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Purposeful Learning on Catalina Island

By Molly Meek
At JTD, we are deeply committed to our mission: "We look to each day with a commitment to inspire purposeful learning, cultivate character, and celebrate childhood." Nowhere in our mission, however, does it say that we have to look to each day from 11414 Chalon Road, or that purposeful learning and character can only develop within the classroom! 
Each year, JTD students are afforded the opportunity to learn and grow through experiences beyond our campus, beginning with field trips in Kindergarten and extending into opportunities for travel and outdoor education in the Upper School. A culminating experience for our students in Grade 6 is our annual three-day trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI), which gives our oldest students the opportunity to practice leadership, build confidence, and forge trusting relationships with their class. The Class of 2025 did an outstanding job of challenging themselves to do their personal best throughout the trip--and they had a lot of fun in the process!

Students traveled to Catalina Island by ferry and were met on the dock by the enthusiastic CIMI instructors. Students dropped their bags and then were ready to take on their first challenge–climbing the rock wall. It turns out there are some expert climbers in Grade 6 – Evan C. made it to the top of even the most difficult wall! To celebrate his achievement, he was given the opportunity to rename the wall. The wall's new name? "The Easy One"

Day two on Catalina featured one of the students favorite activities—snorkeling! After learning how to put on a three piece wetsuit, students eagerly jumped into the water to explore the various sea life Toyon Bay has to offer. Addison R. shared, "We saw a lot of wildlife–fish, round rays, horn sharks, and leopard sharks." Students even had a chance to participate in a night snorkel, where they saw bioluminescent flora and fauna. 
 
Our Grade 6 students had a truly wonderful time. There is no doubt that the students made lasting memories with their classmates while enjoying once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Until next year, Catalina!

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The John Thomas Dye School


11414 Chalon Road
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 476-2811
The John Thomas Dye School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

Located In Los Angeles, CA, John Thomas Dye is an independent school for grades K-6. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.