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adaptive PE

Students at Pella High School have been taking part in a life-changing class for over a decade.
P.E. Teacher Bob Fessler tells KNIA/KRLS News peer helpers have been pairing off with special needs students in Adaptive P.E. during the spring. Fessler believes the course has changed the culture at Pella High for the better, with new friendships formed as a result of the program.
“In years past, our special needs students weren’t always treated the best,” he says. “But now the culture has changed so much we’ll have students go out of their way to walk across the hallway to give them a high-five or to make sure they say hi.”
He’s also had numerous students over the years change their career path to the special education field as they graduate and move to college.
Special Education Teacher Lorri Grubb says the adaptive program with special needs students has expanded to foods and art in response to increasing demand for the courses, which, in turn, as given more students a new perspective on special needs children.
“The students without disabilities–the peer students, see how much alike they all are, rather than all the differences,” she says.
Hear today’s Let’s Talk Pella for more about Adaptive P.E. and the Knights of Columbus Campaign for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, which continues through Saturday in front of HyVee, Walmart, and Fareway in Pella. Donations can be made in exchange for tootsie rolls at the major storefronts.

Excerpts from Student Experiences:
“Peer P.E., from the beginning, became a favorite class of mine and is a class that I have looked forward and still look forward to going to every single day. The students in this class are all amazing and made this class so memorable throughout the year. I am definitely going to miss a lot of the students this summer. Many of the special needs students had the ability to always make me smile or laugh. There was not a single day in class that I was not having fun.” – Katie Vander Molen, ’17
“Before the first day, I was pretty nervous. I wasn’t sure if I was the best person to be in this class. I didn’t know if I would be able to be of any help to our friends. Then, we had our first meeting, where the seniors shared some tips and advice from what they’ve learned. We talked about each of the kids that would be in our class. After that meeting, I REALLY didn’t know if I was cut out for this class. I was kind of intimidated by some of the things the older kids said; they just knew everyone so well! I also talked to my parents about it that night and they said, “Yeah, you have to be careful about what you do and say.” Needless to say, I went into day one a little uncertain. As you can imagine, though, it took 0.2 seconds for me to feel right at home. On the first day of PE, Marcus informed everyone that he thought I was “as beautiful as a honeybee in the summer,” which is kind of just what I needed. It didn’t take long at all for me to start to form relationships with these new friends. I’m still getting to know them, but it’s really rewarding and I’m loving it.” – Halle Van Vark, ’17.
“I know now that this isn’t just a class, it’s a test. A test of character, of personal boundaries, and vulnerability. I have been taught so many things through this class, things you can only learn by yourself. This test gives me a life lesson that is going to be with me for longer than life. The lesson I learned no one is above another no matter the setback they were dealt, and it is our job to make up for that set back in their life by being human. I learned a lesson in respect that I never knew existed and through the darkest times there will always be a day of sunshine. It hurts to think I won’t have this class for any longer. These kids are so blessed to be able to make a connection with these titans walking among us, they aren’t special they’re gifts to everybody walking inside and outside these walls. They are the helpers and we are the true students. I could be having the worst day and seeing the family that was created was always a relief. I have been impacted with this class on a level that I can’t fathom. Walking away from this class for the last time is one of the hardest things I have ever done. When I leave this high school a piece of me stays in the gym 5th period, or in Grubbs room every Tuesday. Thank you for my experience here. I will always love this test.” – Dylan Larson, ’16.