During this time of Thanksgiving, we asked a group of students to share what they are thankful for. Below are their responses:
"I'm thankful for my mommy, my daddy, my brother, my cousins, my family, my feline friend Honcho, my friends, food, charity, and sun. For the first time in my life, I am thankful for sun." ~Leah W.
"I'm thankful for my education. Without an education I wouldn't be able to get a job or go anywhere in life. I am also thankful for my dad because he understands me and will always be there for me." ~Megan B.
"I'm thankful for my mom, my dad, my family, my horse Spunk, good food, warm weather, and going home for good very soon." ~Samantha H.
"I'm thankful for Missy, Hannah, mom, dad, Mimi, gramma and gram pa, Brady, Delaney, California, pumpkin-pie, left over pasta, art, singing, musical instruments, Frontier High School's "Big Blue Crew" Marching Titans, chocolate ice cream, home visits, a bed to sleep in at night, clothes, food, spring and fall, silver maple trees, hedgehogs, MUSIC, dalmatians, minpins, reeds, opinions, myself, life, chances, and love." ~Beth G.
"I'm thankful for my family when they spend time with me on this day. And for my friends who always want to spend time with me." ~Anna B.
"I'm thankful for my family, my beautiful mother, my step dad and brothers, and my father. Food, good friends, summer, fall, life, second chances, music, and love." ~Taylor C.
"I'm thankful for my family! Thank you for everything!" ~Abbi S.
"I'm thankful for my family because they are supportive of everything I do and my best friends Rachel and Amber for being there for me in the darkest parts of my life. Thank you and I love you all with all my heart." ~Emily O.
"I'm thankful for everything and everyone because life is good." ~Aspen
"I'm thankful for my family because they always support me." ~Katie N.
"I'm thankful for England, good friendships, fun holidays in America, good music, good food, and freedom." ~Karl S.
"I'm thankful for everyone and everything." ~Kevin K.
"I'm thankful for freedom, family, friends, and life." ~Dan B.
"I'm thankful for my family, my friends, Pb & J's, Big Daddy Joe, Evan, the cold snow, Room 6, The Hanger games, cold showers, pre-made food, and a second chance." ~Paul H.
"I'm thankful for family, Vincent Martinez, Cheyenne Traush, life, second chances, true relationships, the people that care about my success and future, hot weather, my grandparents, the years I have lived, the friends I have made, the people I have met, the knowledge I have retained, the wisdom that is around me, the support I have received from loved ones, the support I have received from others, the love that my little sisters have given me, the love that my parents have given me, the relationships that I have built, and the opportunities that I have and have been given." ~Gabe A.
"I'm thankful for food, friends, my brother and sister, music, freedom, life, death, opportunities, fresh starts, turning 18 soon, water, my best friend Kevin Bentley, and happiness!" ~Logan W.
"I'm thankful for everything I have ever gotten. There are many things I love and am thankful for." ~Andy K-G.
"I'm thankful for second chances, snowboarding, skiing, soccer, football, being alive, the changes I have made, my mom, and my brother, my friends here at TWAI and at home." ~Fabian L.
"I'm thankful for lacrosse, football, basketball, having a good time with my friends, eating good food, calculator, indoor plumbing, water, snow, snowboarding, swimming, hot tubs, and my friend Fabian." ~Daniel B.
"I'm thankful for seeing my parents, being a pre-grad, family, animals, water, nature, friends, football, the Redskins, photograph, music, and everything good." ~Jordan G.
"I'm thankful for my family and friends." ~Cameron G.
"I'm thankful for my dog, money, owls, the Constitution, sports, music, sweets, believing in science, evolution, cats." ~Robert S.
"I'm thankful for friends, family, life, liberty, the Pursuit of Happiness." ~Tyler S.
"I'm thankful for the plentiful bounties of the sea and all the creatures that inhabit it, newborn babies...humans and horses, the weather, toaster ovens and all their wonderful creations, but most of all; my family and friends and all who love me." ~Evan R.
