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Students study math, science and space from beneath the waves

Rite of Passage students got more than their feet wet for their math and science class as they constructed models of the International Space Station underwater in the Carson City (Nevada) Aquatic Facility.

"This is one of the best experiences I've ever had in high school," senior Kody said.

The exercise was part of a month-long project to teach students the fundamental principles of math and science associated with scuba diving and how it relates to astronaut training.

"I certainly got them interested in physics, math and science," said Mike Reynolds, the project lead teacher. Reynolds said the idea was to motivate students in math and science. Teaching the students through hands-on activities helps them apply math and science to everyday life giving them "a real-world connection," he said.

The underwater experiment simulated how NASA astronauts train to acclimate themselves to a near-zero-gravity environment.

Before getting in the water, the students studied various principles for three weeks. Reynolds said each student was tested in his knowledge of math and science before scuba instruction began. Every student passed, he said.

"When I first heard of scuba diving, I never thought it had anything to do with math and science but after I got in (the pool) it just made it more fun, putting all the principles together," senior Estevan said.

Students learned about Boyle's law, Archimedes' principle, Henry's law, buoyancy, volume density and basic physics taught along with math associated with dive tables and pressure computations, Reynolds said.

During the final week, diving equipment and instruction was provided by Sierra Diving Center.

"A lot of kids today usually don't have a chance to learn scuba, and this was a way for them to try scuba either as a hobby or a potential career," said Keith Chesnut, owner of the diving center.

Reynolds said he will continue the project for future classes.

"I liked math and science before but I like it more now for sure," Kody said.

Versions of these articles appeared in:
Nevada Appeal
“Students Study Math, Science and Space from Beneath the Waves”
Geoff Dornan
January 14, 2008

Reno Gazette-Journal
“Students Learn About Space Underwater.”
Cyndi Loza
January 12, 2008

RAMs win Colorado Regional Robotics Championship

In August 2006 RVA began the planning and coordination for the March 2007 US FIRST Robotics competition, the third year of competition for the school.

The US FIRST organization represents: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. In 2007, the FIRST Robotics Competition, will reach more than 32,500 high-school students on 1,300 teams in 37 regional competitions. The FIRST Robotics Competition teams professionals and young people to solve an engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way.

Teamwork involved all aspects of the school. Volunteers Chuck Brant and Adam Bryant worked with RVA teaching and vocational staff Mr. Burchill and Mr. Gibbens to coordinate activities that involved vocational and academic programs. Students began initial planning and design early in the year and when the time came to build the RVA "RAMBOT", they were prepared!

The process requires that all teams have six weeks to design and build a robot that competes against other teams in performing competition routines. One of the terrific aspects of the FIRST competition is the emphasis on teamwork and mentoring. This year RVA was able to mentor Abraham Lincoln High School, a DPS high school whose team made a strong showing into the quarter finals of the three day competition.

The RVA Robotics teams consisted of eight student athletes plus 2 Media Production students, who represent core academics and vocational programs. The team represented itself by wearing tuxedo shirts, bowties and black pants, they were the best dressed team in the competition! Throughout the entire three day event all participants including FIRST staff, adult mentors, and even their own peers on other teams repeatedly remarked on the helpful professional demeanor of the RVA students. Over the course of the competition the RVA team demonstrated teamwork, and collegiality with other teams. As the RVA team progressed through the quarter finals into the semi-finals there was a clear indication that the Red Alliance -- the RVA team along with Mont Clair High School from New Jersey and Arvada High School was the team to beat. The winner was determined in the final round of the best two out of three Championship match, after a disatrous ROBOT breakdown in the first match. As the final round drew to a close, RVA and the two other schools were the Colorado Regional Champions. In addition to winning the regional competition, the RVA team was awarded the Underwriters Lab Industrial Safety Award and the Johnson and Johnson Sportsmanship Award , and was a close second in the Chairman's Award, the highest award given for representing the FIRST community by demonstrating the core values and engaging community involvement to raise awareness of the power in a Science and Technology education and career.

Ridge View Robotics team 1583 will travel to Atlanta , Georgia along with team #159 - Poudre High School; Team #1636 - Arvada High School; Team #1826 - Faith Christian High School; and Team #2083 - Blitz Home School/Conifer High School to compete in the US FIRST Robotics World Championship to be held April 12 through the 15th.

