Herbert R Kohl Open School

As a Kohl student, my daughter has had the opportunity to participate for two years in an organization founded at Kohl, Student Stewards of the Lower Calaveras (SSLCR). They have an ongoing fieldwork project on a section of the Calaveras between the school, which is near Stagg HS, and the University of the Pacific. Their teacher and two retired university science professors are teaching them how to do real fieldwork. They distinguish native plants from invasive plants and identify (and plot on a map) all of the plant, insect, and animal species that they find. Last week, a volunteer group from Kohl planted some native species of plants on a Saturday. One student road his bike across town to get there. My daughter, who is part of the PR group in SSLCR, walked over to take pictures to document the event. Her class gives presentations to local organizations such as the Audubon Society and, later this year, they will visit a couple third-​grade classes at another school. I think it is safe to say that this sort of thing does not happen at every school.
This is a small school where, as their theme song says, «everybody knows your name.» Two or three grade levels are taught in the same classroom. Older students mentor younger students, and the students learn how to manage their time balancing «menu work» listed in the board (e.g., daily math) with ongoing projects such as SSLCR. They’ve been working this way for 46 years now and somehow have managed not to lose their soul during all those years when SUSD doubled down on direct instruction, corporate curriculum, and worksheet after worksheet. Now all of the employment trends point to the need for the types of skills and personal qualities that this school cultivates: responsibility, collaboration, problem solving, and emotional intelligence. Wake up, SUSD. You’ve had this gem for nearly half of century. It’s time expand this model of project-​based learning and give this school the recognition it deserves.

Kohl open school in Stockton, California.
This school has been apart of my life for the last twelve years. My eldest daughter started to come to Kohl when she was in Kindergarten. She was here all the way till eighth grade.
My Son started started the same grade kindergarten till the eighth grade.
My baby girl is still here at Kohl and started just like her siblings at the Kindergarten level.
We have so many beautiful memories here at this school. When they all were here. I would love to come and spend time with them during the after school program and have fun with them. My children never wanted to come home. All they wanted to do is play with their classmates.
I can go on and make this review long. But I’ll keep it simple.
Here at Kohl, we always felt like being apart of one giant family. I was pretty close to all the teachers my children had and all of them are wonderful.
I have to say that Bud West our Principle is one of the best If not the best Principles in SUSD.
So I have four more years at Kohl to make some more beautiful memories. It’s been a beautiful ride these last twelve years here at Kohl. Thank you
Vincent D *VD* Enjoying the simple things in life

Best school right here. every kid should go here the kids are so smart and lovable this school has my heart