Rowe Elementary School physical education teacher Rene Custeau said students in grades 3 through 5 recently had an exciting opportunity to push their limits, build confidence, and experience the thrill of adventure—all thanks to the support of the FPPS Equity and Innovations Grant Program. This year, the grant, titled Empowering Students Through Outdoor Adventure: A Partnership with Ripple Effect, made it possible for all students in these grades to participate in a high ropes course challenge led by Ripple Effect, a nonprofit organization dedicated to outdoor education.

Custeau shared the following information about the challenge:

“The experience offered each student the chance to test themselves in a safe, supportive environment, where they could challenge their physical and mental boundaries. The climbing wall, the centerpiece of this adventure, provided an exciting and accessible way for third- and fourth-grade students to begin their journey. These young climbers worked together, cheering each other on, and celebrated their success as they scaled the wall, overcoming fears and building resilience.

For our fifth-grade students, the challenge was taken to greater heights as they faced the Cat Walk, Multi Vine, and Balance Log elements of the high ropes course. These obstacles required focus, balance, and a willingness to step out of their comfort zones. Whether balancing across a narrow log suspended high above the ground or working through a series of challenging rope elements, students were supported by their peers, teachers, and the experienced staff from Ripple Effect.

The Ripple Effect program emphasizes the importance of facing challenges in a supportive environment, where it’s okay to feel nervous, but where the encouragement of friends and mentors can make all the difference. These activities are more than just fun, they are designed to help students develop critical life skills such as resilience, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-confidence. By stepping out of their comfort zones, our students learned that they are capable of more than they often realize, and that it’s okay to ask for help when things get tough.

We are incredibly grateful to the FPPS Equity and Innovations Grant Program for funding this opportunity. This grant has allowed Rowe Elementary to provide our students with an experience that will stay with them for years to come. It’s through support like this that we can offer our students meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow both inside and outside the classroom.

Thank you to FPPS for making this transformative experience possible, and to Ripple Effect for helping our students discover their own potential in such an impactful way!”