Several students, along with their teacher, from Springbank Middle School were awarded an achievement plaque for their involvement with Destination ImagiNation (DI) at the Rocky View Schools’ (RVS) board of trustees meeting, Nov. 17.
Keely Anderson, Madison Michiels, Jasmine Zaba, Ian Strong, Nolan Procyshen, along with teacher Mary Magee and principal Dan Hoch were in attendance at the regular meeting to share stories of their DI experiences.
The after-school program, which began in the U.S. and is used in more than 30 countries, teaches kids to learn and experience creativity, teamwork and problem solving. The students meet after classes every Friday to solve a team challenge, often involving a skit based on learning about another country’s culture and traditions.
“DI was all about learning things like teamwork, improve self-confidence and having fun doing it,” said Anderson. “It gives you a different perspective on things.”
“DI is the funniest thing I’ve ever done,” Strong said. “It’s challenging, but in a fun way.”
“The challenges make you think outside the box,” added Procyshen.
All of the Springbank students, except Procyshen, attended the DI Global Competition in Knoxville, Tenn., earlier this year. In 2012, they will have the chance again following the Regional DI tournament in Springbank on March 3.
It is open to students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and is expected to draw at least 200 competitors. Finalists from Springbank will head to the Provincial tournament in Grande Prairie, where they will earn a chance to go to Tennessee.
“The parents are what makes the program work,” Magee said. “They are instrumental.”
“I’m totally impressed by the way gifted education can expand by this,” said Sylvia Eggerer, Ward 3 Trustee. “It’s great.”
“Extracurricular activities are very important,” added Don Thomas, Ward 3 Trustee.
“The learning is expanded beyond the classroom,” said Helen Clease, Ward 4 Trustee. “That should be commended.”
