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Students make new connections In IPS class, students learn how to connect with classmates who struggle with communication skills
By Mallory Thompson IPS is a class like no other. IPS — or Interpersonal Skills — consists of a variety of students, including some who struggle with everyday communication skills and other students who serve as examples. “We try to bring people from different backgrounds together so they can learn from each other and learn to work together,” said Jake Thibodeau, who teaches in the school’s autism program. “Hopefully, [students] take that outside of the class, and through their actions and maybe through their words, try to make changes to the culture of the school.” The class aims to do so through focusing on communication and leadership skills. The typical weekly schedule consists of weekend updates and an introduction to a new unit on Mondays followed by more instruction and activities relating to the unit on Tuesdays. Wednesdays are community-based instruction days when the class goes on field trips. Fridays
are leisure activity days consisting of sports or board games. “Some of our kids don’t have a lot of peer involvement outside of their classes in school,” said Susie Micka, who co-teaches IPS with Thibodeau. “This is a place and an opportunity for them to go play basketball or games with friends or do an art project — things that a lot of teenagers would tend to do on their own anyway.” Thibodeau believes these activities provide different opportunities than students normally experience. “By building this teamwork and these personal relationships, we’re trying to give access to different parts of the school that some of our kids with special needs don’t necessarily get,” Thibodeau said. Because of its laid-back atmosphere, the feel of IPS class differs from the typical classroom environment. “I feel way more comfortable with everyone in this class because it isn’t a stressful or working
Lawrence High School, 1901 Louisiana St., Lawrence, KS 66046
environment like a usual classroom,” junior Mackenzie Owens said. “We all can joke around and treat each other like best friends.” For the first time, IPS became a year-long class this year, giving students more opportunities to connect with those they wouldn’t necessarily get to know. “My favorite part of this class is building relationships with the students in this class and seeing them warm up to us,” Owens said. “By second semester, I really feel like I can connect to everyone.” Senior Victoria VanAlstine agrees the class fosters new connections. “It helps me make new friends and not be so shy,” she said. Thibodeau and Micka hope students use the skills developed in these friendships to reach their goal for the class. “One of our biggest goals, and the thing that we hope that if nothing else they carry forward with them, is compassion for others,” Micka
said. “That ability to think about some one else’s needs before thinking about their own is the ultimate goal.” Students have taken large strides toward reaching this goal. Some who struggle with communication or have severe anxiety about meeting new people are now volunteering responses and conversation topics, inviting people to do things, jumping into games and even organizing games. “It’s been very surprising to watch that growth take place, especially at this age,” Micka said. “To see that kind of growth has been incredible.” Students have also shown growth in their ability to communicate. “One of the biggest things we want is for Continued on page 2
Junior Cole Cummins shows junior Chester Lindeman how to perform an elbow strike Feb. 8 during IPS class. Photo by Mallory Thompson Vol. 122, Issue 7, Feb. 15, 2012