Developing Character Through Community Partners
This ongoing effort allows students the opportunity to develop good character through the application of their core values such as respect, responsibility, and compassion in a real-world setting. Students in Pre-K through fifth grade engage in a service activity in the fall that benefits a local organization and then continue to connect with that organization on other projects during the school year. During the 2011-2012 school year, students served local organizations that reach out to the following areas: soldiers, the elderly, people with special needs, economically challenged individuals, children and the environment. In addition to completing a service activity, they visited their community partners to learn more about the important role they play in helping our community's citizens. Classes are given the opportunity to connect again at other points during the year to continue the relationship. Education and reflection play a vital role in this project, as students learn more about their local community and the needs of others, along with deepening their own self-awareness and leadership skills.