Featured Programs

Escalante Greenworks
By Sharon Orr

Since winter is upon us, our activities have shifted from largely greenhouse/garden work to classroom work.  We still have plants and vegetables growing in the greenhouse, but they are growing very slowly due to the temperature in the greenhouse.  We are trying to keep it at 45-50 degrees, but because it is heated by propane, it has become costly to do so.  In light of this, as a class we have investigated thermal heat and ways to raise and/or maintain the temperature during this freezing weather.  We have researched methods to lower the propane costs, requiring the purchase of 55-gallon drums painted black and filled with water, which will be put into place by February.  Thankfully, we have grant funds from DFEE that have paid for the fencing, some electrical and water needs so far, as well as the drums we must purchase.
  
We are finally hooked up to the web-based program (Fat Spaniel) that allows the kids to record the data collected from our solar collector to see how much we are expending, as well as saving energy by using photovoltaic cells for powering the greenhouse.  This system, put in by Four Corners Solar, and partially funded by a grant from BP and further funded by LPEA, has great science and math applications, and will also raise awareness of the benefits of alternative energy.

Should you like to become involved in this project, or the garden in general, I would be most appreciative, as it will take more than me and the kids to keep it going productively.  All expertise, ideas, and help are always welcome!  My email is sorr@durango.k12.co.us.  Phone is 247-9490 ext. 2830. 

Read the article Solar Education from the Durango Herald.

 

DHS  Book Club

DHS  Book Club is a student-created, student-directed reading club that meets twice per month and reads one book per month. DFEE funds are used to purchase the books for the club.  After the club is finished with them, they are donated to the DHS English department for literature circles (formalized book clubs within classes) and/or classrooms libraries (books that students may check out and read independently).   As each book can be read many times throughout this school year and for many years to come, these purchases will benefit untold numbers of students.

 

Equine Therapy Program

Chad Novak, Counselor at Escalante Middle School

has been amazed at the significant changes he has witnessed in the students who have attended the Equine Program at Medicine Horse. DFEE makes it possible for students at Escalante Middle School to participate in this particular program at Medicine Horse.

“I have stood in complete awe at the very positive influence that the Equine Program at Medicine Horse has had upon students at our school,” says Escalante Middle School Counselor, Chad Novak. Through the financial assistance of Durango Foundation for Educational Excellence, students at Escalante Middle School have had the opportunity to engage in this incredible program that they might not otherwise have had the opportunity to experience. Novak holds the conviction that some of the most meaningful opportunities for growth and learning occur outside of the conventional classroom.

The Medicine Horse Center offers equine assisted therapeutic services to people of all ages with physical, cognitive, emotional or age-related challenges. Under the guidance of licensed health care therapists and horse professionals, student’s interactions with horses aim to foster emotional, social, spiritual, physical and psychological growth. The mission at Medicine Horse is "Horses and humans working together to foster healthier communities."
Those who are familiar with horses recognize and understand the power of horses to influence people in incredible ways. Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for people to overcome fear and develop confidence. The size and power of the horse are naturally intimidating to many people. Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.

Horses require work, whether in caring for them or working with them. In an era when immediate gratification and the "easy way" are the norm, horses require clients to be engaged in physical and mental work in order to be successful. Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. Clients learn the important lesson of having to change their behaviors or attitudes in order to have the horses respond differently.

Through Medicine Horse, Counselor Novak says, he has personally witnessed students who start the program totally lacking adequate self-confidence, however, upon completion of the program they have gained a positive and more powerful sense of self. Moreover, he has seen overbearing adolescents gain a substantive grasp of their social environs.   The staff at Medicine Horse are compassionate, flexible, knowledgeable and do wonders with our students. It is highly evident that they love their role and yearn to foster the horse/human connection that makes this program so valuable. Clearly, the students’ time at Medicine Horse has had a notable and lasting impact.  

To learn more about the Equine Program at Medicine Horse you can visit  http://www.medicinehorsecenter.org/intro2.htm