Hollister
– Standing or treading water in San Benito High School’s pool,
the students played a raucous game of water polo, with several
onlookers laughing and cheering them on.
Hollister – Standing or treading water in San Benito High School’s pool, the students played a raucous game of water polo, with several onlookers laughing and cheering them on.
But Friday’s intense water game was not a part of a typical physical education class at the high school.
More than half of the students involved are part of the life skills program – a self-contained special education program at the high school. The rest are students enrolled in the advanced sports medicine class at the high school.
The program was developed three years ago as a mutual learning experience. The class offered a way for the sports medicine students to plan physical therapy programs for the other students and develop strong leadership skills, and for the life skills students to work on discipline and coordination while building relationships.
“I like watching the interaction; it’s a great way for the kids to work together,” said Dave Tari, who teaches the sports medicine class. He said his students have learned a lot working with the life skills class.
“It’s been really eye-opening, because a lot of the things I take for granted are hard for them,” said Danielle Scibuda, 17.
The students meet two or three times a week for an hour and a half. In the pool, the life skills students learn how to blow bubbles and float on their backs and perform various water aerobics activities. The sports medicine students also teach the life skills students nutrition and work with them on track and field events.
Brandon Henry, 15, who is in the life skills class, said he really enjoys the swimming activities with the other class.
“Kicking is pretty fun. I’m getting stronger from kicking and using my arms,” Henry said. He added that he enjoyed making new friends with students from the other class.
The social aspect is one of the most important parts of the class. Ramona Trevino, who teaches one section of the life skills program and helped develop the program with Tari, said her students really enjoy the program because it gives them a chance to be with other students.
This was echoed by Tari.
“They have people they can talk to. People they can say ‘hi’ to at school. Plus, they get to have fun and exercise – which is what it’s all about,” he said.
For the advanced sports medicine students, it gives them a chance to use the information they learned previously in a hands-on environment, and to develop actual sports medicine programs.
“The students come up with stuff on their own,” Tari said. “I give them the guidelines and they take it from there.”
The two classes have also collaborated on preparation for the second annual ‘Baler Gifted Games, which will take place in May. This event is similar to the Special Olympics, which do occur in San Benito County.
“We decided we needed to give the special education kids something they can compete in – something they can call their own,” Tari said.
The advanced sports medicine class helps the life skills class prepare by practicing and working to get them in shape. The students also help plan the event.
Alice Joy covers education for the Free Lance. She can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 336 or at [email protected].
