The Republic | AZCENTRAL.COM October 16, 2009 (Front Page)
TRUSTWORTHINESS RESPECT
RESPONSIBILITY FAIRNESS CARING CITIZENSHIP
HORSE SENSE
Equine help Horseshoe Trails Elementary students build character Page 3
Horse program helps kids build character
By Philip Haidiman
The horse-loving vibe is abundant at Horseshoe Trails Elementary: the Cave Creek school was built on horse-trail land, a number of the students and faculty ride horses in their free time, and even the principal and her family have been in the horse-and-cattle industry for nearly a century.
Now, the school has opened a horse arena on its property. The facility is unique not only to the Cave Creek district, but to the rest of the Valley. It was built by volunteers and paid for with $20,000 in private funds. It is part of the TRRFCC Horsemanship Program designed to build character in students.
The initials TRRFCC stand for the six pillars of characters – trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship – touted in “Character Counts,” a nationwide program for students.
More than 250 people have been involved with the TRRFCC Horsemanship program over the past two years, with the potential to touch 545 students at Horseshoe Trail Elementary School, Principal Janiene Marlow said.
“It is hard to estimate the number of people involved, but the dream has become a reality,” Marlow said. “It was a true barn-raising.”
Horseshoe Trails elementary has implemented an after-school riding program for students in the district who want to focus on horsemanship, as well as a monthly equine therapy session with selected students.
But the classes offered as part of the school’s curriculum will initially provide third- fourth- and fifth-graders hands-on equine experience beginning this semester. These classes cover area such as how to approach a horse, learning how a horse moves, and groundwork, including leading a horse through an obstacle course.
Marlow said the classes will create a positive and safe environment that promotes sensitivity, confidence and independence in students through communication with horses.
“This is about character. There is great value in bringing animals, especially horses, to benefit students," Marlow said. “Horses have an innate ability to read a student or person of any kind. Horses accept you for you – for who you are at that moment."
Marlow said the class also has a "journaling” component so that teachers can monitor students’ progress. From a random sampling of third-graders, five of six students improved their reading fluency (the ability to read accurately, quickly, effortlessly, and with appropriate expression and meaning) between Aug. 19 and Oct. 2. “There has been student improvement,” Marlow said. “The program was a date-driven decision and should enhance student achievement.”
The students will interact with the horses a few times during the semester, but Jodi Scott, co-director of TRRFCC Horsemanship, said she would like to see the program grow into a full-fledged class for all students. Ever since she was young, Scott has been guiding trail rides, competing in rodeos and participating in 4-H clubs. She said horses can enhance kids’ comfort levels and pave the way for them to become good role models.
Character traits taught through horse program
The new horse arena on the campus of Horseshoe Trails elementary School is a partnership between school, TRRFCC horsemanship and Jodi Scott’s School of Horsemanship. The facility is privately funded and the second annual TRRFCC Fundraiser will be held Nov. 4 at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral. The arena is also offered for rental for public equine-related events and other outdoor activities. “These events will help create revenue opportunities for TRRFCC Horsemanship through (the school), as well as promote equine-centric activities that will reflect, develop and maintain the character and values of the community.” Said Liz Covert, who helped develop the TRRFCC Horsemanship program. “Partnerships forged with businesses contributing to our character program will help create students who are proud to be citizens of a horse community.” For more information on the program, visit www.trrfcchorsemanship.org, e-mail trrfcchorsemanship@gmail.com or call 480-272-0929. TRRFCC Horsemanship is bases on the Six Pillars of Character, listed below.
– Philip Haldiman, The Republic/azcentrall.com
Trustworthiness |
Be honest. Don’t deceive, cheat or steal. Be reliable — do what you say you will do. Have the courage to do the right thing. Build a good reputation. Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country |
|---|---|
| Respect | Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule. Be tolerant of differences. Use good manners, not bad language. Be considerate of the feelings of others. Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone . Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements. |
| Responsibility | Do what you are supposed to do. Persevere: keep on trying! Always do your best. Use self-control. Be self-disciplined . Think before you act — consider the consequences. Be accountable for your choices. |
| Fairness | Play by the rules. Take turns and share. Be open-minded; listen to others. Don’t take advantage of others. Don’t blame others carelessly. |
| Caring | Be kind. Be compassionate and show you care. Express gratitude. Forgive others. Help people in need. |
| Citizenship | Do your share to make your school and community better. Cooperate. Get involved in community affairs. Stay informed; vote. Be a good neighbor. Obey laws and rules. Respect authority. Protect the environment. |