Independence Academy's new site at Standing Bear opens more doors

October 13, 2023

Synonyms of the word “independence” include freedom, self-reliance and self-determination.
 
Lincoln Public Schools students are adding all of those words to their vocabularies at the Independence Academy’s newest location at Standing Bear. 

The Independence Academy (IA) is a program that provides students ages 18-21 with disabilities experiences in life, social, vocational and career training along with furthering their educational experiences. 

The Independence Academy has 10 sites throughout Lincoln. The IA location at Standing Bear is the first one to offer unified music and physical education classes.

LPS has offered unified activities for students in grades 9-12 at multiple high schools across the district for many years. Standing Bear is the first location to provide unified music and P.E. activities in an Independence Academy setting.
 
Abby Figueroa said she was thrilled with the way students have thrived at school. Figueroa teaches life and job skills to IA students at Standing Bear and prepares them for the transition into adulthood.
 
“I love this site,” Figueroa said. “Everyone here has been so welcoming and kind. It just warms my heart to see how everyone wants our students to succeed. The teachers and mentors and administration have all come together to welcome our friends here. It’s been great to see that response.”
 
IA students Elvis and Kyle said they are enjoying the Standing Bear environment. The site is serving 11 students during the first quarter. Depending on their needs, students will transition to one of the other nine IA sites either after the first quarter or first semester.
 
“P.E. is fun because I like sports, and music has been good too,” Elvis said. “I really like it here.”
 
“Being around people I’ve never met before is fun,” Kyle said. “Getting to expand my voice with music and play games in P.E. has been good.”
 
IA Team Leader Alysia Smith and LPS Interim Director of Special Education Mindy Roberts said it was exciting to introduce students to new activities at Standing Bear.
 
“We don’t have this at any other site, and for those students who have a talent in music or are passionate about music, this opportunity is meaningful,” Smith said. “The same goes for P.E. Students that like being active or would like a career in sports are able to hone their skills. LPS is also passionate about wellness and getting active, so participating in unified P.E. helps meet those goals.”
 
“This is a great opportunity for students with interests in these areas to continue to learn and grow,” Roberts said. “Gaining skills in these areas will support them as they move to the next step in their journey toward independence.”
 
Smith said the Standing Bear site is benefiting students of all backgrounds. IA students interact with their peers outside of the program at school each day and form relationships with them. There are six Standing Bear students who help with the unified P.E. class.
 
“While working at this site and in the IA program, students are also gaining more social skills and confidence skills,” Smith said. “They are able to interact with their peers. They are forming friendships and learning how to advocate for their needs and wants in these different relationships. They are learning that they are able to be independent in a variety of ways. This program truly helps students flourish.”
 
Kyle, Elvis and other IA students participate in 90 minutes of academic time each day at Standing Bear. They take financial-based lessons, improve their reading abilities and learn many conversation skills.
 
Students are also gaining vocational experience. They wipe down and fold up lunch tables, clean benches and fill pop and water machines at school.
 
Figueroa said the efforts of the IA students have not gone unnoticed. Many people have expressed thankfulness to them throughout the first nine weeks of school.
 
“I’ve heard from several custodians about what our friends do every day,” Figueroa said. “They’re very grateful for the things we do. It’s really awesome to see how they support us.”
 
IA students head to unified classes after finishing their lunchroom lessons. Standing Bear freshmen Callie and Celia are part of the mentorship group helping them succeed in unified P.E. Both said they have been blessed to meet the IA students.
 
“I did it last year (at Pound Middle School), and I fell in love with the kids,” Callie said. “It’s a great opportunity to get to know them and help them. Getting to be around the kids is super cool. It makes the whole day better.”
 
“I’ve really enjoyed being their friend and helping them do things,” Celia said. “It’s been rewarding in so many ways.”
 
IA students and their mentors began one of their P.E. classes by playing tag with stick-shaped foam pads. Students smiled as they tried to avoid being tagged.
 
The group then played a game with a trail of large paper dots on the gym floor. Students were split into two teams, and one student from each team would walk on the dots toward each other. They would play rock-paper-scissors once they met to determine who would continue on the dotted path.
 
IA students have learned how to play kickball, basketball and volleyball in unified P.E. They have also spent time preparing for their first concert in unified music.
 
IA student Jenna said being in different activities at Standing Bear has helped her in many ways. She was happy to be part of the newest IA site.
 
“You make a lot of new friends in places that you least expect them,” Jenna said. “That’s what I like about being here.”

Click here to learn more about the Independence Academy on our website. 
 
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