Fifth graders at West Smithfield Elementary school built a swamp in their classroom this week. It's part of a lesson on ecosystems.

"This is teaching at its highest point," said teacher Jeannette Parrish. "The children have learned things this week that they couldn't possibly have learned out of a textbook."

It's just one of the science projects students at West Smithfield did this week.

About 300 of the school's students are in class voluntarily this week.

The school, along with South Smithfield Elementary, switched to a year-round calendar this year. This week is their first break of the year. But the schools offer optional classes. And about half of the school's students signed up.

Classes are smaller than usual. And there's more time and space for special projects.

"You have uninterrupted time with children. You can take extra time. It's all been hands-on learning," said literacy coach Anne Koebley, who helped coordinate the activities for this week.

The idea is that students who struggle during the school year will use this week to catch up. And students who excel can also learn from these projects, said Principal Chad Jewett.

"They not only have to know the material. But they have to manipulate that into a project or an assignment or a classroom visual," he said.

"The kids have been so excited," said Kim Byrd, a parent who helped out this week. "The teachers have been able to keep their attention. It's just been a wonderful experience for all of these children."

And this week, there's no test.

"We feel like our students have enough pressure," Jewett said.

Students have next week off. They return to regular classes the following week.