Powell High School’s mission statement implies, “Preparing students for life,” and the new LIP program, Lunch Intervention Program, is doing its part with the help of new instructor, Mr. Shane Christensen. The main focus of the program is to help students who find themselves on the deficiency list or assist those in need of a little extra help. The program takes place in the library during the lunch periods where students work on assignments, projects, study for tests or receive any additional help they may need. Not only can students get help during lunch, but several study hall classes are offered during the school day, and after school tutoring is available with help from peer tutors and teachers including Mr. Christensen. Students can fall behind quickly without realizing the effects, so this ‘back up plan’ is available for those who need that extra push. Some students view the program as a punishment, interpreting it as an infringement on their free time, but the staff and teachers say it’s helping kids take school seriously and be the best they can be. With teachers like Mr. Christensen pushing kids to stay on task, the program is sure to be successful.
Prior to coming to Powell, Mr. Christensen lived in Reno, Nevada and worked at the University of Reno. Christensen’s wife was looking for work in the library system and landed a job as the new manager of the Powell Branch Library. At the time, Christensen was finishing school and earning his Master’s degree in education and then started student teaching here. Heart Mountain was one of the particular things that made the Christensens feel like Powell was a great place to live. Christensen worked in flooring installation for eighteen years and after realizing the damaging effects the lack of a high school degree has on people who enter the work force, he wanted to help students avoid those effects. The main challenges of this job are keeping up with each kid’s assignments and making sure each student has met his or her requirements. While working one on one with as many students as he can and encouraging each one to be successful.
The lunch intervention program has experienced trial and error as any new programs do but has been an over-all success. The future of the program looks promising.
Mr. Christensen is enjoying his position here at Powell High School and plans on staying here for more years to come. He thanks the district for the opportunity and enjoys meeting all the students and faculty here.