Fifth graders at Forest
Ridge
Academy
perform eight hours of in-school community service. A portion of this time is
spent preparing for the annual school blood drive and assisting in the
organization of the school-wide recognition of the "Say No to Drugs"
campaign. Time is dedicated to the planning, set-up, and execution of these
events. Students reach the remainder of their community service goal for the
year by assisting the office with deliveries, helping teachers with various
duties, and assisting younger students with tasks such as putting on winter
coats and boots.
Another service project that
provides much enjoyment for those involved is our "Reading
Buddies" program with junior kindergarten. Fifth graders partner weekly with
these students in order to foster a love for reading and form positive peer
relationships.
Fifth grade has also adopted
a service project in our community. The students volunteer time to help
students with special needs in some way. Last year's event was a State
Sectional Basketball Tournament held at Valparaiso
University,
at which students assisted with concessions, served refreshments in the
hospitality room, and kept score during the games. This year, the fifth
graders volunteered at a dance held for students with special needs, at which
they served refreshments and simply socialized with those in attendance. This
project is actually the culminating activity for a month-long recognition of
people with disabilities. During this study, students learn about various
disabilities and their characteristics, necessary accommodations for people
with disabilities, how to appropriately interact with people with
disabilities, and most importantly, that people with disabilities are no
different than anyone else.