Service Learning

Students in K-12th grade put their faith in action and use the leadership skills they are developing through the Leader in Me to research, evaluate, select, and complete service learning projects. 

How is service learning different from service work? With service learning, students work closely with their community to identify and meet real needs. They learn about issues, invite speakers to share information with them, and together select a project to complete each year. Service learning makes a lasting impression, an impact that continues long after the project is complete. Students discover that ,no matter what their age, they can make a difference.

One example of a project  students completed was "Feed the Hungry." Noting the rising cost of food and other essentials, eighth grade students recognized a need to help others put food on their tables. They came up with the idea to put little food pantries in Gilbertville as part of their project. Students visited with the mayor and then proposed their solution to the City Council. Once they received approval they drew up plans and held an out-of-uniform day to raise money. With the help of parent volunteers, they built the little food pantries and shopped for food. Other students made flyers to advertise the pantries. Finally the class filled the structures, seeing the project through from start to finish. We are proud of their teamwork and contribution to our community. 

• compiling Busy Boxes to help hospitalized children pass the time
• installing a Little Library next to Immaculate Conception School
• working with the elderly through Meals on Wheels
• building feral cat houses
• cleaning up our town
• assembling pet adoption baskets
  
• promotion of recycling and using PTO's can shed
  
  
  Using the Leader in Me 7 Habits and principals of social justice, students are prioritizing tasks, envisioning goals, and synergizing to achieve common objectives through service learning.