Better Things
“Better Things” is an alternative based program that encourages students to explore their potential through various activities in and out of the classroom.
Students are given the opportunity to express themselves, share their opinions, test creative options in problem solving and experience trust, challenge and responsibility.
This exposure takes place in a safe, controlled and monitored environment. This helps to promote confidence, self-esteem and self-actualization.
When an individual becomes empowered, they integrate knowledge, skills and resources in the development of goals and objectives.
Individuals will achieve a higher consciousness, control their surroundings and care for more than just themselves.
The “Better Things” program places two
facilitators (firefighters) in the classroom with eight to twelve sixth grade students, working as a group.
The group meets once a week, during the normal school period. Consideration is given to the student’s academic performance on an on-going basis and as long as the student is able to maintain grades, they are allowed to continue in the program. It is our philosophy that students participation in our program does not come ahead of grades and school performance.
The firefighters not only serve as positive role models, but act as facilitators leading the group through exercises designed to help the students establish goals and learn skills in the area of communication, active listening and anger management.
Firefighters volunteer their time and energy to this program. Each firefighter receives initial and on-going training throughout the school year as needed. We also meet with school counselors on a regular basis to maintain communication between school staff and facilitators.