September 23, 2004

SCHOOL SCENEin Almaden Valley

Teacher offers eighth graders a hands-on approach to politics

Castillero students volunteer and learn about
the political process at the same time

By Jeanne C. Lewis
Staff Writer

Creating campaign posters is fun. Front row, Sarah Anderson, Georgia Hussein, Molly Fensterwald, Nilda Nejah, Amanda Fickett, Megan Schott, Lauren Gunatileka. Back Row; Aaron Lefeber, Deanna Tran, Nikki Hydes, and teacher Dylan Hydes. Photo by Jeanne C. Lewis

Dylan Hydes’ eighth grade social study classes at Castillero Middle School are learning all about the political process in America. And not just from books and lectures. Hydes’ innovative program has them volunteering for the party of their choice.

“I knew three years ago when I started teaching that in 2004 my students in some way would be involved in the election,” Hydes, a self-proclaimed political junkie, commented about the curriculum. “That is an essential theme in my classroom. Our society and political system can only sustain itself with informed and active citizens. Voting is important, but we should be asking much more of all people than simply voting, as I am asking more of my students.”

Hydes’ innovative program presented students with volunteering for the Democratic, Republican or a party of their choice. Before they decided, the class examined the philosophical differences between the two main parties and dissected their platforms. As a stimulus to volunteer, Hydes offered 20 points of extra credit to his five classrooms of 156 eighth grade pupils. A total of 69 attended the first event at the Santa Clara Democratic Headquarters on Almaden Road. Their activities for the two-hour volunteer effort included writing letters to swing states, preparing voter registration forms, making campaign posters, writing notes to remind people to vote and preparing giveaway bags for precinct walkers. Parents were encouraged to watch or participate.

“This is a great way for the kids to learn the whole political process,” Almaden resident Mary Loveless remarked as she watched her daughter, Patricia, stuffing bags with Democratic campaign items with her school friends. “It is a great opportunity for her to learn the contrasts between the two parties.”

“Our children are lucky to have teachers such as Mr. Hydes to teach them the democratic process and to listen to all sides prior to making decisions,” Marjorie Stiles, mother of Jessie Newman said. “It’s nice to be able to talk to my daughter about issues and candidates and she has actually advised me on a few things that have changed my mind.”

The 13 and 14 year olds were just as energized as the parents.

“It’s a good way for kids to get involved,” Sarah Anderson said while cutting paper for posters to be distributed to retail outlets. “And it makes you feel good to help.”

“We heard about this in Mr. Hydes’ class,” David Hoyt remarked, taking a break from writing letters about environment concerns to voters. “We also set up an election with campaign managers and groups of the different parties. It’s all very interesting.”

And they have political preferences.

“Bush is not doing enough for the country,” Mike McCormick answered to why he volunteered. “We’re $7 billion in debt. He said he’d do all these things and we’re still waiting. It outrages me.”

“We should look for what we believe in,” Eric Beutler chimed in. “And influence other people to vote.”

“I believe in most of the stuff that Democrats believe in,” Greg Edwards said solemnly.

“That’s why I’m here.”

When Jessie Newman was asked why she got involved in the Democratic volunteering effort, she immediately said,

“Because of Bush and Mr. Hydes—he’s an awesome teacher.”

Hydes’ enthusiasm for politics began early in his life. He served as a delegate to the 1999 College Democratic Convention in Washington, D. C. This year, he was chosen as a first-time delegate at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, Mass. He hopes that the volunteer effort of his eight graders will build a foundation for a lifetime of volunteerism, informed choices, and keeping the government accountable.

“All students were given the opportunity to volunteer for either the Republican or Democratic parties,” said the 26-year-old Hydes. “It is our civic responsibility to make informed decisions based on the issues and positions of the candidates and not be swayed by glitzy ad campaigns or the mood of the day.”

Ron Naymark, a member of the speaker’s bureau for the Democratic Headquarters, spoke to the students about the importance of voting.

“Why is it important to vote?” Naymark asked the interested group.

“Because one vote could change who is president,” one of the teenagers answered.

“That’s right,” Naymark continued. “You’re going to learn how to run a political campaign here and I know there is at least one person here, probably more who has the capability of becoming a governor, senator or even president one day.”

Nancy Pyle, candidate for Council Member, District 10, made a special visit to the volunteer effort offering a personal approach to the political race for the enthusiastic crowd.

“One of the best things I ever did was teach school,” said Pyle, who at one time taught at Castillero. “You are part of the reason I’m running. We have to get serious about helping our schools. We need to ask our government to form a partnership in San Jose Unified School District and the corporate world. There’s a lot they can do to help and there’s no time like now.”

The excited volunteers continue their work generating campaign tools as they chat and laugh among themselves.

The program has been a success and the students have a better understanding of the political process due to a motivated educator.

Hydes is in negotiations to arrange space at the Santa Clara Republican Headquarters for a volunteer effort with interested students but as of yet, no date has been set.

Family Fun Night benefits Los Alamitos Robotics

In an ongoing effort to further advance and improve their Robotics program, Los Alamitos and the SMART Foundation held their second annual Family Fun Night Sept. 15. Thanks to Barnes & Noble and Chevys, book sales and dining receipts generated more than $1,458 in funds that will directly benefit their fourth and fifth grade robot builders and programmers.

“From the look of things, it was a zoo,” exclaimed principal Dr. Gonzales. “Chevy’s was packed and I’d say 80 percent of the tables were from our school. Everyone had a wonderful time.”

Leland High School receives National Blue Ribbon award

Leland High School will finally be able to fill the one remaining spot on its wall reserved for the sole award that would complete their ongoing quest for excellence—one that had eluded them for years.

The wait finally ended on Sept. 16, when Secretary of Education Rod Paige notified principal Bob Setterland that Leland had been selected as the recipient of a 2004 No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon School award.

“The students, staff and parents are thrilled,” says Setterland. “We’ve always believed we were a blue ribbon school and now we know it for real. It speaks of the quality of our staff, the hard work of our students, and the commit of our parents and community. The work that has gotten us this award comes from years of building and not immediate past achievements.”

Setterland will travel Washington, D.C. with calculus teacher Sarkis Kel-Artinian to receive the award during a Nov. 4-5 ceremony.

In addition to the accomplishment, Leland High School will be featured in the October issue of the U.S.

Department of Education newsletter, The Achiever, which will be distributed to 200,000 schools across the nation.

“Ours was selected over all the Blue Ribbon schools for this feature,” adds Setterland. “It’s an added bonus.”

—By Kymberli W. Brad

Cleanup time at Simonds

Schools have traditionally relied on parents for help in a myriad of ways. Simonds has taken this to a new level, however. Monday, a group of parents gathered to wash the instruments that are used in the Simonds band.

“Obviously they had a good time helping out!” said Simonds Principal Linda Kakes.