Nevada Appeal

Home-building program also builds lives

by Karel C. Ancona-Henry
Appeal Staff Writer
March 16, 2007

BRAD HORN/Nevada Appeal Brian, of Las Vegas, cleans up after working on a home near Pine Cone Road in Dayton. Brian, a student of Rite of Passage, is learning how to build homes as part of a vocational training class at the school.

DAYTON - What began as a community service project nine years ago has since evolved into vocational

training for at-risk boys in Rite of Passage Inc. to learn the construction trade.

As part of the partnership the boys work with Citizens for Affordable Homes, which builds homes for low-income families.

"They help create something tangible," said Pete Clover, one of the coaches who initiated the program in 1997, along with CAHI self-help housing director Tom Finch and others. "Where there was once a field of dirt, there's now a house. This is a big self-esteem and confidence builder; they see what they can accomplish if they just stick with it. It's pretty cool."

Many, he added, have gone on to lead their own crews within a couple years of completing their training. And with construction trades wide open, have plenty of opportunity to use what they learn.

"It's a great marriage, where these kids get hands-on training and when situations come up on the job site, they are discussed and used as a learning tool," ROP program director Bob Westphal said. "The boys know what's expected of them and ask the questions and get solid input and direction from Tim (Stenger)."

Stenger is construction manager for CAHI, and in addition to overseeing field work, conducts actual classroom time for his students, teaching them not only the physical part of what they do, but also the language of construction.

About 110 kids have gone through the program.

"The intent of the ROP construction class is to take these boys from start to finish in the construction of a home," Finch said.

BRAD HORN/Nevada Appeal Coach Dan Ashapa, from left, Lorenzo, Brian, Robert, Robert and Terrance are working on homes in the Dayton area as part of vocational training for credit at Rite of Passage.

The program also teaches the value of community service while giving them practical skills.

"They take a lot of pride in (their work)," Clover said. "When their parents come for an off-site visit, many of the boys will take them to see the houses and show them what they've been up to.

While several students in the current group prefer welding, they all see value in having other skills to fall back on.

"This has given me experience that I'll probably use," Robert, 17, of Indiana said.

For Brian, 18, of Las Vegas, being part of the program has made him see greater possibility for his future.

"I think I'd like to start my own business one day," he said. "We built a (handicap) ramp for a lady. It felt good, and that was a new feeling for me."

The road to self-discovery for Terrance, 17, of Salt Lake City, is sometimes taken one minute at a time.

"They say idle hands are the devil's playground, and it's true," he said. "I used to get in a lot of trouble."

Terrance said he may go into construction, but has also considered being a lawyer.

"When these kids are being acknowledged for something positive they've done, and not the negative, they start to get hungry for it," Clover said. "Typically, though not always, positive transformation occurs."

And it's not just the kids who are learning.

"I was on my own at 16 and was taken under the arms of (many) older men and learned a trade that's done me good," Stenger said. "I want to give back what was given to me and, if I had it to do over, I would go to school to be a vocational tech teacher.

"(The boys) have taught me how much I enjoy teaching, and seeing them in their achievements, graduating from the program is totally gratifying. I love working with the kids." .

Unlikely Champions: ROP Rams Win First State Football Championship

The Rite of Passage Rams have accomplished what no other ROP football team in the history of Silver State Academy has been able to do- win the Nevada 2A State Championship Title. It was not a victory handed to them. The 2006 football pre-season started unlike most high school football teams. At Silver State Academy the students not only had to get in physical condition, they had to learn how to play football.

The Rams started the season with a loss to Incline Village. Running back Langilangi H. explained that at the beginning of the season the players were in constant disagreement. The players had mastered the basics of throwing, catching and blocking but they still needed to learn to play as a team. “As time went on, they found they had more in common than differences and started to pull it together,” according to Coach Willie Taylor.

The Rams came back strong and finished with a season record of 9-3. They advanced to the playoffs as the fourth and final seed with a 21-18 win over second seeded Yerington in the regular season finale. After winning their final regular season game they faced Battle Mountain, the #1 ranked team in Nevada. After a stunning victory, the Rams went on to beat Needles High.

