Adventure Program Raises Students’ Self-Esteem

Post Falls schools

New Vision High School took part in a special adventure challenge program this week at Q’emiln Riverside Park in Post Falls.

This is the second year New Vision has participated in the course, which is meant to build teamwork and self-esteem.

Last year, the staff took part in a program put together by Ron Thruman who works with Genesis Associates in Coeur d’Alene. Staff members were so impressed they decided to incorporate it into the school curriculum.

“People don’t relate well all the time. We show them how to relate,” explained Thruman.

During the two-day course, students participated in groups of 10 to 12. A school advisor or teacher accompanied each group. Through a series of carefully planned activities, the students learned how to relate better to their peers and adult role models, they learned to trust and gained self-confidence.

“They discovered that they could, in fact, succeed when they thought at first they could not,” said New Vision Principal Colleen Kelsey. “I think the students had an increased sense of self-esteem after taking part in the program.”

The school staff will promote concepts such as trust throughout the school year by using terms from the challenge course that remind the students of the lessons they learned.

Steve Hansen-Barber, a teacher and counselor at New Vision, said that of the many goals the program aims to meet, one of the most important is creating a safe environment for students.

They are put outdoors in situations that require problem-solving skills, and are taught valuable lessons in a fun, relaxed atmosphere, he said.

“Students listed it as a high point in the school year,” Hansen-Barber said.

A combination of elements, including the challenge course, has led to an overall increase in student productivity. The numbers of truancies and drop-outs are down this year compared with other years, and grades are higher.

New Vision obtained funding for the program from several sources.

The school receives some federal drug and education program money, some of which is used for the challenge course. The Kootenai County probation department contributed last year, and the school contributes a minimal amount.

Thruman also lowered his normal price substantially for the school.

Thruman’s goal with New Vision, he said, is to help both the students and the teachers. For example, teachers can gain insight into the kids, he said.

In other school district news

“Mountain Man” Scott Sorensen will make a guest appearance at Ponderosa Elementary for fourth-graders on Monday at 9 a.m. Western history will come alive during this 50-minute presentation, as Sorensen recreates the years when fur traders and trappers were active in the Rocky Mountains. Sorensen will make an appearance at Seltice Elementary on Wednesday for fourth-graders.

On Oct. 22, fifth-graders will get a lesson on Claymation from local artist Tyler Bush. Students will learn how art and movement are combined as they form their own clay figures.

Post Falls High School students will be busy with aptitude testing in coming weeks. Next Saturday, students will take the PSAT test. The SAT test is scheduled for Oct. 23. The TAP test, for grades 9, 10, and 11, will be given Oct. 25. Progress reports were sent out this past week for all Post Falls High School students.

Seltice Elementary second- and third-grade students will learn about fire safety this coming Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Post Falls Fire Department will instruct the students on fire safety and the prevention of fires.

Wednesday and Thursday are picture days for children enrolled in Kindercenter in Post Falls.

On Oct. 20, Ponderosa firstgraders will host a bake sale to raise money for the school.

A cross-country run for middle school students will be held on Thursday at Farragut State Park. The run begins at 4 p.m.

On Tuesday and Thursday, Post Falls Middle School volleyball teams will compete against Lakes and Woodland respectively. The seventh-grade match will begin at 5 p.m. on Tuesday at Lakes. The eighth-grade match will begin on a different court at 5:30. On Thursday, seventh-graders will challenge Woodland at 5:30 p.m. at home, while the eighth grade competes against Woodland at 5 p.m.