WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP IMPROVEMENT SKILLS PROGRAM

LEADERS IN EDUCATION

LEADERS IN THE COMMUNITY

TEACHERS   TEENS   PARENTS

 

what leaders in education are saying about the         RELATIONSHIP IMPROVEMENT SKILLS PROGRAM

I feel the need to share the wonderful work that Peggy Amidon has done and continues to do with our school district. Peggy and her program have had a profound effect on our students ranging from elementary school right on up through grade 12….Peggy began her work with our students in grades 3-5, teaching them respect and responsibility through specific behaviors….All children in Middle Township Elementary #2 were able to articulate and emulate the behaviors. That particular school has since been recognized as a New Jersey Star School, based in part on their strong character education program of which Peggy and RISk are integral elements….

In summary, Peggy Amidon and the RISk program have essentially become part of our school district as well as our community. The behaviors that are targeted in the program are essential to students, teachers, parents, and counselors.

          Karen Buesing, Assistant Superintendent, Middle Township Public Schools, Cape May Court House, NJ

The Relationship Improvement Skills (R-I-Sk) inservice course that you have been offering at the Intermediate Unit for the past several years has always been well received by the participants who have completed the course. The course evaluations reflect a very high degree of satisfaction with the course and the instructor(s) ….Although the primary audience at the Intermediate Unit is teachers, anyone can benefit from the course.         Eugene Mateff, Ed.D., Director of Curriculum and Instructional Services,  Colonial Northampton Intermediate Unit 20  

R.I.Sk is a unique program that is years ahead of conventional efforts....R.I.Sk is the promise of a future where people of all races, all genders, all ages and all beliefs can come together to grow.  Truthfully, is there any more important thing for education to do?

Sidney B. Simon, Prof. Emeritus, U. Mass. Author of Values Clarification

Every so often I discover an exciting and innovative program that addresses an unfilled educational need....R.I.Sk...actually transcends traditional educational offerings and goes to the heart of interpersonal conflicts that adversely affect the lives of so many young people today.

Michael P. Marcase, Former Superintendent of the Philadelphia Schools, and Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, College of  Education, Temple University

Every teacher or counselor who works with students should take a "R.I.Sk."  Relationship Improvement Skills is a course that can help students make positive changes in behavior.

Florence Miller, Former President, PA School Counselors Assoc.

I am impressed with both the content of the program and the potential it has to improve interpersonal skills. {R.I.Sk] focuses on developing communication skills by understanding the differences between facts, opinions, and feelings.  The sensitivity toward others which is developed in this approach is important for solving problems and developing positive relationships....The program could be used effectively with all students...[and] could be an especially valuable component of a student leadership program.  Effective leadership involves sensitivity toward others, good interpersonal skills and an ability to bring people together to solve common problems.  All these skills are addressed in the R.I.Sk program.

George Anderson, Former Principal,  Emmaus High School

Outstanding workshops for students, parents and educators.....An excellent way of developing affective behavior with teens and adults.

  Edward E. Roth, Former Principal, Kernsville Elementary School

The awareness and skills R.I.Sk develops are important tools for future educators and would help anyone to become a more effective communicator and a more skillful leader in our increasingly diverse society...There is no doubt in my mind that this program is important to young people, and will enable them to develop fuller, richer, and more meaningful lives.

 Clarence J. Jones, Chair, Dept. of Ed., Cedar Crest College

 what community leaders are saying about

the RELATIONSHIP IMPROVEMENT SKILLS program

The success of the Leadership Conference was a direct result of [RISk's] participation….Your program was excellent and the time was too short.  

Jean F. Billig, Program Coord.  L. V. Business/Education Partnership

Thank you so much for offering your workshop at our 5^th annual Leadership Conference. Please find enclosed, copies of the student evaluations. As you can see, evaluations are very positive….Your direction, your concerns about relationships, your participation in our conference are all valuable, needed and much appreciated.