On Saturday night the Rams faced the two-time Nevada State Champions, the Lincoln County High Lynx. The Rite of Passage Rams looked like a 4A team on the field in terms of size and strength. “It was kind of surreal for our kids. We have never played against that kind of physicality before,” Lincoln Coach Rich Ottley said. The Lynx played like a veteran football team, scoring first and coming from behind to tie the game 27-27 in the third quarter. However, this was to be the Rams season of grace. The Rams regrouped, rushed, blocked, and blitzed the Lynx to a 40-27 victory.

“The coaches and players at Silver State Academy should be proud of how they handled themselves during the game and after. They played hard and came a long way from the beginning of the season,” said Chris Ellison, Director of Student Services, after the game.

When the clock ran out the team sang “Happy Birthday” to their head Coach Willie Taylor. Undoubtedly one of the best presents he ever received! The Rams walked off the field as State Champions… a title and an experience they will be proud of for the rest of their lives.

Audio rebroadcasts of the championship game are available at www.silverstateacademy.com.

No joke: President honors priest with service award

Lifetime achievement pin recognizes youth work at Queen Creek, Canyon State
Lisa Nicita
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 9, 2005 12:00 AM
The Rev. William Mitchell didn't believe the White House was on the other end of his phone.

Mitchell even considered responding with a joke of his own and telling the caller that she had reached the Vatican.

It finally started to sink in after the White House called back five more times. It needed to arrange a meeting with President Bush, who wanted to personally give Mitchell the President's Call to Service Award during his visit to Phoenix on Nov. 28.

"It was a shock," Mitchell said.

Mitchell, 82, isn't sure yet where he'll keep the shiny, round pin that Bush gave him during a private moment beside Air Force One. The pin represents the lifetime achievement award, given to those who have provided more than 4,000 hours of service during their lives. The award is part of the President's Volunteer Service Award program.

Mitchell spends about 30 hours a week in Queen Creek working with troubled teens who enter Project Challenge, a National Guard-sponsored school, and Canyon State Academy, a court-ordered school. He's been offering guidance at Canyon State for more than two decades, and began with Project Challenge about 11 years ago.

Don Smith, operations manager at Project Challenge, said Mitchell has a way with the kids, many of whom are battling drug and alcohol problems, dealing with domestic problems or contemplating gang involvement.

"He is one of the most wonderful men I've ever met," Smith said.

Mitchell said he thought about quitting a few years back, worried about the age difference between himself and the kids he was trying to reach, and wanting to enjoy retirement with plans he had made.

A program administrator helped change his mind when he told Mitchell that the kids thought he was cool.

"I'm very elated to be able to have this opportunity to be with them. Some people say it's a gift," he said. "I just figured it's a call from God."

Mitchell, the founding pastor of Holy Cross Church in Mesa, organizes all religious services for students of any denomination who want to attend. He offers advice to kids, if they ask for it. He rides along with students when they have to go to the hospital.

Mitchell said he enjoys working with troubled teens. He said they are often tough to reach, but exhibit a dramatic change when they complete the programs they enter. When they graduate, some kids come back and visit and others write him letters to keep him updated on their progress.

"At first, some of them look at me and they don't know what to make of me," he said. "Some of them, when they're going to leave, come in and see me, and they just want to, as the kids say, chill out in my office."

From Gangs to Grads

Last spring, there was concern that 2007 might bring another "summer of violence." It might not have been precisely the "summer of peace" officials were striving for, but neither was it the fearful season that got everyone so agitated 14 years ago.

The legislature had a special session at the end of that summer of 1993 to address the problem of out-of-control teenagers targeting innocent strangers for random shootings, robberies and other mayhem. The lawmakers toughened prosecution of youthful offenders and began addressing the need for more detention facilities.

To Jerry Adamek, former director of Colorado's Division of Youth Corrections, Ridge View Academy is "the best thing that came out of the summer of violence."

It sounds like it might be a prep school, judging from its name and its grassy new campus. Its athletes do well in high school sports, and a team from Ridge View won Colorado's high school robotics challenge last April. But Ridge View is not a prep school. It's a juvenile correction facility. It's also known as the Ridge View Youth Services Center. It's way out east, on the far side of the Arapahoe County landfill.

