AVCS
Moriah
NAC
Saranac
Ticonderoga
CVESYoungsters challenge themselves by rappelling
Press Republican Article, September 6, 2009
By Alvin Reiner, Staff Writer
Incoming 4th Grade students enjoy adventure, such as rappelling, while learning about themselves in Safe Schools/Healthy Students program.
SARANAC_ “I’d like you to challenge yourselves,” Scott Friedman informed the group of 4th graders from the Saranac School District prior to their rappelling a 60 foot cliff near Hurricane Mt.
Friedman, assistant director of the Adventure Based Learning Program added, “When you’re on the edge of the cliff, see what it feels like. Is that fair that everyone will challenge themselves?”
The Communities of Oneproject is part of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students federal program which had several events this summer. Children and families of the Saranac School District took part in a two-week Adventure Based Learning summer session.
Rappelling was one of several activities of the so-called, “Peak outings,” which provided an opportunity for students and families to experience. Others included rock climbing, hiking, compass orientation in the middle of the woods, and kayaking. The kayaking entailed going from the area of Saranac High to Cadyville Bend, a distance of 5.5 miles.
After several youngsters got to the edge of the cliff, but could not overcome their fears, Lucas Smith put his inhibitions aside and rappelled. “At first, I was kinda scared. They told me to go a little more, and I went a little slow. Once I started I got less and less scared, and then it became fun.”
The next to overcome her initial trepidation and descend was Violet Chaney who felt, “It was scary at first. I thought it would be cool to get all the way down. I knew it would be safe, so there was really no reason to be scared.”
Adventure Based Learning Program Director Gregg Dahlen stated that the summer program, “went really well, with nine of the 13 having perfect attendance.” Dahleen mentioned that 40 students and family members attended the final family event. During the event, leaders communicated with families as to what attributes the youngsters should be working on, and how parents can understand and implement the strategies.
“One of our big goals is for the kids to learn how relationships with others can go well. They get an understanding of boundaries in dealing with others and sharing feelings, even if they are uncomfortable.”
The summer program cost about $6,000. During the school year the youngsters from grades three to five meet one day a week after school. A weekend activity occurs every three weeks. This might include skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. “On the outside, it looks like fun. It gives an opportunity to push them into working on any problems they may have,” said Dahlen.
Behavioral Health Services North operates the Adventure Based Learning program at five participating school districts. For the 2009-2010 School Year, Adventure Based Learning will be offered on-site at seven elementary buildings: Saranac Elementary, Morrisville Elementary, Northern Adirondack Elementary, Ticonderoga Elementary, Keeseville Elementary, AuSable Forks Elementary, and Moriah Central School. Parents are encouraged to contact any of these schools or visit the website (safeschools.cves.org) to learn more.
Champlain Valley Educational Services received a $4.3 million award to implement this federal initiative over the next four years to make schools safer and students healthier. Communities of One is one of the largest collaborations in the North Country bringing together local education, law enforcement and probation, early childhood, and mental health partners to create sustainable system change. The program has five core elements: school violence prevention, drug prevention, social and emotional support, mental health services, and early childhood development.
Programs and services supported by Safe Schools/Healthy Students allow participating schools to be proactive in addressing issues surrounding school violence, substance abuse, and mental health. Local law enforcement agencies and Champlain Valley Educational Services work with districts to assess and improve safety and crisis intervention plans to maximize effectiveness.
Other partners assist districts in implementing an array of character education and drug prevention programs targeting elementary students. Early childhood specialists operate a family resource center while mental health partners will provide after school activities and on-site clinics. School districts will focus on promoting positive learning environments.
According to its website, Safe Schools has, “a unique opportunity to build collaborative interagency relationships that will share our best practices, eliminate overlap of services, and best maximize our professional resources within the Communities of One service area. Together, we can greatly reduce the risk of school violence and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs while promoting the social and emotional health of our students, their families and our communities.”
For more information, please contact:
Wanda McQueen -
Project Administrator
(518) 561-0100 x 357
School Community Coordinator
(518) 561-0100 x373