(Sourced for AZEDNEWS.com, August 19, 2014)
Breaking down barriers and establishing community ties to provide students with authentic rich learning experiences is one goal of the new courses offered at Walden Grove High School.
Last year the high school in Sahuarita Unified School District began offering a new option for English IV to seniors. The response was so overwhelming that they are offering two new sections in English this year for sophomores and juniors.
The new English III class, offered to juniors, focuses on literature about America’s military conflicts.
Krista and Jeremy Gypton approached the Green Valley Military Officers Association of America and American Legion Post 109 to ask for involvement with the class.
The members of these groups saw an opportunity to make a difference and decided to help out. They purchased 240 books for the class and offered to commit to being part of a year-long biography project.
Lt. Colonel John McGee USMC, Major Steve Abel USAF, and Vice Mayor for Town of Sahuarita Bill Bracco delivered the books to the students on Tuesday, August 12, 2014.
“I think that anytime that we can break down the walls between the community and our classrooms it’s a good thing,” said teacher Krista Gypton. “I love that the organizations were willing to invest in our students. The more real connections, real audiences, and real conversations we provide the kids to see that education matters beyond a test score, we all win.”