Wyoming Education Association

Summer 2018

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Great ings Happen Everyday On the bluff overlooking the small town of Greybull in northwest Wyoming, there are two greenhouses and a portable classroom that are known collectively as "Buff Ranch" – named, of course, for the Greybull High School Buffs. Originally built as an experiential learning site for science students, Buff Ranch lay fallow for many years when teachers and students moved on to other projects. For a brief period, the greenhouse was used by the junior class to grow flowers as a fundraiser for prom. Yet, the glory days of Buff Ranch still lay ahead. An industrious team of educators serving students with special needs and gifts had a vision that Buff Ranch could become a wonderful site for transitional learning, cultivating support for local special education programs, and building a bridge for a unique student population to meet their high school peers while gaining their respect and appreciation. At the heart of Buff Ranch's impressive role in student learning and achievement today is a dedicated paraeducator and proud WEA member, Dean Waddell, who is supported by an equally dedicated and tireless team of teachers and paraeducators. The lead teacher for Buff Ranch is Dawn Thur, also a proud WEA member known for her commitment to her students and their learning. Dean Waddell did not start as a paraeducator. Before joining the Greybull Special Education team, he was a railroad worker for BNSF. In 1991, he was elected local chairman for the United Transportation Union. After an on-the-job injury, he became a local entrepreneur. Eventually, in 2002, Dean started working as a paraeducator, supporting students with special needs and gifts. In this role, Dean has found his life's purpose. He knows that he is making a meaningful difference in the lives of students, and his greatest joy is to count the small victories in learning that eventually lead to powerful accomplishments. One visit to Buff Ranch is enough to understand that this is a special place where eager students learn valuable lifelong skills. The students make regular treks to Buff Ranch. At a specific point on the path up the side of the bluff, the yellow school bus stops and honks – a yellow dog named Patches comes running and boards the bus. Patches is Buff Ranch's official varmint control officer and the best friend of everyone who visits there. It's important to keep the rabbits away. Upon arrival at Buff Ranch, Dean and his students immediately set to work managing the tasks of the day – whether preparing the soil, watering plants, cleaning walkways, or doing whatever needs to be done. Later, they enjoy breakfast and lunch, both of which include vegetables they have grown. The produce and flowers grown by Greybull's students in the special education program receive, on average, over 80 ribbons at the county fair each year. Every Friday, the Life Skills class opens their kitchen to other students at the high school to mingle, enjoy the fruits of their gardening labor, and experience the pride of work well done. Dean Waddell is an exemplary, proud WEA member. In February, he wrote an NEA Student Achievement Grant to fund improvements to Buff Ranch – we will find out in April if the grant is approved. If you are passing through Greybull in the late spring, stop at the high school. Dean and his students will be set up on the sidewalk with an improvised flower market to sell the flowers the students have cultivated at Buff Ranch. Buy some flowers, meet Dean and the students, and support their amazing learning experiences. Paraeducator, Patches, and Pride 7 Elise Roubillard, WEA NW UniServ Director

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