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Students at West High School want to improve their community
(by Brittany L. Browne, staff writer - April 11, 2012)
The ninth grade STEM academy at West High School takes on mentor, graffiti clean up and Franklin County Animal Shelter projects.
These projects come as a part of the service learning model which gives students the opportunity to learn things they are passionate about.
During the second quarter of the school year, students were asked to identify problems within their communities. Among the concerns were child abuse, childhood cancer, graffiti, animal abuse and the lack of positive role models for young children.
“When students can find a sense of self within their community, they are more likely to take care of it. My students consistently complain about the violence and filth in their community; I want them to understand that they are the ones who can change this perception,” said Jill Jones, teacher and project coordinator.
About 80 students will be participating with the different projects.
Letters were written to President Barack Obama, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, Dr. Phil and other organizations throughout central Ohio to express their concerns and ask for support.
The mentor project is underway and 15 students are paired with teachers at West Broad Elementary School. Students assist and build relationships by assisting teachers in the classroom through mentoring and tutoring.
The students are hoping to raise donations for the Franklin County Animal Shelter and to begin planning the graffiti project.
The STEM projects for this year consist of renewable energy games, the creation of functional solar cars, the creation of pollution solution posters and now community action projects.
“I hope students learn that they can change problems within their communities instead of waiting for someone else to fix the problem,” Jones said.
To assist with the program, contact Jill Jones at 365-5956 for information.
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