Art In Rougher Alternative Academy
Art students at the Rougher Alternative
Academy, located on the corner of Martin Luther King and Altamont, exhibited works of art at their first annual art show "Masquerade". The art
show was held April 5-April 15, 2004.
The show consisted of works on paper, ceramics, and paper mache' masks which
represented the theme of the show "Masquerade."
Kimberly Fleak
Director RAA
600 Altamont
Muskogee, OK 74403
Phone: 918-684-3705
Fax: 918-684-3706
KAF@MPSI20.org
Most of these pictures are of paper mache' projects that our Art students have been working on. The paper mache' projects were integrated with Black History Month. The pictures hanging in our Art Gallery are paintings that the students have done throughout the year. Our district was kind enough to add a full time Art teacher to our program this year. His name is Mr. Ervin. A couple of the pictures are of one of our classes making volcanoes during a Science unit.
Rougher Alternative Academy - Ozark High Challenge Youth Trip
Exposure and experiential learning are the key tools utilized by the Ozark High Challenge Youth Trip (OHCYT) participants, counselor, and support staff. These outdoor/overnight trips are supported by the Office of Juvenile Affairs, City of Muskogee, Muskogee Parks and Recreation Dept., community donations (cash & in-kind), Rougher Alternative Academy, Center for Art & Technology and the Muskogee Youth Coalition. In addition to the before-mentioned, many community parents and corporate representatives provide a voice for this program. John Cooper is the Substance Abuse & Experiential Counselor who developed and coordinates this program.
Repetitive Performance Enhancement Systems (R.O.P.E.S.) courses have a similar focus as my program; however, this program occurs naturally in the Buffalo National Forest in Northwest Arkansas. Students are introduced to “low” and “high” elements (another word for obstacles) throughout the trip. Activities begin on the ground with emphasis on teamwork, but more importantly, on internal and external awareness of self as well as of those around us. If students can not communicate effectively or move in unison, higher and more challenging activities are postponed. While ROPES courses generally are 20 to 35 feet off the ground this course goes from 40 feet to 250 feet (yes 250 feet)! In addition, this “Challenge Course” offers swimming, caving, and beautiful hiking.
Generally topics emerge
from activities or general conversation. On the last trip, a group home
alternative
school student
forgot his flashlight and was overheard to say, to another student: “I’ll just
follow his light.” Thus
a topic was born. What
happens when we are in the dark and following someone who seems to have a
solution but doesn’t know where he is either?
Basically we tell
students to “just say no” and give them an explanation of why. It’s like
the old adage of
the mule that
ran into the side of the barn. It wasn’t that he didn’t see it, he just didn’t
care. Everyone must have
an alternative to fill the hole
that’s left by giving up something. When you take a kid that’s been using weed
for 4
or 5 years and tell them to quit you better
have something to fill the void. This outdoor course is only one of the
tools
used to expose students to another way of life.
These trips provide interests that can and are just as exciting
as the euphoria
produced by their drugs of choice.
It is one thing to tell kids, in group, about how to communicate, trust, develop relationships, and have fun drug free, but it has an entirely different meaning when you’re hanging 250 feet off the ground! More importantly it’s essential that you SHOW, through your own actions, how to live life to its fullest. The relationships between students and staff that are developed, before and after, these trips are very encouraging. I have found that my ability to reason with participants is strengthened significantly and that this influence does not subside when we return home or even when school is out. Memories formed while enjoying the outdoors and engaging in clean, safe, but high risk, challenges produce strong bonds between students and adults. See you on the cliffs!
John Cooper, Rougher Alternative Academy
I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day
I’d rather one walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but examples always clear.
The best of all the preachers are the men, who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action, is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it, if you’ll let me see it done.
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
The lectures you deliver may be wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do.
I may not understand the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and live.
Anonymous