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What high school student wouldn’t want to spend the last week of the school year learning to sail, or in a class called “The Secret Life of (Rescue) Pets”? Those are just some of more than 30 classes Westwood High School freshman, sophomores and juniors can take during J-Term, a popular program launched in 2018 as a way to keep students engaged in learning.
“J-Term is a one-week immersive opportunity for students to engage in a class that’s outside our typical curriculum,” said Jonas Sherr, J-Term and Professional Development Coordinator. “It allows kids to take a deep dive into something that they have some or no familiarity with.”
Students received a list of 2023 J-Term classes – which include 12 new offerings this year – before winter break. Each could choose their top six classes. According to Sherr, 94 percent of students are placed in one of their top three selections.
“J-Term is a pass/fail class,” explained Sherr. “This is learning for the sake of learning. Students are in class with students they haven’t had class with before since freshman through juniors are involved. Teachers and staff create the courses, and some ideas are the direct result of student input.”
Junior Jack Dullea took “Painting with a Purpose” last year. The hands-on course focuses on painting and artistic impression. “I think J-Term is a good learning experience because it provides students with an opportunity to explore something they’ve never done before,” he said. This year, he’s hoping to take the popular “Learn to Sail” course.
“Many of the course offerings would be difficult for students to experience in or outside of school, and J-Term provides each student with access to an introductory education about a new topic from a teacher that is passionate about the course they teach," said Sherr.
That passion is one of Sherr’s favorite things about coordinating J-Term.
“I not only get excited about seeing the kids excited about learning, but I love seeing teachers working together,” said Sherr. “There’s a real hope that teachers will implement the ‘hands-on’ elements of J-Term into their regular classes, too.”
In addition to the “The Real Life of (Rescue) Pets” where students will volunteer at local animal shelters, Sherr expects new classes “Is Magic Real” and “The Culture of Coffee” to be popular selections.
J-Term classes are free, with the exception of “Become a certified SCUBA Diver,” which requires a fee to obtain certification. Westwood provides financial assistance for students with hardships who want to take that course.
Victor Tarabay took “Down and Dirty Gardening” at the end of sophomore year and is hoping to take “Recharge: Less Stress, More Rest” as a junior this year. “I really enjoy going on long walks while talking to others and I also want to learn ways to help ease stress,” said Tarabay.
Students were notified of their J-Term placement in late February.
