Page 42 - MAR PROOF 5 2019 - The Castle Pines Connection

42 CastlePinesConnection.com
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy DCS Montessori
If you have ever spent a day at Earth Treks Climbing Center, you will agree that a climbing gym is the perfect place to build a team and push yourself beyond your normal limits. Every week, DCS Montessori middle school students participate in a class that allows them the opportunity to act, create and explore (ACE). Fourteen ACE students strengthened their ties and bonded, while testing their strength and abilities during a half-day eld trip to Earth Treks
in Englewood. Earth Treks’ state-of-the-art climbing gym was one way to challenge these students.
These seventh- and eighth-grade students showed no fear as they mastered independent climbing on the introduction walls. First-time climbers, the students progressed to more di cult climbs
with technical and vertical challenges categorized as 5.10 and higher. After setting personal goals, the trekkers tested their abilities with three-legged climbing, blindfolded climbing and speed climbing. While some of the students set goals to climb, more technical other students sought more di cult techniques.
Earth Treks, along with middle school director Miguel Gonzalez instructed the ACE class. “Climbing was an excellent way for the students to reach beyond their comfort; they realized their strengths and worked on their weaknesses as individuals, while participating as teammates,”
stated Gonzales. “Earth Treks was the perfect place to allow student climbers to be challenged in a safe and supportive environment.”
At the end of the day, these brave students were all up to the challenge to lead and support each other personally and in
a team environment. These amazing students displayed compassion, unity, achievement, respect and success. Way to go COUGARS!
Nothing could stop DCS Montessori students Sarah Loftis and Kate Fehr (CP) as they made their way to the top of the trek climbing wall.
Climbing mountains and building strength
DCS Montessori ACE students tested their strengths with fellow students supporting every move.
Riding to stay t
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy DCS Montessori
DCS Montessori riding to every beat during their PE cycle class at Cyclebar Castle Pines.
The DCS Montessori seventh- and eighth-grade students had a choice when it came to picking an activity for physical education (PE). Indoor cycling won fair and square over oor hockey. As part of their PE curriculum, the students selected to take indoor cycle classes at CycleBar Castle Pines every Monday and Wednesday for six weeks.
Hydrated with water and fueled with a light snack, the students and the middle school sta members participated in 12 beginner classic cycling sessions. This classic style ride had something for everyone, including a mix of strength, endurance, spinning challenges, hills and drills. Dressed in tness attire, the class rode in unison in private classes for 50 minutes during their regular scheduled PE class.
Indoor cycling has a multitude of health bene ts. Along with burning calories and building endurance, a person is able to improve their cardiac endurance for a healthy heart while going at their own pace and being a part of a community that feels like a team. DCS middle school science teacher Nicole Gassman expressed, “It was a great experience for students to attend Cycle Bar classes.” In addition, many community members mentioned to Gassman it was great to see students out in the community participating in rigorous exercise. Gassman added, “This opportunity was a positive experience for everyone.”
Montessori philosophy is about freedom of choice, and throughout the school year, students were provided di erent activities to engage them in di erent environments. These middle school students will have their choice of dance (provided by Starstruck Academy of Dance) or kickball for their next six weeks of PE classes. Which would you choose?