Last Thursday I had the privilege of accompanying a group of students to the JW Marriott at L.A. Live and Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles. This was the first day of a program that will continue once a month until the end of the school year.

This lucky group of 13 students from CNMT and one from Law & Gov’t was selected based on an essay they wrote about someone at school who is influential to them. This is a new program for us and for the hotel. Although the Marriott does work with high school students to help them transition to the workplace, I think this is the first time they are working with such a large group all at once.

There have been some challenges in getting started, as there are bound to be with any work-based learning program. However both the hotel and the Marriott Foundation Bridges from School to Work have been incredibly helpful in overcoming them.

The primary challenge was transportation. Since neither Roosevelt nor the hotels have transportation available, we decided to use this opportunity for the students to learn some independence through public transit. The hotels were generous in agreeing to pay for Day Passes for the students each month. This is why I went with the students, since I am a seasoned Metro user, and also I wanted a chance to see the hotels and learn more about the program.

Carmen met her mentor when we arrived at the JW Marriott. She'll be working in the Human Resources department.

When we arrived at the JW Marriott, the mentors were waiting in the lobby, and they had a chance to meet their mentees. We split into two groups and were given a full tour of the facilities. Although I was supposed to get back to Roosevelt for a meeting, I couldn’t pass up this opportunity.

Jose and Miguel learned about the special features of the carpets in one of the hotel rooms.

I’m glad I stayed! The hotels are amazing. Actually, there are three separate facilities in the same buildings. The JW Marriott is a really nice hotel with 878 beautiful rooms and great amenities. The Ritz Carlton is a smaller, boutique hotel with 123 rooms that take luxury to the highest level.

The view from the penthouse. This is what $10 million buys you these days.

Finally, they are starting to sell the Ritz Carlton Residences at L.A. Live, which start at $800 thousand and go up to $10 million for the 51st-floor penthouse, which has some of the most incredible views I’ve seen.

Mear One created a piece for a private art show in the vacant penthouse at the Ritz Carlton Los Angeles.

We took the elevator up to the penthouse, where artists were working on pieces for an after party they are having in conjunction with the Los Angeles Art Show. From the windows I could see in all directions, but this was nothing compared to the view from the helipad.

The Downtown skyline from the helipad at the JW Marriott in Los Angeles.

CNMT (and L&G) students with their mentors.

Beyond being dazzled by extravagant luxury and killer views, I was really impressed by the attitude of the mentors who spoke with us. They clearly take enormous pride in their work and share a commitment to top-quality service.

This commitment to quality and professionalism is why I am so excited about our students having this opportunity. I am convinced that they will be inspired and will learn useful skills and ways of working that will help them in whatever they choose to do.

This is the basis of high-quality work-based learning, and it is something all of our students deserve to experience. I look forward to learning from this program along with our students, and in the future we can bring this model to other businesses who might also offer opportunities to our students.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, January 18
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM CNMT Faculty Meeting – grade level (R218)
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM ELAC Meeting (R205)
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM CEAC Meeting (R205)

Thursday, January 20
All Day – Classroom Management workshop at LD5
Super Quiz #3 – Aud Lunch
4:30 PM to 5:30 PM Padres Como Autores (R214)

Monday, January 24
3:15 PM to 5:15 PM Small School Network Council – PH

Tuesday, January 25
BANKED DAY Dismissal @ 1:32pm
3:15 PM to 5:15 PM CNMT School Site Council Meeting (PCR)

Wednesday, January 26
All Day – Lynn John from Agile Mind working with biology teachers
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Parent meeting on CAHSEE Intensive Intervention Program (Student Cafeteria)

Thursday, January 27
3:15 PM to 5:15 PM CAHSEE Intervention Registration (R206A)

Friday, January 28
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Coffee with the Principal (R214)