The partnership began
in the fall of 2001 to address the needs of Fort
Richardson students and others with the transitions
of military youth. The program was initiated by Brian
Griggs with the YESS and Sharon Sellens, who was
the SBPC program director at the time.
The YESS provides classroom presentations on team
building, facilities challenge course initiatives,
and helps with the transition of military students.
Brian Griggs comes to SBPC at least three times
each semester to work with the students on team
building, and help them plan dances. He serves
as our DJ during dances and is a great role model
of professionalism to the students. Each semester,
SBP students travel to Fort Richardson's challenge
course where YESS staff take them through a series
of initiatives to encourage teamwork and thinking "outside
the box." Many of the students don't know
each other well at the beginning of the semester
and this program is a great way to encourage them
to interact.
Many companies and organizations spend thousands
of dollars each year sending their staff through
challenge course type programs. By allowing students
to participate early, they will be better prepared
to enter the world of work. They understand how to
work with others and get along.
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Brian usually communicates weekly
either by phone, e-mail or in person to discuss upcoming
events or problems kids are having. He has also done
team building activities in teachers' classes, especially
during times of high military deployment, when students
and staff are more on edge.
By showing a strong relationship with the YESS program,
parents of Fort Richardson students know they have
a voice at the school, someone who is at meetings,
and shares their concerns and opinions. It's reassuring
to parents and students to know who to speak to when
they have an issue. Communication between school
and the post is also improved as Brian can bring
news back to parents and students.
This is a fantastic partnership because the YESS
program supports not only post families but also
SBPC students and teachers. It's great to have someone
in the school who can answer questions staff have
about things happening on post or with our students
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