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In reply to the discussion: The haters are going crazy: Obama's daughter spends springbreak in Mexico [View all]onenote
(46,147 posts)Sidwell Friends, the school Malia attends, has for some time had a "mini-mester" program whereby middle school students engage in learning activities outside the traditional classroom setting, and sometimes abroad.
From the Sidwell Friends website: Minimester is held for all Middle School students the week before spring vacation in March. There are no classes during the week of minimester; instead, students and teachers engage in a concentrated exploration of one area of interest outside of the classroom and sometimes outside of the city. Minimester provides an opportunity for experiential education, for stronger ties to the community, and for multi-age connections among students and teachers. Offerings for the week are different each year, and students are urged to propose projects for the week. Some of the recent projects were Casting, and Sculpture, Life on the Bay, Free for All on the Mall, and Apprenticeships. Some trips out of the area carry an additional charge; financial aid is available.