"I'm thankful for everything that has happened to me in the past 17 years. Frank, for helping me get into the Le Cordon Bleu. Taylor Avila, for teaching me how to get through hard times and helping me get in and out of day by day life. My mom for homeschooling me and not putting me in school as long as she could. My dad for giving me my love for cooking and helping me get to where I am today. Finally for everyone that has helped me in the past 17 years." ~Korey H.
"I'm thankful for Turning Winds for getting my life back on track, family, and friends." ~Steven K.
"I'm thankful for my family, my friends, the chance to be at TWAI, clothes, my best friend Joseph, creative rays, the brand supreme, food, Kevin, and the Dodgers." ~Ryan P.
"I'm thankful for life, family, snowboarding, being thankful, and Steve." ~Riley J.
"I'm thankful for food, friends, family, forests, fires, fabric, fables, and faces." ~Brooks C.
"I'm thankful for my family, my friends, snowboarding, good food, the outdoors, sports, snow forts, hunting, music, good movies, and being alive and healthy." ~Ryan A.
"I'm thankful for my family and friends." ~Matt M.
"I'm thankful for my mom and dad, my brother, my best friends Joe and Ben, my family, the second chance my mom and dad gave me, everything my family has done for me, food, a roof over my head, music." ~Robby W.
"I'm thankful for my parents, whom are my best friends. I'm thankful for forgiveness and second chances, for holidays and good food. I am really thankful for life changing for the better and realizing who I really am and what I want in life. I'm thankful for positive sobriety and going sledding in the snow. I'm really thankful for every member of my family, hot showers, waking up to see letters from my parents by my door, getting packages in the mail, my roommates, dessert on Sunday, watching movies, staff, close friends, waking up with motivation, having a home to go back to, reading books, and being alive." ~Josh B.
"I'm thankful for my family, the great opportunities that I have been given, my friends, and second chances." ~Nick M.
"I'm thankful for my amazing parents, the changes I have made within myself and my family, Turning Winds for allowing me to make those changes, the friends I have at home and the friends at TWAI, my amazing family and home, and the people that care about me, not materialistic things...I am thankful for life!" ~Justin P.
"I'm thankful for my friends and family, life, good food, opportunities, second chances, good living, and freedom." ~Andrew G.
"I'm thankful for my parents saving my life. I've almost lost my life more than once, and I wouldn't have been surprised if I had died by now if I wasn't sent here. Although I may not want to be here all of the time, I know that it is good for me and saved my life. I am also thankful for the support I am getting from my family, whether it is the clothes I need or in the letters I receive. I know my family is there to provide it for me." ~Brian S.
"I'm thankful for my parents giving me the gift of a second chance. A time to start over fresh and pave the way to a better life for myself. I am thankful for the enormous support my extended family provides me everyday. And last but not least I am thankful for my best friends Justin. He has helped me more than he knows." ~Austin R.
"I'm thankful for football, the Vikings, family, food, warm weather, baseball, basketball, Boston Celtics, Ray Allen, second chances, clothes, shoes, St. Paul MN, Justin, Alan, school, teachers, shoes, and friends." ~Max G.
"I'm thankful for my mom, my sister, second chances, hockey, supportive friends, my father, and all of the great memories I have." ~Steve S.
"I'm thankful for all close my close friends here and at home, family, music, freedom, relaxing, outdoors, all my life experiences." ~Nikolai K.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Turning Winds Academic Institute!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Teacher Directed/Student-led Classes at Turning Winds Academic Institute
Teacher Directed/Student-led Classes
Turning Winds Academic Institute
Jefri Davis, Science and Math Facilitator
The following will provide you, the reader, with a glimpse into that dynamic and fruitful instruction method dubbed "Teacher directed/student lead" courses, hereafter referred to as TDSL. Three viewing angles should provide sufficient testimony to demonstrate the potential of TDSL instruction. Those views are of course from the teacher, the student leader, and the class students themselves.