        Ann Kaufher, Program Coordinator, School Works!

Lucent employees who received Relationship Improvement Skills training responded very positively to both the instructor and the course content. In their evaluations, all participants reported that the course met their expectations and said they would recommend it to others.

               Kerry L. Davison, Lucent Technologies

A very exciting and innovative program that needs to be implemented ...[in]...youth organizations in the Lehigh Valley.

Marie A. Magyar, Dir. of  Unit Operations, Boys & Girls Club of Allentown

I am so pleased to have had an opportunity to experience [the] R.I.Sk program.  I was already favorably impressed just from the description of the program provided by [my daughter].  The experience lived up to my expectations.  Programs, such as [R.I.Sk], which encourage young people to be introspective and to communicate their thoughts are so needed.  Too often we talk or teach at young people, which is not particularly effective if we want to facilitate changing their behavior which requires engaging them.

                         Phyllis Alexander, Human Relations Consultant

This program is appealing to adolescents and may help the drop-out dilemma by making school a positive, supportive experience for at-R.I.Sk teenagers.

Vaughn Shappell, Dir. of Ed. Services, Kids Peace 

Today, many young people grow up lonely and anxious, due to their lack of basic social skills and the inability to form healthy and enduring relationships.  The lack of ability to relate effectively becomes a circular problem, further depleting their low or non-existent self esteem, and preventing them from embracing social or vocational challenges....[R.I.Sk] decisively and specifically addresses these issues and offers a forum for young people to learn how to effectively relate, using the power of group dynamics and positive peer pressure.  R.I.Sk seminars develop awareness and acceptance of self and others and train young people in skills needed to live peacefully and productively with themselves and their society.

    Judith Pool, Ph.D., N.C.C., Licensed Psychologist,

In their event evaluations, both the girls and chaperones consistently rated [the R.I.Sk] workshop...the highest on our scale!  You were able to reach some young women who sometimes are not as open and accepting as we would hope.

 Karol A. DiPasquale, Prog. Spec., G. V. Girl Scout Council

The YWCA supports R.I.Sk's goals for improving the ways teenagers relate to themselves, their peers, their families, their schools and their community.  R.I.Sk's program gives adolescents a very powerful group-centered learning experience not available in their schools.

      Melissa Lee, Former Ex. Dir., YWCA of Allentown

what teachers are saying about the RELATIONSHIP IMPROVEMENT SKILLS program

I...would like to express my gratitude for having learned life-changing skills I may now share with my fourth grade students. 

                Mary M. Knockaert, Easton School District

The R.I.Sk Program has been the strongest positive motivation I have had since graduation. 

     Timothy R. Glick, Art Specialist/Educator, CNIU-20

Truly a remarkable experience.  The world would be a much better place if everyone...could take this eye-opening class....I hope someday soon this course becomes a required element of every school curriculum.      

                Denise L. Reinbold, Allentown School District

I have taken a variety of enrichment classes.  The R.I.Sk course has really impressed me.

                 Barry J. Hess, Pocono Mt. School District

An excellent presentation. I found it very enlightening.

             Kristina W. Warner, CLIU-21

Through R.I.Sk I have become more aware of myself and my feelings.  It has truly...developed me into a finer person.

  Randy S. Remaley, Allentown School District

A superior presentation...without a doubt, one of the most valuable and informative inservices to me not only as an educator but also on a personal level....With the problems of today's society and an increase in dysfunctional families this course should become a priority in every school.  With this course in the schools for students, teachers, and parents, the positive outcomes would be immeasurable.

      Cheryl L. Endy, Middle Smithfield Elem'y, East Stroudsburg

An outstanding educational program which I strongly support and recommend.

Joseph P. Tuturice III, Substitute Teacher, Lehigh Valley

It's crucial for today's society!            

