Dear Friends and Community Members,
When I meet new folks who ask what I do, I happily report that I spend my days with future world leaders. I facilitate authentic learning experiences, encourage questions, and am fully immersed in reading, writing, math, and hugs! With this in mind, I wish to take a moment to share Room 9’s service learning project and our excitement of being global ambassadors.
This year, our focus yet again is on empowering children in Portola Valley. Our class will design and implement opportunities to generate funds to help the group Heifer International. Heifer International helps by donating animals to millions of individuals worldwide who will be able to nourish their families and communities with fresh milk and eggs. The organization helps folks obtain a sustainable source of food and income, and experience the joy of communal sharing and giving. Families who for generations only knew poverty and children who spent their days illiterate will now head to classrooms to learn rather than to the fields for backbreaking work.
From an educational standpoint I wish to expand the children’s knowledge of our planet and global issues, to give them the chance to create meaningful learning opportunities, help build a stronger world community, and ultimately to offer resources that will create positive and meaningful change. The kindergarten children will partner with second and fifth grade students in our community.
As a way to support our in-class Spanish language instruction, we have requested to support a Spanish speaking community. We shall interact with the local students via pen pal letter exchanges. Our class and the rural children will learn and joyfully practice the Spanish language hand-in-hand.
More information will be forthcoming. Until then I encourage you to visit their websites to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for what our partners and friends at Heifer International do.
Visit: www.heifer.org
Thank you for supporting our service learning! All funds will go directly to the Heifer International project.
Warmly,
Catherine Castillo and the Room 9 Kindergarten Children