The challenge is now official.
The R.F. Staples Class of 1979 is challenging all other alumni classes from the school to help fundraise for a project that will benefit current and future students alike with a wellness project they hope can be completed before the next school year starts in September 2020.
Two Class of 1979 alumni Donelle Wingrove and Kathy Kieser told those who were assembled for the school’s senior high awards ceremony Nov. 1 of the project they had envisioned as a way of giving back to their old high school — a modernization project that will help with the mental health of students as they make their way through their high school years.
“Instead of a scholarship, we thought of doing something that would create more a safe space, or a calming space for the students and it just kind of snow balled from there,” said Kieser, a now-retired teacher with more than 30 years of experience.
The planning has been underway since the group got together for their 30-year reunion earlier this year. The project, which includes the modernization of two rooms in the school, will see the creation of a “bright room” and a “calm room,” and will act as areas where students can escape between classes or on breaks, get their bearings and continue on with their day. Neither were prepared to offer a project cost, as it’s still in the early stages.
The calm room, said Kieser, is meant to be a zen-like experience, with calming lighting and comfy furniture, nooks to study in, some greenery and maybe even a fountain and small garden. The bright room, which will occupy the current student lounge will be filled with plants as it has the best lighting and is also nearby student support services.
Kieser also pointed out that whenever possible, students will actually take part in the construction of the rooms, for instance, carpentry students could very well be put to work to design and create the rooms as part of their studies.
“The students are going to be the ones building any benches, they’re going to be building the retaining walls, so the students will be taking ownership and they’re giving us ideas as to what they want in there and we hope that if it’s meaningful to them they’ll use it the way that it’s meant to be used,” said Kieser.
“It’s such a unique opportunity, because it’s staying within the Town of Westlock.”
After the Nov. 1 announcement, Kieser said they were approached by several students who are all for the project.
“A lot of the students were very receptive and there’s obviously a need out there and obviously something that is missing in many, many schools,” said Kieser.
“With this overload of media and with so many students living with trauma and anxiety, they just need a space that’s quiet and calm and a place where they feel safe and can regroup and move on to the next class.”
As someone who taught for 31 years Kieser said there is no longer a typical class of students, but she hopes projects like this one will help bring peace to all types of students.
The project plans on utilizing the talent and wares of local businesses as well and have already been in talks with a few.
One hundred per cent of all donations are going towards the project and official tax receipts will be mailed out for all donations over $25.
Those interested in donating can make cheques payable to R.F. Staples Secondary School (Atten: Carol Schlachter) with a reference to the student wellness project.
E-transfers will also be accepted via the group’s accountant at [email protected] — please reference the student wellness project.
