More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
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A year ago in a survey the student body expressed an interest in learning the sport/art of fencing. I listened to their request and got in touch with USA Fencing for some guidance. They have a program that loans out practice equipment to introduce students to fencing (see photo).
As they progressed through this program I saw wonderful things develop in my students: courage and leadership! It truly was amazing to see kids step out of their comfort zone and try something risky. It lead to greater confidence and developed leaders who nurtured fellow classmates to improve their skills and even referee matches.
Sadly, as they improved and got stronger the borrowed training equipment made of plastic did not hold up. Kids that felt awkward holding a fencing sword properly were now shattering plastic bell-guards and tips with a perfectly executed ballestra. To continue this program I need to upgrade the equipment to proper metal fencing swords and masks.
About my class
A year ago in a survey the student body expressed an interest in learning the sport/art of fencing. I listened to their request and got in touch with USA Fencing for some guidance. They have a program that loans out practice equipment to introduce students to fencing (see photo).
As they progressed through this program I saw wonderful things develop in my students: courage and leadership! It truly was amazing to see kids step out of their comfort zone and try something risky. It lead to greater confidence and developed leaders who nurtured fellow classmates to improve their skills and even referee matches.
Sadly, as they improved and got stronger the borrowed training equipment made of plastic did not hold up. Kids that felt awkward holding a fencing sword properly were now shattering plastic bell-guards and tips with a perfectly executed ballestra. To continue this program I need to upgrade the equipment to proper metal fencing swords and masks.