Service Learning (24-25)

Our 5th graders are learning about service learning. We have heard from 6 nonprofits/organizations in our community that help others. 1) North Georgia Assisted Living, 2) Dawson County Emergency Services, 3) Dawson County Humane Society, 4) Sleep in Heavenly Peace, 5) Meals by Grace, and 6) EPIC (Exceptional People in our Community).

The students picked 3 organizations to focus on for in-class research and in-class service projects. They spent some time doing research on topics that our chosen organizations focus on: animal rights, pet care & nutrition, fire safety & smoke detector awareness, first aid, elder care, and Alzheimer's disease. Next, the students brainstormed ideas to help each organization and picked 2-3 projects. Students worked on their projects. The students in the assisted living group made encouragement cards and snowman crafts. The students in the humane society group made fleece dog blankets, cardboard cat toys, and digital flyers to advertise adoptable pets. The students in the EMS group made a puppet show for our first graders, fire safety posters, and goodie bags for the local fire department. The students are reflecting on the experience throughout to discuss how they are helping others, what they are learning about their individual self during the experience, and how they are impacting the community.

EMS Group

This team learned about fire safety, smoke dector safety, and first aid practices. They decided to create a puppet show to the first graders to teach them about fire safety. They also made posters for the hallway. Last, they made a goodie basket to deliver to our local fire department.

Dawson Co Humane Society Group

This team learned about animal rights and how many pets are homeless in our community. They decided to make cat toys, fleece dog blankets, and adoption posters for our local humane society.

North GA Assisted Living Group

This team learned about elderly care. They decided to create the residents of North GA Assisted Living cards of encouragement and snowman crafts.

EPIC Day Volunteer Time!

Our 5th graders took a field trip to help with a nonprofit called EPIC (Exceptional People In our Community). We helped with several things including: carrying plates and drinks for the clients, passing out candy canes, cleaning off tables, stacking chairs, and the most fun...dancing and singing! We debriefed after the event, and the students shared a lot about how the event impacted them. Some students said they had fun dancing or were nervous about asking a client to help carry their plate for them. Some students said they used to be nervous being around people with disabilities, but participating in this activity showed them that people with disabilities were kind people just like they are. I'm very thankful for the learning experience with these kiddos!

Delivery Day!

Our 5th graders completed service projects for 3 local organizations:

1) North Georgia Assisted Living- The students made encouragement cards and snowman crafts for the residents.

2) Dawson County Emergency Services- The students made a goodie basket full of snacks, drinks, and chocolate for the EMS workers. They also created and performed a puppet show about fire safety for our 1st grade stuents and designed posters to put around the school.

3) Dawson County Humane Society- The students made fleece dog blankets and cardboard cat toys to take to the pups and cats.