STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Mark Rhoades, Lewis and Clark High School 
Research shows that students without working technology in their home may experience an achievement gap. This is why about 24 students in Mark Rhoades’ computer repair and programming class will apply the skills that they have learned to refurbish computers and train needy families in software education.

Rhoades at LC and Terry Yeigh at Rogers High School have teamed with Spokane Public Schools’ TEConnections (Connecting Technology, Education and Community) and the Department of Social and Health Services to run a student-led service-learning program that plans on distributing SPS surplus computers to 250 families.

“Before the grant there was no funding for this program,” said Rhoades. “The grant provides interim funding for growth and allows third parties to donate mouse pads, stickers or modems,” he said.

“Being able to have an opportunity to apply the skills they have learned in a real-life situation and to interface directly with community members has added the human side of the equation to learning,” said Rhoades.

“Not only do these students get to learn and practice computer skills needed in the work-force, but they experience the altruistic benefit of using student voice to help other people,” he said.

Linda Devlin, Ferris High School
Linda Devlin, Strive Specialist, at Ferris High School helps create mentoring and career opportunities for her STRIVE (Special Education Training Resource Exploration) students.  This connects them with the larger community with the additional support of a Learn and Serve Grant. One example is through the Reverse Job Fair where 90 behavioral and resource students create transition portfolios and tri-folds that are set up while community members interview students and give suggestions for future success. “It is vital for students to know how they can improve their skills by talking with and learning from community members,” said Devlin.

Other community connections include the Construction Fair, Career Fair, WorkSource and the Rotary Luncheon. “When students are engaged in the community, you see a totally different student. Being able to follow directions and work as a team is something you don’t always see in a classroom setting. You begin to see their true selves,” said Devlin.  Students received sweatshirts to wear while they volunteered for Habitat for Humanity on the 5th and 25th of October. “The students were so interested in being involved in the community that they want to go back to Habitat a couple of times this spring,” said Devlin.

The grant also pays for transportation, a documentary by FIN-News, and a DVD resume/portfolio that students will self-create though the audio visual department. “Students utilize academics and partnerships in our schools often for our projects.” said Devlin. “We have incorporated social studies, language arts, technology, and art,” she said.  This year’s Reverse Job Fair will be May 9th at Northtown Food Court from 10 a.m.– noon.

Heidi Harding, Stevens Elementary School
In response to data that links fear of being bullied and low academic performance, Stevens Elementary School’s 5th-grade teacher, Heidi Harding, in partnership with 6th-grade teacher, Mari Cleveland, and other staff, encourage students to address issues of bullying.

Harding’s three-year Learn and Serve Grant, enables 50 students to create, produce and share with their school a DVD documentary that reflects students’ attitudes about bullying and the need for tolerance.  The project also helps them discover books in their library about tolerance. Students create a reading rainbow-type book talk for fellow students. Counselor, Kendra Denny, will also work with students to train a leadership team.