Presidio School’s Self-Paced School Curriculum, Lower Teacher-to-Student Ratio Helps Transplant Recipient Thrive Academically 

TUCSON —  April 17, 2008 – On May 7th, Presidio High School student Jesse Kolb will receive a Crystal Apple Award from  the Metropolitan Education Commission.  The award is a fitting tribute to a young man who has dedicated his life to volunteering on behalf of organ donation and improving the quality of life of individual organ transplant recipients.

Kolb was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a disease affecting the lungs and pancreas.  He was given only a few weeks to live when he was diagnosed 14 weeks after his birth.  Kolb was placed on the national transplant waiting list, and in August, 2002, he became the youngest recipient of a double lung transplant.

Kolb, who says he is happiest while comforting patients and their families awaiting organ transplant surgery, continues to face significant health struggles himself.   His continuing health battles, and the time away from school spent addressing them, could have devastating academic consequences at most schools.  

Kolb continues to keep pace academically, however, due to Presidio’s “Self Pacing School” curriculum and the attention he receives from his instructors.  The Tucson charter school has a 16-to-1 teacher-student ratio, ensuring that all of its students get the individual attention they need.

“All the teachers know me and work with me,” Kolb explained.  “They have all been really great and understanding of my unique situation.

“I still get sick sometimes and I miss a lot of school.  I’ve had to be in the hospital for long periods of time…They give me the time I need to get my assignments in. They even give me extra time to do things like take tests.”

As part of Presidio’s Self Pacing School curriculum, Kolb and his high school classmates are released at 12:50 pm each day and attend an academic lab until 3:30 pm.  There is a teacher available during the lab to assist the students with their assignments.  There is also an Academic Lab all day on Saturday, eliminating the need for “home work.” 

Kolb particularly credits teacher Joy Barr for helping excel academically despite his medical challenges. 

“She has really worked with me and all of her students,” Kolb said.  “She teaches Employability Skills which gives us skills for life and teaches us things that will help us get employment.  …She makes sure that  everyone really understands the material.”

With teachers like Barr and Presidio’s “Self Pacing School” curriculum ensuring Kolb’s academic success, he is free to focus on volunteering on behalf of the Transplant Team of Arizona, the University of Arizona College of Medicine and the Donor Network of Arizona.

 The National Coalition on Donations recognized Kobe’s commitment to organ donation advocacy by selecting him to represent them in the 2008 Rose Bowl Parade on the “Donate Life” float.