Rocky Mountain Power Foundation Supports Elementary Students to “Live Above the Line”!

The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation has awarded a $1,000 grant to the Lander Valley Education Foundation (LVEF) to help support the Living Above the Line problem-solving program in the elementary schools.
“We are very thankful and honored to be supported again by the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation,” said Lisa Joynes, Executive Director of the Lander Valley Education Foundation. “The grant provides counselors with new tools to use in facilitating activities in each classroom that will engage students in proper social behaviors.”
Living Above the Line is an innovative program working in conjunction with the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program used in all schools in the District. Funds from the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation grant helped purchase problem-solving activities counselors can use in groups and with individual students.
“We are pleased to be able to support the Lander Valley Youth Development and Education Foundation through this grant funded by our charitable arm, the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation,” said Larry Elcock, Rocky Mountain Power customer and community manager.
Sue Lee, social worker at Gannett Peak Elementary, explains the PBIS Living Above the Line concept is a visual reminder in the school to help students decide if they are following the behaviors expected while they are at school. Examples of expected behaviors appear above a blue line throughout the building.
“When we encounter a student who is struggling with their conduct, we ask if they are living the behaviors listed above the line. If not, we help the student evaluate the change they need to make to reach a behavior that is above the line. The goal is to help students learn not only to be productive and responsible citizens, but also cooperative problem solvers.”
Lee went on to explain that working together is a learned skill that needs to be encouraged. Children who learn cooperative problem solving rather than the need for power and control are able to build more meaningful relationships.
“Traditional curricula rely heavily on lecture and video presentations,” Lee said. “Students learn better by participating in activities where all in the group are involved in making decisions and these new tools will facilitate this learning.”