Last year’s achievers class at Bridges ALC in Prior Lake was well received and I was invited to do it again this year!
The model is that the students read a story or two on Monday and I come in on Tuesday usually with someone from my book “ACHIEVERS ORDINARY PEOPLE WHO DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS”. The person in the book speaks to the class and takes any questions they may have. I am impressed by the attention all the students in these classes give to the speakers and me too. Bridges is an alternative school for kids in the Prior Lake School District. The coordinator, Dave Brown describes it this way in one of his newsletters:
“We are fortunate to work in a district that both states and believes in its mission to educate all learners to reach their full potential as contributing and productive members in our ever-changing global community. Bridges Area Learning Center embodies that mission as we have a school of learners that have untapped potential in many ways. Two words generally describe our students – ‘At-Risk’. This term could have several meanings but, in general, it describes high school students that are in jeopardy of not graduating or not graduating on time. The reasons could be obstacles that are varied, many, complex and multilayered. Or, it could be one item that is causing an obstacle for success. These reasons could be outside of school, in school or both. One thing is consistent though – we work exclusively with students where traditional settings were not successful. We work exclusively with at-risk students.”
I have discovered that the students in this school have learned, maybe the hard way, that a high school education and diploma are important! It is fun to work with students who understand that, and are motivated to get it and do something meaningful with their lives. Their attentiveness is a testimony to their determination. And, they report being inspired by reading about the people in the book! They learn that if the people in the book can make it so can they!
I’d love to do this course at more of these alternative schools, or any school for that matter!
