Life lessons at Girls' Middle School

The Girls’ Middle School in Mountain View might be small, but the learning that takes place there goes far beyond a standard curriculum. Since the school opened in 1998, it has made great advancements in its courses, which are geared specifically towards adolescent girls.

One example is “Intersession,” a special weeklong program held twice yearly — once in the fall and once in the spring — which puts normal sixth and seventh grade courses on hold for special classes and seminars designed to enhance the girls’ knowledge of the outside world.

“You can see the children soaking up the information,” said Karen Latch, a parent and volunteer at the Girls’ Middle School, or GMS.

The most recent Intersession was held earlier this month, offering the students one morning and one afternoon class of their choice. This time the selection included surfing, photography, story making, the universe, India, chocolate, and woodworking, to name a few.

The girls were able to discover the Santa Cruz surf breaks and learn to ride waves; create a story using the digital movie-making program Sims; beautify a local bathroom; learn about the universe and the Big Bang; and experience the world through the eye of a camera lens.

“It was one crazy week,” said Chris King, Intersession coordinator.

At the end of the week, on Friday, Nov. 3, an assembly was held where the girls presented their work. There were 11 short presentations and eight different display tables. The tables included nature in art, which incorporated bugs created out of nuts and leaves; chocolate, with delicate truffles and cookies to be consumed by all; and quilting, with an array of colorful, intricate pillows designed by the girls.

“I had never done this before, and the instructor was so clear,” said Dennyce Martinez, a sixth grader and Mountain View resident who participated in quilting. “I love this school.”

The India presentation involved a demonstration of what the girls learned throughout the week. They opened their discussion by saying “Namaste,” the Indian salutation. Their week was spent learning Indian folkdance, shopping with the goal of learning about Indian culture and attire, understanding Hinduism, and discovering henna. Symbolism was a main topic discussed throughout the week.

“I try to dispel stereotypes and expose similarities between cultures,” said Mona Vijaykar, who taught the Intersession course on India. “The week was an enriching experience for me and the girls.”

Latch, the parent volunteer, said both Intersession and GMS receive a great deal of help from parents.

“The parents are so involved and they are a real part of the school,” she said.

Cheryl Hogan, who carries the title of “development associate” for GMS, said the children are to thank for the success of Intersession.

“I am constantly amazed at what they accomplish,” she said. “They never seem to doubt that they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to.”

Studies have shown that girls are more proactive and assertive in a non-coed environment. With this in mind, Kathleen Bennett, founder of GMS, had a vision of a school that would nurture the emotional and academic needs of young girls in a world of competition and technology. During Intersession, students get to explore the world around them to the utmost degree.

The school serves grades six through eight — and during Intersession, the oldest girls are not left out of the fun.

“During this week,” said Deb Hof, head of the school, “the eighth grade girls are in Mexico on a 10-day cultural and language immersion.”

E-mail Amber Cleave at acleave@mv-voice.com