MAPS
What is MAPS?
MAPS is an initiative created specifically for Holbrook Indian School (HIS) students to assist them in learning, growing, and thriving in four key areas: Mental, Academic/Artistic, Physical, and Spiritual.
For our students, especially those who’ve experienced trauma, academic achievement is interdependent with good mental, physical, and spiritual health. Each of these four pillars is a fundamental component of the students’ environment and education with specific, practical applications.
The MAPS coordinator works with the counseling team to develop proactive, systematic, and comprehensive wellness plans, identifying areas of need for each student. This helps students make the connection between these four pillars and the impact each has on their ability to develop healthy habits for optimal wellness.
mental
Our students often have troubling circumstances in their lives that can affect their ability to learn. In order to help these students overcome such challenges, HIS provides two on-site licensed clinical counselors who specialize in trauma therapy. Counselors help students with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues that inhibit their ability to learn.
academic/Artistic
We want to provide our students with the ability to not only survive but also to thrive in their future careers and in their communities. We believe that when a balance of physical, mental, and spiritual health is reached, academic excellence is inevitable.
To better engage students in their learning experience, HIS provides innovative programs like Equine-Assisted Learning and Outdoor School, where students spend a full week at state and national parks. Through our Indigenous Arts program, classes such as pottery, weaving, and beading, as well as Diné language, reconnect students with cultural traditions that are in danger of being lost due to western assimilation. Learn more about our programs.
physical health
Good nutritional health and physical activity are important for the development of children, but HIS takes that support to the next level.
In addition to regular physical education classes, HIS students engage in activities like mountain biking and horsemanship and can even participate in hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim to improve mental and physical health.
Through our Agriculture program, students spend constructive time outdoors while learning how to grow foods that will end up served on their own plates. Additionally, HIS formulates eating plans that focus on improving the nutritional value of the food provided to our students.
spiritual health
The foundation of a good life is having a relationship with our Creator. HIS helps students learn to trust God by connecting them with Him through His creation. Working on the farm, hiking, caring for horses, and being out in nature all help them to feel connected and secure.
Students also take Bible classes, participate in morning and evening devotions, attend weekly chapels, and have the opportunity to attend Sabbath School and Church.
Our goal is to reach the hearts of young people and help them find healing, forgiveness, and joy in the Creator.