After the 1993 special session, the emphasis on dealing with juvenile offenders switched from rehabilitation to punishment. But Ridge View, which opened in July 2001, is an exception. The rest of Colorado's youth corrections facilities are more like lockups. Teens who are lucky enough to be sent to Ridge View earn high school diplomas and GEDs, with a curriculum from the Denver Public Schools.

The students seem better behaved than at a regular high school. Probably it's because there are about three staff members for every four kids. Ridge View is a public-private partnership between Youth Services and Rite of Passage (ROP), which runs juvenile facilities in four Western states. It cost $51 million to build and has room for 500 boys.

Adamek, who retired from the state in 1998 and is now with ROP, says it costs $140 a day to keep an offender at Ridge View, some $35 to $60 less than at other youth corrections facilities. But then, Ridge View doesn't take the real hard cases. It won't accept anyone convicted of a sex crime or who has severe mental problems.

Adamek says it takes 14 to 16 months to turn an offender around, to get him to renounce his gang, get an education and leave with a job or college waiting for him.

Other juvenile correction facilities have 16-foot security fences around them. Beyond a gate guarding the entry road, Ridge View has only a 5-foot barbed wire fence "to keep the cows out," Moe said.

Ridge View has a dress code, and a system of rewards and privileges for kids who do well. Those in the top of the four tiers wear ties and letter jackets, which they get to keep when they leave. And Ridge View maintains a well-stocked, un-vandalized library.

Everyone I met on a brief tour was respectful and seemed relieved to be away from gang pressure. And hopeful, too. "High expectations make a difference," said Scott Nuanes, assistant principal.

When building started at Ridge View in 1999, all of the peaks on the ridgeline of the Front Range were visible from the campus. Thus the name. Since then, the ballooning Arapahoe County landfill has blocked much of that vista. The view may not be what it was, but the optimism is still high. Fred Brown ( ), retired Capitol Bureau chief for The Denver Post, is also a political analyst for 9News.

Volunteer of the Year

As part of Rite of Passage's strategic vision, its academies encourage students, staff and alumni to view service to the community as part of their social responsibility. This year, Canyon State Academy fulfilled its commitment and was honored by the Grand Canyon State Games (GCSG) for their volunteer efforts.

The Grand Canyon State Games is a year-round, multi-sport Olympic Festival for Arizona amateur athletes. In order to provide a multitude of venues to over 38,000 Arizonans each year, partnerships for volunteerism is critical. Canyon State has been incredibly active in supporting events spanning from the Winter and Summer Games to the Valley of the Sun Marathon. GCSG Executive Director, Erik Widmark described the students and staff at CSA as, "courteous, professional, and extremely efficient." In recognition of their contributions, Canyon State Academy and St. Paul Academy of Phoenix were awarded the 2007 Co-Volunteer of the Year.

Canyon State Named Contractor of the Year

Earlier this year at the Herberger Theatre in downtown Phoenix, Canyon State Academy (CSA) was recognized by the State of Arizona, Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) as the 2005 Outstanding Contractor of the Year.  ADJC Director, Michael Branham and Deputy Director, Diane Gadow presented the award, in addition to several others, in this year's Honor Ceremony to recognize state employees, contractors and volunteers who have demonstrated excellence in accomplishing the shared goals and mission of the ADJC.  Over one thousand were in attendance, or involved in the impressive ceremony including Governor Janet Napolitano; former Arizona House Minority Leader, Art Hamilton; Arizona Superior Court Judge, Helene Abrams; and Phoenix Police Director, Gerald Richards.

Canyon State was selected to be honored for the award as a result of its commitment to providing quality programming for Arizona youth by utilizing value-based, restorative justice practices that promote the concept of community service through giving back in order to restore what has been damaged.  In the past year, CSA and its student-athletes have demonstrated that they will meet the challenges and needs of their communities by partnering with the ADJC in a variety of worthy causes.  A few of the many volunteer projects included over 1200 hours to help facilitate a major Special Olympics event at Arizona State University; providing project support for a Victim Awareness Symposium at the State Capitol; and coordinating and hosting a charitable basketball tournament fund raiser for the Arizona State Employees Charitable Campaign (SECC).

