop skills in both through critical thinking,
cultivate an appreciation for how visual arts and writing can be mutually beneficial
in sculpting a creative process.
ROCKET RIDE ****
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Joseph Pflieger and Mr. Eric Dick
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $350
This course is open to Upper School students only.
Rocketing into space! Liftoff into the most exciting peek week ever!!! Achieve
escape velocity from boredom as you tour the world’s most advanced space
exploration institution, JPL, the jet propulsion laboratory. Next we'll build our own
rockets that will defy gravity and zoom into the stratosphere, maybe taking a special
cargo to document the flight. A visit from an actual rocket scientist looms on the
event horizon as well. Finally we’ll blast over to Knott’s berry farm to experience the
g forces these amazing pieces of technology must overcome on rides like xcelerato,
wind speaker and pony express. We will also have pie!
THEATER IN THE CITY
Instructor: Mr. Eric Schrode and Ms. Susan Brindley
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $425 depending on shows attended & enrollment numbers (dinner cost
not included)
This course is open to Upper School Students only.
A 50% deposit will be required after initial sign-ups (December 3rd) and by the
deadline specified in email to you. Please refer to PW website for more details.
Mr. Schrode will be your guide on a four-day tour through the theater scene in Los
Angeles. Over the course of the week, we will see a combination of large productions
as well as shows of a more intimate scale. Each afternoon, we will meet to read the
script of the play for that evening and/or discuss the previous evening’s production,
and then we will be off for a lively evening of dinner and a show. This is a marvelous
way to explore the variety of theatrical venues in our own backyard, as well as an
opportunity to learn more about the theater world and how a show is mounted. In
addition, this course will facilitate each student’s ability to be a more active,
informed, and engaged audience member, which will result in more enriching
theater experiences in the future.
ROBOTICS ****
Instructor: Mrs. Tina Lee and Mr. Julian Evjen
Dates: February 10th – 13th
Cost: $400
This course is open to 7th – 9th grade students.
How could building toys and entering them in a competition represent computer
programming and engineering? Answer: ROBOTICS! If you have ever had a desire
to learn about the construction and language of robotics, this course is for you. Join
robo-crew at Great Minds Robotics for an immersive intro course in robotics and
programming using LEGO and VEX robotics systems. This 4-day course consists of
three fun days of preparation and training, and an exciting competition on the
fourth day. You will also learn how to continue your robotic training and enjoyment
after the course is through. Take a look at the website below!
http://www.buildcoolrobots.com/