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"Featured Program - Milwaukee Public Schools Ropes & Challenge Education Program" by Al Cimperman Milwaukee Public Schools initiated its ropes course in 1995 and is fortunate to have a natural jewel in the form of 50 acres of forested property in which to accommodate the program. A total of 22 elements, including 7 that are suitable for working with special needs students (labeled accessible or universal elements) are operational at this time. The course is open from mid March until the end of November. All available dates are utilized and there is currently a waiting list for schools wishing to participate. The course itself is actually only one part of a broad-based program that incorporates experiential education into the curriculum. In addition to the ropes program, the course continues to be used for environmental education as well as for a variety of other uses. A compass/orienteering program was recently added and a variety of recreation programs are offered on a regular basis including: snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and plant or animal identification "earth walks." The core component of the MPS program is that it is integrated into each school's individual curriculum/school plan. Each school can thus tailor the ropes and challenge curriculum to meet its individual needs. Also, staff and students who utilize the course are required to have participated in activities from this curriculum (a minimum of four to eight sessions) before coming to the course. This prevents the experience from being a "one day field trip" and also encourages follow-up activities at each individual school. Another unique element of our course is that it is staffed by trained personnel from many different disciplines, who in addition to their regular duties, commit to three days minimum per semester to work at the course. Staff groups include: teachers, guidance counselors, physical education staff, social workers, psychologists, physical therapists, and recreation staff. This lends unique elements of many different backgrounds and perspectives, as well as district-wide cooperation. It also enables a cadre of city wide staff to be available to staff the course. Give us a call or come and visit. For more information about the MPS program, contact Dave Braby at (414)647-6076
or Al Cimperman at (414)438-3527 or visit our web site at: http://ftp.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/departments/spec_serv/Pages/ropes.htm
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