Life Enrichment Education Program students enjoyed four mornings of bowling this year thanks to the generosity of the Milwaukie-Portland Elks. The Elks donated use of the eight-lane bowling alley at their lodge in Milwaukie this February and March to students in the Gladstone High School, Clackamas High School and Clackamas Post-High LEEP programs.
The partnership was born from a phone call from Clackamas Education Service District Adaptive Physical Education Teacher Karen Morley.
“After the closure of several local bowling alleys, I was researching nearby lanes to bring the students to,” explains Morley. “I learned the Elks Lodge had a facility, so I called to inquire about reserving some lanes and was pleasantly surprised they invited us to use the lanes for free!”
The Elks Lodge’s lanes are typically only open to Elks members, but their board was excited to welcome the LEEP students. The Elks are always looking for ways to give back to the community and recognized the opportunity to bring joy to these students’ worlds. The students’ energy and enthusiasm were a treat for the Elks members, too.
The LEEP program supports students experiencing complex disabilities and communication needs. In addition to offering academic, social-emotional and communication curriculum and instruction, LEEP works with their students to build life skills, improving their decision making, self-advocacy, independence and access to a full life.
One way the program builds life skills is through participation in different activities in the community. From hiking local trails to shopping at the grocery store, exposing the students to new experiences is an important — and fun — part of LEEP’s curriculum.
The field trips don’t just benefit LEEP’s students. They are an opportunity for teachers and educational assistants to get away from the demands of the classroom and have fun with their students and colleagues. These moments help build their resilience and sense of community and remind them of the positive impact they have on their students’ lives outside of school.
“It is important for all our communities to be represented and to be seen,” adds LEEP Transition Teacher Richard Lee. “It gives us a chance to create relationships and build on those relationships.”
LEEP students and staff are thankful for the Elks’ warm welcome to their private lanes and their new friends at the Elks Lodge. In gratitude, the LEEP program gifted the Elks a bowling pin signed by students and staff at the end of their last session before spring break.