                                 Kathleen Monahan, CLIU-21

I knew the R.I.Sk course would be helpful in my classroom as well as in my personal life....I see and hear my peers in a whole different light.  (My students also have noticed a change in me.)                                         

                 Kenn Langston, Allentown School District

Fun, informative, and "not-threatening."

                                Anita G. Evelyn, CLIU-21

One of the most enjoyable and personally rewarding courses in the 24 credits I have attained.  It helped me grow as a person as well as an educator.  Each day I felt renewed as I left class, and looked forward to the next day's activities.  It had a positive effect on all facets of my life.

      Tina M. Thornton, Clearview Elem'y, East Stroudsburg

An excellent program that has given me an awareness of the communication skills needed to better understand my students....I...would highly recommend it to my colleagues.

Tim Hurd, Shoemaker Elem'y, East Penn School District

As a teacher.., a mother of 3 children, a wife, and a member of a social vertebrate species, I have found the information and ideals of [R.I.Sk] to be invaluable....R.I.Sk behaviors and goals are the missing link between academic and social objectives in cooperative learning....As an advocate for children, I feel that this program should be offered to all students.

Nora E. Perron-Jones, Salisbury Middle School, Salisbury S.D.

A tremendously valuable course!!....[R.I.Sk] validates an important factor in [Reality Therapy, Cooperative Learning, Mind and Memory Brain Research, Whole Language, Dimensions in Learning, and Conflict Resolution]:  We can control and feel good about ourselves.

  Kathleen Frey, Washington Elem'y, Allentown School District

We teach our students many different academic skills, but if they cannot get along with others they will not have happy, successful and meaningful lives.  Keep offering this worthwhile course...and hopefully more and more educators will become aware of how beneficial training in relationship skills can be for all people who work with children.

 Phyllis Miller, Lincoln Middle School, Catasauqua School District

I am very happy I took the R.I.Sk course.  I feel it will help me be a good teacher.

     Jim Kucharczuk, Mosser Elem'y, Allentown School District

I believe that the breakdown of the family structure in our country has played a large role in the lack of academic performance in many of our students today.  If we can teach our students how to communicate, the academic skills will follow.  The R.I.Sk program should be a part of every school's curriculum.                              

                                          Carol Manzi, Special Ed Teacher, NCIU-20

 The knowledge that I have acquired through R.I.Sk will be used throughout my personal and professional lives.

Shawn-Kimberly Kocher, Salisbury HS, Salisbury S.D.

By far one of the most interesting and valuable courses I have taken to date....

with the alarming reports of school violence on the increase, something needs to be done immediately....I feel that R.I.Sk could be just what is needed to promote the philosophy of working together for the good of mankind.                                                                        

Christine Magda, Middle Smithfield Elem'y, East Stroudsburg

The activities were practical and beneficial...in the classroom and in daily life.

              Carol Banko, East Penn School District,

Having R.I.Sk be part of our schools would be an investment in our future; time and money well spent.  We should consider social skill development a priority in the educational process and equip our young people with the ability to make healthy, responsible choices.  [This program] is definitely on the right track.

              Phyllis Laufer, Substitute Teacher, Lehigh Valley

The course philosophy was apparent with each activity and study program the class experienced.  This class has truly been a "help-highlight" for me.

  John A. Ferraro, Salisbury Middle School, Salisbury S. D.

This course has impacted my personal and professional life....[It made me] aware of the importance of developing good group relationships prior to problem-solving situations.  Before this class, I thought ...team-building activities were a waste of time.  [Then] I actually experienced..the development of a group, acceptance into a group, and the roles within a group.  No group can adequately function without the closeness, understanding and support of all members of the group.  [I now believe] team-building is the most valuable time spent. 

  Carol A. Klinger, Salisbury Middle School, Salisbury S. D.

I took [R.I.Sk] to fulfill requirements for a salary increase.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that this course was and will be of great value to both my personal and my professional life.

       John Kochuz, Dieruff High School, Allentown School District

I highly recommend this course for school personnel.