Representatives of the CSA student body and management team attended the Honor Ceremony to receive the prestigious award.  ADJC Program and Projects Specialist, Vernon Waite, who was also honored for Outstanding and Dedicated Service, shared his feelings about the work Canyon State is doing with Arizona boys.  "I think Canyon State Academy is doing a great job with our kids.  They have proven they are one of our partners in progress in helping to change the lives of young people."  Although staff at the academy are excited about the award and the recognition is greatly appreciated, CSA realizes that continued hard work, along with a desire to get even better every day, is the recipe to successfully reaching more children, more effectively and having the most positive impact in the communities that Rite of Passage serves.

ROP Students Meet Nevada's First Lady

Rite of Passage students and staff and Nevada's First Lady were among more than 125 judges, dignitaries, court professionals, staff and friends celebrated NCJFCJ's 70th anniversary on May 22, 2007 at Council headquarters in Reno.

NCJFC - or the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges - is based on the University of Nevada, Reno campus and pursues a mission to improve courts and systems practice and raise awareness of the core issues that touch the lives of many of our nation's children and families. Among those providing congratulatory messages to the participants was Nevada's First Lady, Dawn Gibbons, who spoke of the need for continuing efforts to help children and families involved in the court system.

Refreshments were prepared and served by student-athletes of Rite of Passage's Silver State Academy. Impressed by the students and the program, Ms. Gibbons invited the culinary department to cook at the Governor's mansion at future events.

Rite of Passage Rams Win State Championship

The Rite of Passage RAMS capped off a record-setting year by winning the Nevada AA State Track and Field championships at Del Sol High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. The hard-running Rams, led by a strong cast of sprinters, throwers, and jumpers, overwhelmed runner-up White Pine High School by 75 points, 204-129.

Student Athlete Demondre W. led the way, winning the 100M, the 200M, and anchoring the 4x100 Relay and the 4x200 Relay in State Record-setting performances. The Rams also won each of the other two relays, the 4X400, and the 4X800. Other Ram winners were Josh C. in the High Jump, Darnell W. in the 110 Hurdles, and Langilangi H. in the Discus. The Rams placed in every event but one in an overwhelming show of strength.

Head Coach David Smith commented that the team had worked hard all year while learning the value of sportsmanship, hard work and sacrifice. He mentioned how proud he was to have been associated with such a fine group of young men, commenting further, how hard his assistant coaches had worked all year. Staff included Jessica Marible, Throwing Coach, and Rob Edwards, Pole Vault and Jump Coach.

Silver State Academy Rams Win the NIAA's Top Award

The Silver State Academy Rams have won for the first time ever the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association's Award of Excellence in Academics, Athletics and Citizenship for the 2006-2007 year.

The NIAA started this award in 2001 and considers it to be its most prestigious award based not just in athletics but sportsmanship, and the academic contributions of all the students in the school. The winning school in each classification is presented with a championship banner and a commemorative trophy.

This award combines successes in the athletic arena, academics and sportsmanship and recognizes high achievement. The scoring system awards points equally in each of the three major categories in high school activities - academics, athletics and sportsmanship. Points were deducted for ejections and unsportsmanlike conduct. ROP has increased it's ranking every year since 2001 to win the award for 2006-07.

The NIAA officials said 1st and 2nd place were almost tied. What separated Silver State Academy from other schools was having zero game ejections or penalties for student or coach misconduct the entire year. Silver State Academy captured its first Award title on the heels of a consistent three-season run and exemplary citizenship program. Silver State Rams tallied 1,895 points (360 fall, 280 winter, 400 spring, 855 sportsmanship and no ejection deduction) to outdistance Battle Mountain by 125 points. Personnel and student athletes can all take pride in their contribution toward winning this on the field and in the classroom.

The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association is the private, non-profit governing body of high school activities and athletics in the Silver State. It was formed in 1922 under the name Nevada Interscholastic League (NIL) and became affiliated with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in1939. The NIL became the NIAA in 1967. School administrators established the League to develop and enforce high school athletic standards which would compliment the academic work of student's. Under the standards Nevada athlete's can engage in competition under uniform eligibility regulations.