Bridging Generations and Time: McKinley Students at the VA

McKinley students at the VA Center

Any good educator will tell you that service learning is an effective way to connect students to learning goals while engaging them in their surrounding community. And nearly all students who have participated in service learning will tell you that it is a meaningful experience that truly makes an impact. But few can boast a … Read more

Customer Service with a Smile at Iggy’s Coffee Shop

Mary Schmitz

On any given morning at Apollo High School during the school year, you will find Mary Schmitz, a special education paraprofessional, and her team of student workers serving coffee and warm cookies at Iggy’s Coffee Shop. “Hi, how are you doing today?” you will be asked, usually by your first name. “How can I help you?” … Read more

North Junior High Students Serve and Learn

Ten years ago, a social justice student organization at North Junior High School began a service learning day with the simple mission to engage kids in their surrounding community. Social studies teacher Mike Gritman helped organize the initial event, and has seen it evolve over time into a committed school-wide effort. “It started out as [just] … Read more

Talahi PTA: Changing the Conversation One Voice at a Time

Talahi PTA

Listen in on a Talahi Community School PTA meeting, and you will hear a recurring theme: parents love this school and send their children to it with pride. “The moment we entered the school for Kindergarten open house, we felt a sense of community,” says PTA member Theresa Flinck. “My husband and I decided to … Read more

A Small Program with a Big Impact

Homeless Service

District 742’s Title I Homeless Services Program In pursuit of our mission to prepare, engage, educate, empower and inspire all learners, we sometimes must begin with the basics. For some students, these basics are just that: clothing, food and school supplies. Fulfilling these needs is what the District 742 Title I Homeless Services program sets … Read more