WRA offers unique options
December 20, 2018
By BRYANT VAN ROSSEM
The Mirror reporter
Stevens Point Area Public School District has a wide variety of class for students to pick what best fits them. One of the more hands-on courses is the Wisconsin River Academy or WRA. This class is very unique compared to some other classes.
The WRA began in 2003 which included a two-year absence due to low enrollment. The WRA is a whole year class that runs sixth, seventh, and eighth hour of the school schedule, providing three credits.
A student can earn one Physical education credit, one social studies, and one science credit from the class.
This course provides many hands-on experiences and fun outdoor and learning activities for students. It is taught by Mark Bohanski with science, Glen Reindl with social studies, and Ryan Marnocha with Physical education.
The WRA science part provides students with many experiments. Like testing water and soil and comparing results to previous years. They also do fish surveys and keep track of wildlife population. “Having students do projects learning how real professionals do it,” Bohanski said.
Students also get to learn about the local history of Wisconsin. And learn about environmental issues and diversity.
Students also get to go out and enjoy nature even more in WRA by biking, hiking, and canoeing around the area. Students will do archery and rock climbing and learn about survival skills.
The WRA has not changed too much over the years. According to Reindl, the WRA use to have an English component but it was taken out due to not enough time.
The future of WRA looks bright with more community-based projects like removing trees and more. They’re going to keep doing their best to help the community and teach the students.
The WRA has a big impact on students and the teachers. Students get to see the bigger picture in the environment become more aware. Students come back after years and talk about how this was their favorite class and how they appreciated what they did.
“Just getting outside and doing it instead of watching students just learn about it” is Bohanski favorite part. “Sharing my passion for the outdoors with the students,” Marnocha said. And for Reindl, it’s getting to know the students.
The Wisconsin River Academy has made major impacts over the years on students, teachers, and the community. It has helped so many people and taught so much. This will be a great course for any student who would like to learn new skills and help their community.
Aiden Price • Jan 3, 2019 at 11:00 AM
Wow! This is amazing. I knew about WRA but I didn’t know everything that they did. I don’t think I’m up for the class but it still looks cool, and I see why people like it.
Maryann Silva • Jan 3, 2019 at 10:52 AM
I remember before coming into SPASH we would always see options for classes and this would always interest me. Great job on this piece.
Lauren Huebner • Jan 3, 2019 at 10:51 AM
I feel this would be a great class for someone who has trouble learning in a classroom setting. Having hands-on experience is a perfect way to better learn about the environment. I knew of the class but not what you do in the class, good job summarizing the topics covered.
Willow Kluck • Jan 3, 2019 at 10:46 AM
Such a great article! I love that you have so much great information and quotes from the teachers who are in the program. I know a handful of people who have taken the class in the past and really enjoyed the experience. Keep up the great work!
Hlee • Jan 3, 2019 at 10:44 AM
When I first learn about WRA, I was really interested in it. It seems like so much fun and so many experiences that will help a student see and learn more about the bigger picture. I really wanted to enroll in it, but unfortunately, I didn’t have enough room.
Madison Rindahl • Jan 2, 2019 at 2:52 PM
Great article! I have heard about this class and was considering taking it. There are some great points in this article that talk about the benefits of the class. Good information!
Rachel Placeway • Dec 30, 2018 at 6:06 PM
I knew what the class was generally about, but I didn’t know how much the students do to improve our community. I really hope WRA continues to run because it’s a great option for students who love the outdoors.
Soren Luther • Dec 20, 2018 at 11:18 AM
Great job on your article! WRA includes many interesting and fun things and I think it is really cool that a class like this was made. In the real world, we should learn about science, history and physical education together. It should all be blended together into a big pile of learning. Keep up the great work!
Justice Chukwuemeka • Dec 20, 2018 at 11:13 AM
Amazing!! I know about the existence of WRA but didn’t know that it is a three-credit class. I guess even if I knew I would still not take the class. I don’t like rock climbing and canoeing. They are scary.