Every day, students get high at Staples.
Don’t panic. It’s all good.
Actually, it’s great. And exciting. empowering, even life-changing.
They’re using 2 new ropes courses. They climb, swing, and get far beyond their comfort zones.
Teenagers support, encourage and motivate each other to heights — both physical and mental — they never thought they could achieve.
For years, the physical education department taught cooperative games to sophomores. But without much perceived risk, most attempts to collaborate and problem-solve together fell flat.
High ropes and harnesses were the answer.
Students on Staples High School’s outdoor high ropes course — and their supporters on the ground. (Photo courtesy of Thomas Scarice)
Funds came from a $63,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant to schools, to use during and after COVID for the social development of students.
Townwide physical education coordinator Christine Wanner made the proposal. Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice and the Board of Education were fully supportive. The project aligns with the Westport Public Schools’ holistic approach to social emotional learning, mental health and wellness.
The ropes were installed outdoors in a now-unused community garden, and in the indoor fieldhouse.
There are 2 elements: low (without harnesses), and high ones (with them).
Physical education teacher Jeff Doornweerd instructs students in the fieldhouse …
Despite the perceived danger, the ropes elements are much safer than most other physical activities.
“Everything is double- and triple-checked, and backed up,” notes Jeff Doornweerd, a phys. ed. instructor who was instrumental in developing the course.
“Kids approach this with some nerves. They’re very careful.”
Before anyone climbs, student belayers ask: “How are you feeling? How can we support you?”
Many teens have never had to answer those questions, Doornweerd explains. They say honestly: “I’m worried about one certain point. Can you be extra careful there?”
Instructors underwent rigorous training, in Vermont.
… and 2 then climb, helping each other, to the ceiling. (PHotos/Phoebe Miller and Caroline Zajac for Inklings)
The course is “not really about how good you are at climbing ropes,” Doornweerd says. “It’s about how and why you get out of your comfort zone. We spend a lot of time in class talking about that.”
No one is forced to climb. Eventually, most do.
They feel “ecstatic” afterward, Doornweerd says. And that feeling of taking a risk, and overcoming the fear of failure, can stay with them far in the future, in the classroom, the workplace and home.
One athlete — who otherwise would excel in phys. ed. — was extremely hesitant. He changed his mind when he saw how powerfully excited everyone else was.
As the class debriefed, he said, “The only reason I’m telling you this is because I want other people to know and feel the same.”
Up, up and away! (Photo courtesy of Thomas Scarice)
Though the ropes were originally planned for sophomore classes only, Doornweerd worked it into the Bridge program, an academic support initiative that includes 9th graders.
Two weeks ago, Staples went into full lockdown after a bomb threat. That afternoon, teachers focused on students’ emotional needs.
Doornweerd did some leadup activities with his Bridge group, then took them to the ropes course.
As they climbed, teachers leading their own classes on walks outside stopped to watch.
“Students were cheering for freshmen they didn’t know,” Doornweerd says with pride. “It was so powerful. Those kids will never forget that day.”
The phys. ed. instructor is not stopping there.
“Now that it’s here, there are so many ways to utilize this,” Doornweerd says.
“Sports teams — even other groups — can enhance team-building. I can see community events happening too.”
Soon perhaps, many more Westporters will enjoy getting high at Staples.
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