Encouraging students to connect
To provide at-promise students with a special opportunity to get closer to their peers, the teachers of the Diamond Bar High School special education program participated in Project Perseverance, Unity, Strength, and Health (PUSH).
Project PUSH is a program that strives to allow students to persevere and build resilience within themselves. Since the staff observed some students struggling to take part in collaborative activities, they wanted to find a project or activity to develop students’ sense of community and teamwork. The school’s Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI) team came together to provide students with special needs with something to call their own.
To encourage the teachers and students, Project PUSH provided the program with a $3000 grant. The staff found out about the grant through the Los Angeles Grant Program. Planning for Project PUSH was a quick and efficient process. Then they came together to schedule an outing of which everyone could be a part. As the date came closer, both teachers and students shared their excitement.
“I think the thing I’m most excited about is just being able to hang out with my students, not at school. Just to let our hair down and have fun and enjoy each other’s company on a different level than we normally get at school.” special education teacher Kimberly Parra said.
The teachers planned to use the funding on a field trip to the Orange County Ropes Course, an obstacle course that includes high and low elements that are both on and above the ground.
Additionally, the staff said they look forward to the environment and activities to improve team-building skills as well as present an opportunity to do something hands-on—all while building resilience and confidence within the students. Beyond educational boundaries, the teachers strived to create long-lasting positive memories for students and the staff.
The field trip is set to take place on April 26. Special Education teacher Joohee Lee is going to be one of the main leaders of the trip.
“We find that, sometimes, trying to build bonds and develop close relationships inside a classroom can be tough. There is a limit to how much you can know about a student, especially if you don’t know them outside the classroom,” Lee said. “We’re hoping that this experience will improve relationships in the classroom such as partner work and deepen friendships.”
The teachers share a hope for a positive outcome from the event and look forward to making this an annual event for students, with activities that can build closer relationships with their peers and staff.
“After this experience, I want the students to feel proud that they are a part of the program,” Parra said.
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