The success through Service Learning is designed to provide a comprehensive approach to learning focusing on ethical, social, and intellectual development. Mastering the standards will enable students to develop personal integrity based on positive values. The class provides each student with the opportunity to learn respect, responsibility, and citizenship in the schools and the community.
Service Learning first became available to students in Macon County at Red Boiling Spring High School during the 2001-2002 school year. The planned formed after Debbie Wheeler, Service Learning Administrator, saw the project at a conference and after carefully studying the components of the program, felt it would be a great opportunity for the students in Macon County.
The first class in Red Boiling Springs was under the direct supervision of Ms. Gail Smith. The program at RBS proved to be a success. A class was then formed at MCHS for the 2002-2003 school year under the supervision of Ms. Faye Fitzpatrick.
Approximately 33 students are now participating in the program county wide. The students are placed at a community site based on their career interest Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. At the beginning of the school year the students pick three choices of placement. Their first choice should be in the same direction of the career path they plan to take. According to Wheeler, each student is placed in their first choice if at all possible, at least 75% of the students. Some students are placed in their second or third choice in the fall semester then in their first choice the spring semester. The placement is a non paid placement hence the name service learning.
On Friday, the students return to class for additional instruction as well as group service projects and individual service projects. Each teacher is responsible for visiting the sites at least every two to three weeks. In addition to site visits each teacher helps the students plan and coordinate their individual and group service project for the school and community. Wheeler stated, that without the help of the teachers, the program would not be as successful as it is today. She said they do a wonderful job implementing the program at the school level.
The community involvement is the main reason the program is possible. Also, without the help of the community, the program would not exists. Wheeler said, "I can not thank the community sites enough for their contribution to the program. Their willingness to learn about the program and become involved is so greatly appreciated by the school system. Service Learning would not be possible without the community sites and the people that work with these young people on a daily basis. I commend you for your efforts in helping make this program work for the you people. I also greatly appreciate the administrative support from Mike Prock, Director of Schools, the school board, Don Jones, and Cindy Gammons. They have been a key factor in the success of the program as well. Without all the support, the program would not be where it is today."
The following is a list of sites that have worked with the service learning students since the beginning: North Central Technologies, Hollis Hardware, Lafayette City Police, Farm Bureau, Fairlane Elementary, Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Macon County Extension Agency, WEEN/WLCT, Macon County Junior High, Tri County Electric, Cumberland Bank, Central Elementary, Ben Bray Realty and Auction, Chamberlain's Law Office, Macon County General Hospital, RBS Clinic, Primary Health Care, Macon Bank and Trust Company, Macon County Tax Assessor, Valley Ridge Mental Health, Smith's Motor Sales, Justice Center (Circuit Court Clerk's Office, Sheriff Joe Ferguson, Detective's Robin Gregory and Jimmy Hardin), Tri County Vocational School welding department, RBSHS athletic department, Rite Aid, The Prescription Shop, Gail's Child Care, Napa Auto Parts, RBS Elementary Library, The Palace, Family Care Center, Citizens Bank, and the Department of Human Services. The class is presently serving seniors only. Any student may apply during the last semester of their Junior year provided they are in good standing with grades, credits, and discipline record. All sites are offering positive feedback of each student. Wheeler hopes that through this experience each student will get a taste of the real world.
The following is a list of students involved in the program: RBS students- Josh Bell, Brandon Clark, Cherine Dickens, Hope Gass, Dustin Knight, Mark McClure, Ashley Porter, Jonathan Powell, Randy Rice, Kasi Shaw, Denise Smith, Brendon Woodard; MCHS students-Holly Andrews, Ashley Bransford, Amanda Caruthers, Rosemary Childress, Amy Dallas, Amanda Dickey, Jessica Glover, Juanita Holder, Leanne Horton, Joseph Johnson, Ashley Lamberth, Sara Beth Law, Jessica Mince, Carrie Oldham, Lindsay Patterson, Jocosa Scott, Camilla Stafford, Kristen Stewart, Jody West, and Ashley Wolfe.
ASPIRE is another part of Service Learning class at each school. Aspire was created for students who possess leadership potential, but may not have been give the opportunity to develop and practice this potential. There is an ASPIRE team at each school. This program is for youth and about youth. Both teams are doing outstanding work.
Students must also participate in individual community activities. Those activities include helping students with hand writing skills at the lower grades, cooking for sick neighbors, presenting cards to nursing homes, presenting Thanksgiving cards to 3rd graders, 9-11 ribbon making projects, goody bags for patients at the local nursing homes, serving on the Click It or Ticket committee and several other activities.
The Service Learning program is a way for students to get a taste of the real world. It is a form of experimental learning in which students develop knowledge and critical thinking skills while addressing genuine community needs. If you have questions or would like to become involved in Service Learning contact Debbie Wheeler at 666-3591, because without the help of the community Service Learning would not be available.
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