School Enviromental Improvement Crew
At Northwest High School, engaging students within the special education alternative classroom in their learning and subject curriculums can be a challenge. However, by giving them opportunities to learn thorugh service, they are demonstrating their learning and making a difference in their school and community. Their curricula have been combined with concepts woven around the topic of the environment. Students have studied the enviromental impacts or "footprint" within the school, ranging from cigarette butts or trash on campus to styrofoam trays in the cafeteria, and they have researched a variety of topics. They have learned curriculum concepts, cleaned the campus, educated peers and central office staff, and proposed changes. They have solicited peer assistance with campus clean up, produced publicity through the school paper, and had opportunities to share their findings with adults in the district. They also invited and met with a guest speaker, and demonstrated an increased sense of pride and involvment in their school, and dedication to their work.