When Grays Harbor High School was first established in Elma, Washington, many in the community initially didn’t welcome it. They perceived the alternative school as an “easy way out” for kids who didn’t do well in regular school. Steve Bridge was appointed administrator of the new school with the mandate to work with the faculty and help with the curriculum. “In the past, nearly thirty percent or more of the students dropped out of the alternative school system,” says Bridge, “It’s no secret these kids had it rough in their home lives and in the school environment.”
Bridge had attended a True Colors Seminar and decided to use the True Colors Training Program as part of his efforts to build self-esteem and create a better understanding of the students. He wanted to help them understand their own strengths, stressors and communications styles, in addition to the personality types of their fellow students and teachers.
Bridge presented an introductory True Colors Personal Success Seminar for groups of thirty students who were taught how to relate to the staff and to each other. Bridge also presented the True Colors seminar to each athletic team at the local high school. He held a barbecue and led the team members through the True Colors card spectrum to learn about each other’s personalities. Each person then wrote about their own color spectrum and how they felt about their team. Their writings were posted in the locker room where the team members could refer to them throughout the season.
A whole new world opened to both the faculty and students as they learned how to value each other. “The students totally get it!” exclaimed Bridge. Students learn insights about themselves and others and started to appreciate everyone’s differences. In the past, they had never learned to trust adults especially teachers. But now, since True Colors facilitates trust, students have learned to trust their teachers and themselves. Bridge says, “I’ve never seen so many grown men and women cry when they see their sons and daughters receive their diploma. We truly are making a difference.”MORE CASE STUDIES
