This time to San Jose, California. We took 31 juniors to Santana Row and Westfield Mall so they could get a feel for how other cities design their shopping areas. The science teacher requires this class to design a city, from the ground up, for their end of the year project. She takes them to the waste water treatment plant, too, so they will understand utilities.
Our students have travelled so little, and not seen even much of their own town, much less other, better designed towns, that we decided to show them something different this year. They all marvelled at Santana Row, and how all the restaurants had tables set on the sidewalks with linens, cutlery, and salt and pepper shakers. One student commented that could not happen in Fresno, because someone would steal everything. Also, they were impressed with how quiet it was, that no one was screaming obscenities. Ah, my kids come from some interesting neighborhoods.
I enjoyed the day, seeing new stores that we do not have in Fresno, and, like the kids, did some shopping. I love toys, so bought some finger puppets at a great little paper store.
Because we require the students to professionally dress for our fieldtrips, they are treated much better than most high school students who show up in their usual school attire. I was especially vigilant about that for this trip since we were going to a much more upscale location. I don’t want my kids to be mistreated.
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