September 20, 2001
For Immediate Release
Contact: Holly Brooker
(845) 255-1450 xt.1301 Tim kneeled down like a surveyor and carefully adjusted the adaptive device to prevent Serena’s bowling ball from curving. Serena’s wheelchair was rolled into position, and with just a touch, the ball rolled straight down the alley. Tim was so intent on helping Serena, he forgot all about marking down his own score and at the end of the game, he discovered Serena had a higher score than he did! Was that a problem? Not at all.

Tim, a 12-year-old student from Barbara Terpening’s Management Needs class at Lenape Elementary, and his five classmates, along with four younger, multiply-disabled, medically-fragile students from Ruth Backenroth’s class at Duzine, went bowling on a reward trip for their “Service Learning Project.” A Service Learning Project provides an opportunity for students to help students. The program allows students to get involved and share with other students and, to reap the benefits of “giving” instead of “getting.”

With much excitement, students from both classes arrived at HoeBowl on the Hill in Kingston. Terpening’s students took turns helping the students in wheelchairs participate using the special device. With help, one student was even able to use the device with her walker.

When asked how they feel about helping the younger students, the older students’ faces lit up. They described how much enjoyment and satisfaction this field trip and the Service Learning Project had brought them.