"The Student's Perspective "
From the pen of Justin P.
Student lead classes open the door to multiple learning styles and opportunities within the class. There are many aspects I enjoyed about working in a student lead class along with many lessons learned. Being a student in a student lead class allows us to ask questions and get the one-on-one help we need to understand the material without being laughed at or ridiculed. Student lead classes allows us to move at our own speed while learning the material in a classroom setting. Learning from a student that is close in age to me is personally easier to me because I know I can relate to my teacher. I learned the material in a student lead class.
From the pen of Tyler S.
The idea of teaching a student lead class was posed to me from one of my fellow students early this summer. At the time I had most of my academic classes finished and felt that I wouldn’t have a problem incorporating the class into my schedule. I spoke to the academic director and offered to lead the algebra II class and within the next week I was in the classroom with six other students. When the class first began I had to adapt quickly to the position I had offered to take. At first the class ran slowly, students took time to learn the material and some got it faster than others. I spent almost all my time outside of the classroom preparing lesson plans, writing assessments and exams, and helping students with the work I assigned them. The task I had set out for myself was more difficult than I first imagined. I pictured it like tutoring a student only on a larger scale. I ended up putting in almost triple the time and effort that it would have taken to simply take the class. The pace of the class soon quickened and by the middle of fall we had finished the class. My initial reaction to this was relief. It had been a lot of work teaching, and it consumed most of my free time during school, but even though it required three times the work of a normal class I was given ten times the reward in knowing that I had successfully aided six of my peers in finishing one of the most difficult of high school classes.
There were many upsides and downsides to teaching the student lead classes. Consumption of my free time and the stress it caused me were among the most prominent of the downsides. It was difficult working with the group of kids I had. Some of them wouldn’t understand as quickly as the other students and some of the kids would cause many distractions which slowed the class down. At first maintaining order in the classroom was difficult, but once I had managed to gain control over the class the pace quickened. Though I had my struggles with teaching the class, the advantages that I received from it outweighed the detriments. Through teaching the class I was able to help other students move closer toward graduating high school, I was able to review algebra II which will help me with calculus, and I was able to work on personal and social skills through the work I did in the classroom. For any student who attempts to lead a student lead class I can only advise them to have patience and be able to take on all that the position will require from them. It may be difficult, but it is definitely worth it in the long run.
TDSL courses are one teaching tool that works. It works because the teacher and the student-leader trust each other to come prepared, to keep-up a continuous "flow" of content, to minimize classroom distractions, and to help students individually as needed. Anyone who has taught someone else knows that sense of satisfaction that comes from two minds meeting in the same spot. And further, they discover that there is nothing like the discipline of teaching to solidify in one's own mind those details previously thought mastered.
Some say that the exploration of space is the great adventure. If a person feels that way, have them try TDSL instruction and they'll discover that the space that is the most challenging and ultimately rewarding is the space between the ears.
~ Chinese Proverb
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
A Group of Young Ladies at Turning Winds Academic Institute Experience the Art of Dance
On a chilly September afternoon in northern Montana, as sprinkles of rain fall from the sky, most people in the small town of Yaak are snuggled in their homes, but not the nine young ladies of Turning Winds Academic Institute who were out in the (light) rain "busting their moves" on the basketball court. "We are not going to let a little rain stop us now! Are we ladies?" said the dance instructor, Melanie Schreiner. “Of course not,” they all cheered!
Thus started the first girl’s dance class at Turning Winds Academic Institute. Over the course of the last two months, Turning Winds Academic Institute has begun to implement an exciting dance course for the young ladies enrolled in the program. At this time the class meets once a month for two and a half hours. Instructed by Melanie Schreiner, who is also the Office Manager at the Corporate Office of Turning Winds Academic Institute, students are led through a series of conditioning and stretching exercises to warm up and prepare to dance. Throughout the class the students will be exploring the genres of jazz, contemporary, and hip hop dance as well as studying the art of choreography.
