tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574469779496191524.post5652926988817149442..comments2023-11-11T22:23:28.499-07:00Comments on KARE Givers: The Alternatives...Seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17898902767993372053noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574469779496191524.post-78302547241538363922011-08-13T17:26:47.672-06:002011-08-13T17:26:47.672-06:00Very much appreciated Jen. Much of our local alter...Very much appreciated Jen. Much of our local alternative school scene was based in medicine wheel philosophy emanating from Aboriginal spirituality and custom. We learned much form Dr. Martin Brokenleg, John Seita, Larry Brendtro, Nan Henderson and others about "reclaiming" kids... reclaiming in the sense that they had been cast-off and cut-off from many if not all of their shaky support networks before coming to us... and we had to believe that they were worth our effort to divine whatever good we could in them, and exploit it unapologetically in a strengths-based focus.<br /><br />We (and many still are) a passionate bunch, as I'mm certain you and your colleagues are. There was not a kid we would clinch at working with, and we developed lasting relationships with so many. I just ran into one last evening in fact at a fundraiser drive-in for the local food bank. he was volunteering his time helping to organize the event by directing traffic... it's always awesome to see former students, especially those who arrived as hurting and defensive, and then to see how far they've come in dealing with stuff to emerge stronger and more resilient.<br /><br />Back in the day we created schools "where everybody knows your name" http://www.seangrainger.com/2010/04/we-need-schools-where-everybody-knows.html. I think I'll try to organize the posts I've written into some sort of category or list addressing alt ed... there's been quite a few, but they're getting harder to find as I continue to write;o)<br /><br />It's a pleasure meeting you and having you read the blog. We share much in common personally and professionally according to your bio... please stay in touch. It's great to hear from other "alternatives."<br />Namaste,<br />SeanSeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17898902767993372053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574469779496191524.post-63211805915836523662011-08-09T21:22:48.553-06:002011-08-09T21:22:48.553-06:00All I really want to say is thank you! I really ap...All I really want to say is thank you! I really appreciate your post. I am still an Alternative, about to start my 15th year. Those student stories are still being told and they are just as emotional as ever. I find very few traditional teachers who understand what Alternative programs are all about. You describe it so well here! Kids want someone to really see them, respect them, and treat them like a human being--not a receptacle for information. <br /><br />I've experienced some years of teaching where we had no up-to-date technology, decade-old textbooks, broken-down furniture, and almost no funds. I've realized that stuff isn't necessary. What's necessary is a relationship between teacher and student, and then between a student and her peers. It has to be a strong enough relationship that students become invested in their school. It becomes familial. Kids have to want to be in school--not to satisfy anyone else (parents, court, coach, etc.,) but for themselves. What makes them want to be there is that welcoming, home-like feeling they get when they know they are in a place where people really know them...and don't judge them. (Sometimes alternative kids want to be at school more than any other place in their worlds.) I am so glad that you, Larry, Liz Dwyer and Sir Ken are spreading that message. You are creating positive change, Sean. Thank you...and keep up the good work!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com