Service-learning is a method of teaching, learning and reflecting that combines academic classroom curriculum with meaningful service throughout the community. More specifically, it integrates meaningful community service with instruction to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, encourage lifelong civic engagement, and strengthen communities for the common good.
IUSD Service-Learning Share Fair
May 10, 2011
UPDATE!
IUSD Service-Learning had a very successful year! More than 7,749 students took part in meaningful service activities tied to academic standards through service-learning instruction and Team Kids Challenge activities. Eighty-nine teachers in grades K-12 participated in training workshops to learn the elements of service learning and how these concepts could be integrated into their classrooms. The entire teaching staff at ten IUSD elementary schools received a service-learning training overview. Lastly, more than one hundred and twenty-five high schools students were taught service learning concepts.
Twelve elementary schools, five middle schools and three high schools participated in service learning activities. The result was 24 projects funded by the Cal Serve Partnership Grant, and another 21 projects completed by IUSD teachers without any funding. In all, fifty-seven IUSD teachers and 7 IUSD high school students completed projects in 2010-2011.
These projects ranged from science instruction tied to gleaning activities, with Second Harvest as the beneficiary, to the Music Share and Care Choir formed to connect musical instruction to seniors song favorites from the 1940’s, with the Irvine Senior Center Adult Day Health Services as the beneficiary, and everything in-between!
An exciting year culminated in the IUSD Service-Learning Share Fair on May 10th, 2011 at Irvine High School. More than six-hundred and fifty students, teachers, administrators, parents and community partners attended the afternoon’s festivities enjoying the opportunity to see the completed projects and celebrate all that the participants had accomplished. Students and teachers in grades K-12 received Award Plaques and Certificates of Recognition from the CA Department of Education during an Awards Ceremony.
It was decided on April 15, 2011 by the United States Federal Government to eliminate funding for the National Corporation for Community Service, of which Learn and Serve America, and the Cal Serve Partnership Grant, is a part. This means that the IUSD Service-Learning program is coming to a close. It is my hope that service-learning as a teaching strategy will continue with the many teachers who took part over the past two years of the Grant. It has been my utmost pleasure to oversee this meaningful and relevant instruction to our students.
Respectfully Submitted on June 13, 2011 by Abby Edmunds
IUSD Service-Learning Facilitator
aedmunds@iusd.org
(949) 936-5126
Northwood HS Recycling Club and Wolfpack – Clubs for Change
Environmental education put into practice at NHS.
.
Brywood Elementary – Share the Stories
Native American curriculum study culminates in book collection for the Crow Indians.
Plaza Vista – Music Share and Care Choir
Middle School students perform 1940’s musical standards for Irvine seniors.
University High School – Abalone Restoration
Marine Biology students re-grow abalone for introduction to local ocean habitat.
Brywood Elementary – Great Bus Adventure
After study of plant growth, fifth grade students take city bus to local Irvine field to glean proceeds for Second Harvest Food Bank.
IUSD Service-Learning Share Fair – May 10, 2011
Students, teachers, parents and community partners celebrate completed projects.