“The journey between who you once were, and who you are now becoming,
is where the dance of life really takes place.”
~Barbara De Angelis
"To be given this opportunity to share a true passion in my life is an incredible honor and privilege. Throughout my entire life I have studied dance. In college I received a minor in dance education and spent many years as a dance instructor in Minnesota. When the opportunity was presented to me to share this love with the students of Turning Winds I was thrilled. Dance allows for an exploration through movement and expression without words. To push yourself to try something new...something you may not have ever done before. Success in that sets the stage for all that is to come. My only rule in my class is that the statement "I can't" is not allowed. It may be difficult for you right now...but you can do it. Much of learning to dance is a mental battle. If one remains open to the possibility of the unknown, the sky is the limit! Working with these young ladies and watching many of them "step out the box" and take chances whether it is doing a turn across the floor or leap is one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. " ~Melanie Schreiner, Instructor
To learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn
to live by practicing living; the principles are the same."
~ Martha Graham
The program has just begun and already the outcomes are remarkable. Currently Turning Winds staff are working to implement a time during physical conditioning for student led choreography and practice in addition to the formal class offered. One goal is for the students to prepare a performance for the staff and students. This opportunity is offered to the young ladies as a choice to participate in while at Turning Winds Academic Institute. The girls are learning about dance, and that if they learn to make the most of whatever life hands them, they can turn life’s little challenges, such as a rainy day, into an opportunity for positive growth. When the sky is the limit the opportunities are endless!
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass;
it’s about learning to dance in the rain."
~ Author Unknown
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."
You would think that counseling with distraught parents of teenagers would be full of powerfully sad moments, but in fact, even though I counsel with them during particularly upsetting periods of their lives - since we offer a comprehensive solution to their overwhelming need, there are numerous moments which bring satisfaction and hope for the future.
One of the most gratifying moments of my duties as an Admissions Counselor is accompanying parents as they visit Turning Winds Academic Institute for the first time. Although it comes during a time of great personal turmoil, it is satisfying to know that we offer a solution to the problems they are currently encountering with their child.
The most visibly moving times for parents is depicted in the recent interview YouTube Videos , where we show four of our students answering questions that parents often ask when meeting with the students for the first time. I usually sit quietly as visiting parents ask the students questions, so I have a chance to observe the parents as they talk to the kids.
During those interviews, I see the hope in their eyes, the poignant wistfulness, as they realize that their child is now exhibiting the same behaviors that these students used to show before they came to Turning Winds Academic Institute. As the students talk about their past, the parents identify with the situation these students recently found themselves. But as they talk to the kids and hear their mature, intuitive answers to questions, they almost visibly lean forward with a deep longing in their eyes, hoping to draw nearer to the students. You can see the hope in their eyes as they realize that they would give anything if their child at home could demonstrate the same understanding and maturity these students are now exhibiting.
The most poignant moment is when we go to leave and the parent shakes each of the kid’s hands and tells them that they would gladly take any one of them home, that they are proud of them and wish them only the best for their now promising future. They walk quietly back to the car, wondering if they can even dare to hope that their child, by attending Turning Winds, will become anywhere near the same as the kids with whom they just spoke.
I wish each of you could sit in on the interviews I have had the privilege of attending. To realize that there is hope, hope for the future of our youth who have made some serious choices which jeopardized their future happiness. People can change for the better, given the right chance to start over, clean the slate and learn new methods of coping with the challenges of life. Our mission at Turning Winds Academic Institute is to make this world a better place to live, one life at a time by rescuing children from crisis, reuniting their belief in their own potential and reuniting them with their families, and I am blessed to be a small part of that process.
Marcine Holmes
Admissions Counselor
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