SERVICE-LEARNING CLASS

Service Learning is a method of learning that incorporates research, action, and reflection. To provide additional electives and provide opportunities for juniors and seniors to connect to their community and surrounding areas, the pilot course began in January. In other words, students who took the new course this spring researched needs within the community. From that research, they identified a topic with which they were most interested, partnered with a community member and created a plan to help their community. Each student created a schedule for the project unique to their talents and interests. Each community partner was someone able to support the student’s project idea because of the community partner’s interests and expertise. As the classroom facilitator, I would like to thank every person and/ or business that showed interest in supporting our students as community partners. The students put in many hours of work, and I enjoyed watching their ideas bloom with their selected community partner’s guidance. Sphynx Foster, after researching, found the area had a high need for mental health resources. She was able to contact the Helpline Center and obtained promotional materials to pass out at the school play. She distributed materials that promoted area resources for anyone struggling with mental health issues. She has partnered with Ericka Kotab, a school psychologist, as her community partner to provide guidance.