Photos: Overcoming fear at Farnsworth Middle School
Ella Tuxbury, a sixth-grader at Farnsworth Middle School, pushes through nerves to climb to and jump off a high platform. Her safety harness and belay rope controlled by a teacher make it a “safe, calculated risk” said Guilderland’s athletic director, Regan Johnson, who explained that activities in Adventure Education are designed to help students learn to trust others and overcome their fears. Ella is the daughter of children’s book author and Farnsworth Middle School English teacher Larry Tuxbury.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Starting out: Ella Tuxbury looks tentative as she begins to climb the ladder — which is anchored to the wall — that will take her up to a platform high off the gym floor. His teachers encourage students who are afraid of heights to go as high up as they feel they can, and then go one step further, said Regan Johnson, Guilderland’s athletic director.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Maneuvering: Ella Tuxbury must now step off the ladder and onto a small platform high above the ground. Teacher Frank Cacckello watches from below, while holding the rope that would keep from her from falling if she were to slip.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Looking down: Hand against the wall, Ella Tuxbury seems to hesitate for a moment.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Letting go: Ella Tuxbury jumps, and, thanks to the belay rope held by a teacher below, starts a smooth descent.