Connections is a class at Cal Young Middle School for selected students whose learning styles often necessitate activities beyond the traditional classroom. We started the program in 2000-2001 for 7th and 8th graders, and it has expanded to include 6th graders in a more limited capacity. While students do receive instruction in language arts and social studies, they also engage in service learning projects in their local community. We've worked in several retirement homes, done beach clean-ups for SOLV, and delivered food to families during the holidays. Two organizations we have had great success with are Head Start of Lane County and Food for Lane County.
Students had the opportunity to work in Head Start centers once every other week. Our 7th and 8th graders took turns on Thursdays and were able to form real bonds with the youngsters at their sites. This was a chance for Connections students to become positive role models, a situation many of them may not find themselves in here at Cal Young. It was a pleasure for our staff to visit the sites and see our students so engaged, sometimes to the point where Head Start kids would cry when our students had to leave!
Food for Lane County has been another great service learning opportunity. Students spent time working at the local Grassroots Garden in Eugene and the Youth Farm in Springfield. This a chance for some of our more active students to channel their energy into a positive outcome! A sense of teamwork is built as students plant, harvest, and package healthy foods for local people who really need it.
In addition to these activities, students have also developed and participated in fund raisers to keep the program running. We published "Cal Young Cooks", a cookbook comprised of recipes from Cal Young students, staff, and local community figures such as Mayor Jim Torrey and Joey Harrington (still available for only $5!) We also ran a fund raiser called "Suspend the Principals" in which we literally taped our principal and vice-principal to the gym wall in an assembly. In a dance we sponsored that night, Cal Young students got in free if they brought a toy or book to donate to Head Start.
Connections students have chances to debrief on these experiences through journal writing, letter writing, class discussions, and visual displays. Perhaps the main benefit, from a teacher's point of view, is seeing the self-esteem of our Connections students steadily increase throughout the year. Many students begin to assume leadership roles. They feel important and part of a team. Finally, it must be said that this program would not be as successful as it is without the full support of our staff and the commitment of Connections parents who make phone calls, help with fund raising, and drive students to their sites on our field trips.
