An integral component of Valley View School is providing opportunities for students to develop a positive work ethic. Providing students with work experiences allows for teachable moments in collaberating with others, taking responsibility for quality of work, instilling a sense of pride, and enhancing character and self-esteem.
Students are able to apply for jobs on campus, such as waiting tables, clearing tables after meals, kitchen tasks, recycling, and light yardwork or maintenance. All work is supervised, and students earn money that is deposited into their individual work accounts. Student earnings can be used for a variety of off-campus activities and purchases. It is an important lesson for boys to connect their work effort to earning and saving money for their personal use. It also should be noted that many Valley View students donate their time and effort within the context of a vibrant community service program. Thus, the value of donating one's work for the greater good is reinforced.
Dr. Thomas Nowak, Valley View's Executive Director, states, "Some of our boys are surprised and proud to learn that they have developed into very good workers. They begin to take pride in their work and model a work ethic that other students seek to emulate. Being a conscientious, responsible worker develops skills and a work ethic that is transferable and benefits them for the rest of their lives."
Valley View staff strive to model a strong work ethic for students by often working alongside them. This fall, Valley View held a work day devoted to various projects on campus. Teachers, residential counselors, clinical staff and administrators joined the students in tackling a variety of projects on campus, such as painting a small bridge, removing brush, spreading loam and raking. Everyone experienced the fundamental joy that comes from working well with others on projects that benefit the campus community. As Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."
About Valley View School
Valley View School, founded in 1970, is a private therapeutic boarding school serving boys in grades 6-12. Our non-profit 501(c)(3) school is located in the central Massachusetts town of North Brookfield. The Valley View Program consists of a comprehensive blend of Therapy, Academics, Athletics, Arts and Activities challenging our students emotionally, intellectually and physically. The boys learn self-control and anger management, social skills in order to create and cultivate relationships with peers and adults, while developing compassion, empathy and respect for others and to realize their true potential.