 Margaret E. Davies, School Nurse, East Penn S. D.

Peer referrals to the [R.I.Sk] program have been numerous.  It seems as though the students involved in R.I.Sk last year are spreading the good word!....The peer group is an incredibly powerful force in the life of a young person.  The concept of channeling this power in the positive ways R.I.Sk demonstrates is truly exciting.

 Janet C. Schnalzer, Guidance Counselor, Harrison-Morton Middle School

As  a junior high school science teacher, I have come to more fully appreciate the importance of group dynamics, both in the classroom and in the laboratory....I have gained awareness skills that will be of great benefit to me in the classroom.

                Jodi A. Wert, Northampton Jr. High School

When the course description said, "Here is a thoroughly enjoyable...introduction to group concepts and techniques," I saw 2 nights a week for 3 hours each night and came away with some reservation about how "enjoyable" this was going to be.  Those feelings were quickly dispelled...The subject is so interesting and valuable to us all and...the class [is] such fun.

              Carla Herr, CLIU-21

An innovative approach to learning in a group situation.

       Joseph E. Schwartz, Bethlehem School District

[R.I.Sk] has helped me become comfortable with discussing feelings in a large group setting, which is an integral part of our [inclusion program focusing on Skills For Adolescence]....Any adolescent...[and] everyone who works with students could benefit from the R.I.Sk Seminar.  It offers many positive ways to think about the feelings and behaviors of others.

                             Barbara Mumbauer, CLIU-21

I observe group interaction, peer pressure and student rejection and acceptance each day.  [R.I.Sk] would greatly help young people to understand themselves, their actions, and the roles they play in our society....Healthy relationships are a very important issue for our youth of today.  They need the kind of help and awareness this course offers.

Donna Debelak, Middle School Learning Support Teacher, CLIU-21                                                                                          

The skills of effective communication and leadership would be a significant asset to our diverse and challenging population.  I truly believe R.I.Sk will help our school become a community of non-violence.  I will be both willing and proud to be a part of the integration of this dynamic program.

Ann R. Sedlack, Guidance Counselor, Harrison-Morton Middle School

 what teens are saying about

the RELATIONSHIP IMPROVEMENT SHILLS program

R.I.Sk is more than a program, it's like a best friend.... It taught me that when you look at someone, you shouldn't see a race, color, or creed, you should see a regular person for who he/she is, not what he/she is....I had my own stereotypes and opinions but this program made me feel so comfortable that I spoke my mind and others spoke their minds and we realized how foolish we were to think that way.  Even after the program, I didn't change, and don't think I ever will.  I have a different perspective on everything I do.  I seriously think it should be a school required class, cause it meant that much to me.  I thank all the R.I.Sk members for their love and respect....

                                              Jerome Collins

The experiences I had in this seminar I will carry with me for the rest of my life....It helped me develop part of my personality.  Before I started going to R.I.Sk, I would center whatever conversation I was in around myself.  After going to a few sessions, I started to ask how others were doing and talk about them....The best thing about this, which makes me feel wonderful, was that my parents were able to see this change in me.  My parents have always been a wonderful support for me, and having them tell me how proud they were of me and telling me that they could see the difference in how I would talk to others really made me feel proud.

                                               Beth Rohn

The Relationship Improvement SKills program has the potential to be one of the most powerful tools in education....Dealing with others is as fundamental as basic arithmetic yet this skill is virtually ignored by educators.  I would highly recommend the R.I.Sk program, the potential for understanding is overwhelming.

                                              Wayne Batchis

I am an 18-year-old black female attending Penn State.  You cannot even imagine how strongly the knowledge of R.I.Sk has helped me...Going away to school...with the knowledge of relating, I've made many friends....I had the opportunity to [help teach] R.I.Sk at the YWCA...The kids not only understood, but related.  In the few hours that I was there I felt a great warmth, because the kids actually liked what they were doing....I played the R.I.Sk beach ball game with freshmen during college orientation, and I could see how quickly the 20 kids got together and felt like a group .  I really  would like to suggest this program for many others.  It's simply amazing how much someone can learn from it.  I learned a considerable amount that will always be with me.

