The Three Rivers Community Schools Board of Education has given the green light for establishment of a ‘history club’ at Three Rivers High School.

Scott Jeschke proposed establishment of a 'history club' at Three Rivers High School.

The action came during the board’s April 18th meeting in response to a request from Scott Jeschke, history and physical education teacher at the high school.

Jeschke submitted a packet of information – including a letter outlining the proposal – and also addressed the board.  In his comments, he said, “I think it would be a great opportunity for the students at the high school to really expand their knowledge of world history beyond what is taught in the classroom.”

Jeschke said the ‘expansion of knowledge’ would come in a variety of ways:

  • By establishing the club whose members would meet on a regular basis to go over lessons and projects, hopefully bring in some speakers to talk to the club as well as classes, and “even work in some tutoring” to provide after-school help to students.
  • By an educational tour every two years, modeled after Gobles High School where Jim Wiseley, social studies teacher, has been running a history club for six years and scheduling a trip every two years “that allows students to actually go and see first-hand what they’re learning about.”  (Scott_Jeschke_audio clip – 1:30)

Jeschke noted that the club would be “no cost to the school whatsoever” and would “basically focus on freshmen and sophomore classes this year” with the goal of traveling to Greece during spring break in 2013.

Jeschke explained that the trip would be arranged through Explorica, which “specializes in educational travel for teachers and students.”  He  said that, “By using Explorica there is no liability associated with Three Rivers High School.”

Jeschke, a Gobles graduate, said, “I would like to team up with Gobles High School and plan to attend their next scheduled trip to Greece in 2013.”

According to Jeschke, an information meeting will be offered to those who are interested in the Three Rivers History Club to explain the details and requirements of becoming a history club member.  In his letter to the board, he said, “Although there is no requirement to be in the history club, there are requirements to attend history club trips:  three letters of recommendation, a 1-page essay stating why you want to join the history club, and a letter of confidence.”

Jeschke said that working with the Gobles History Club would help reduce overall cost.

Jim Wiseley, social studies teacher at Gobles High School, has been running a successful history club there for six years.

Wiseley, who had just returned from a trip to Costa Rica with 30 students, was on hand for the meeting.  He, too, addressed the board, responded to questions, and – regarding the recent trip – said, “We had an unbelievable time.”

An information meeting for current 10th graders at Three Rivers High School regarding the Greece trip is slated for 5 p.m. Monday (May 2nd) in the Performing Arts Center.

For additional insights regarding this topic, click on the following link to hear the introductory presentation by Scott Jeschke:  Scott_Jeschke_comments (5:21 – 4.90 MB).

You can also learn more about the Three Rivers History Club online at www.jetshistoryclass.weebly.com.