Rockets, rockets, rockets. I am sure that there are some folks that are feeling that “Yes, this is an amazing accomplishment, but do I really have to hear about it again?” One view could be that 12 middle school students is a small group of kids, but it’s more than 25% of our school. One aspect I love about the LMA Community is that ripple effect that is spoken of in so many sayings, prints and inspirational messages. To me, this year’s TARC accomplishments are those kinds of ripples. The team members themselves have learned communication skills, design skills and trial and error, but every day they influence those around them in some way also. They have inspired younger students, upper classmen, their peers and community leaders:
- Mr. Woodhouse has shared his time and energy by speaking with community members as well as spending time at LMA working with the team members on communication and leadership skills.
- Local Business owners and community leaders have shared their time by speaking with team members on the phone as students describe their project and accomplishments.
- Team Captains and other members have been LMA Ambassadors around our neighborhood.
- High School students who run the White Water Café have organized lunch fundraisers to support the team, which also contributed to the local economy.
- Elementary students requested their own rocket unit in their Science class.
- Staff model teamwork and problem solving as the team continues their practice launches that are dependent on the weather.
A main part of the LMA Program is focus on Executive Functions, Learning Strategies and Social Skills. We don’t always have such powerful real-life contexts in which to apply them and sure can’t simulate such an experience through a textbook or assess it through a standardized test. Real learning is messy; it can be exhausting; it is also inspiring and transformational and creates a foundation for future success. Rockets, rockets, rockets…….. no, if we listen closer, it’s so much more!