                                            Lisa Collins

I like being in the R.I.Sk group--I just like it--it's really neat.

                           Christopher Boring

Through the R.I.Sk program I have been exposed to people from other schools, races, classes, etc. who I would have not met otherwise....Without your wonderful program, I would not have been able to gain this knowledge, those experiences, or met those good friends.  [With a program like this] in public as well as private schools,...kids...will more easily break down the barriers of racism, sexism, classism, and all the other -isms known to man.  Without some sort of program, I feel that nothing will ever advance....Our society will be stuck in a mood that nothing is wrong, when actually there seems to be nothing right....If everyone could have a chance to go through a program like R.I.Sk, I believe this globe of ours will be in much better hands.

                                                           Karen M. Spinney

The value of the experience was immeasurable.  I was able to meet a diverse group of people my age from different races and backgrounds....I plan on going to college in New York City, [and] I believe the exposure and awareness of R.I.Sk will prove beneficial....In many ways [belonging to a R.I.Sk group] helped me become a better listener.  Most importantly, [it] taught me how to relate to my parents, teachers, and peers.

                                 Douglas E. Roth

R.I.Sk was one of the most meaningful experiences I have had in 12 years of education.  [It] should be a part of every middle and high school curriculum--because unless we can relate to each other in healthy ways, our society and lives will continue to be plagued with interpersonal problems like divorce, drug abuse, inter-racial violence, and AIDS.  I will carry what I learned...with me for the rest of my life.  I recommend this seminar to anyone.  This is one course I strongly feel you can actually use in life, since the skills you learn you use everyday of your life, whether you realize it or not, or even if you wish to; these are invaluable skills that could make or break a person in today's society.

                                                Sheetal Sheth

 what parents are saying about the RELATIONSHIP IMPROVEMENTS SKILLS PROGRAM

As a parent, I'm very concerned about conditions that hinder our educational program.  Instructional time is so often interrupted and lost due to disrespect, both verbal and physical....This program could help all students and their families.  Parents should not accept violence, disrespect, profanity, and robbery as norms for our schools.  If we do not learn to get along, the 3 R's will not mean much.

                                                        Peggy Fuller

[My daughter] was one of the [members of the first R.I.Sk group]....She was pretty much a 'loner' and not always by choice.  I was quite surprised when she explained the idea behind this venture and not extremely supportive of one more activity in the house...However, this lonely young lady would come home beaming...Not only was she doing something she enjoyed; she was receiving something for which she had been searching for years--acceptance among peers....Thank you...for your dream, for sharing it with a group of young people who grew as they gave, and for continuing to share it with others.

                                                                                                                                                      Kay Rohn

This program and the people he met really opened up doors for [my son].  My husband and I feel [our son] gained...a lot of self-respect and he seems to be much more confident.  He has included in his curriculum for senior year Speech and Debate besides continuing on with Drama.  This is really a step ahead....We feel his involvement with R.I.Sk has restored his leadership potential.

                                                                                                                                        Marie Contakes

[R.I.Sk] did wonders for [my daughter].  [She] learn[ed] more about relating, respect, and responsibility in this world of violence, drugs, and many other situations children need to say no to...Programs like this are excellent to help our children try and change things.

                                                                                                                                    Lianna Green

R.I.Sk...has been successful....My child develop[ed] meaningful friendships at school and in outside activities as well.

                      Jane Fallstich

A great program and tool for children!  

                                                      Teresa Caine                                                                                                                                                    [My son] came home and talked about what he learned....When [he] heard it might be possible to be in the program next year to help the younger kids, he was excited.

                                                   Cynthia Madtes