|
The seventh grade class at Monforton School in Bozeman received a national Spirit of Service Award from the Corporation for National and Community Service in recognition of a project the class undertook to create a playground at the school designed to fit the needs of both the school and the community. The award was presented during the National Youth Leadership Council’s recent National Service-Learning Conference in Minneapolis.
In congratulating the 20 members of the class, David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation, commented, “These students saw a problem that was affecting them and their community and came up with creative ideas to correct the situation. They exemplify service-learning at its best.” The Corporation’s programs include Learn and Serve America, a major funder of service-learning programs nationwide.
Beginning in 2006, the seventh graders at the rural K-8 school took the lead in developing the playground by bringing the situation to the attention of the principal, the Monforton School Board, other students, and the larger community. They surveyed students and community members to evaluate needs, then investigated the type of equipment that would be suitable, safe, and engaging to encourage fitness for multiple ages. They also designed the space to include learning stations on Native American culture.
Once the school board gave the go-ahead for the project, the students began to seek funds to continue. When they learned that purchasing a climbing structure would cost a minimum of $40,000, they enlisted the aid of a community member to design a suitable structure. With help from local individuals and businesses, they created a climbing structure for less than $3,000.
The students have committed themselves to what they now call Operation Save the Playground for their three years of middle school. They also want to assist other rural schools and communities in demonstrating the ways that service-learning can help schools and students reach their academic and civic engagement goals. This integration of service-learning with the social studies curriculum has resulted in very high scores on state standardized tests.
The Corporation for National and Community Service improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year, the Corporation provides opportunities for more than 2 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America. For more information, visit http://www.nationalservice.gov.
###
|
Forms
