A new partnership between Rowe Elementary School and Rippleffect has resulted in the introduction of a climbing wall and ropes course at the school.

The new outdoor adventure and learning opportunities at Rowe are indicative of the strong community partnership between the Portland Public Schools and Rippleffect, said Rowe physical education teacher Rene Custeau. “This collaboration holds immense potential for our students at Rowe, offering them unique opportunities for growth, challenge, and exploration right in their own school environment,” he said.

Custeau said one of the highlights of the partnership so far has been the introduction of the climbing wall to Rowe third- and fourth-grade students in early April. “It was truly fantastic to see our students challenge themselves, step out of their comfort zones, and gain a sense of accomplishment as they conquered the wall,” he said. “Witnessing their excitement and enthusiasm was a reminder of the power of outdoor adventure in fostering growth and confidence.”

In addition, he said, “I am thrilled to begin programming with Rippleffect and to explore the possibilities that the ropes course presents. The potential it holds for our students is truly inspiring, and I am eager to see how we can harness this opportunity to enhance our educational offerings.”

Custeau added, “We see tremendous potential in developing a collaborative model that sees our classroom teachers, physical education instructors, and outdoor learning specialists working together to meet the diverse needs of our students. By integrating the ropes course into our curriculum and collaborating across disciplines, we aim to amplify its impact and make it an integral part of our educational offerings.”

He said that Rowe is “incredibly excited about the possibilities that this partnership holds for our students and look forward to continuing to work closely with Rippleffect to provide enriching outdoor learning experiences for years to come.”

Rippleffect is a Portland-based nonprofit youth and community development organization operating outdoor adventure programming.