Service Learning

Working with the Dumb Friends League, students learn about advocacy and awareness of shelter animals. Students also practice how to interact with dogs safely with visits from the Dumb Friends League “Ambassadogs.”

Kindergarten focuses on the importance of reusing, recycling and composting. They learn how to sort their waste into items that can be returned to the earth (composting), items that can be reused (recycling) and items that go to the landfill. They read about how other communities are repurposing plastic bags, and use plastic bags to stuff their rodeo horses!

First graders study all about birds during a comprehensive unit that includes science, Spanish, math, literacy and service. They visit the Bird Conservatory at Barr Lake to experience and participate in bird conservation efforts and work to make the Graland campus more bird-friendly.

Second-grade scientists learn about the importance of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. They use this information to plant and care for a campus pollinator garden throughout the year.

Throughout the year in Grade 3, students learn about immigration, refugees, and the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect. During this process, students learn to conduct interviews with empathy before meeting and hearing the stories of immigrants in our community (and beyond). As an outreach element, third graders work with Project Worthmore to create care packages filled with household and hygiene necessities for local refugee families.

In Grade 4, service learning focuses on both physical and cognitive disabilities. Fourth graders learn to speak comfortably and respectfully about disabilities and partner with non-profit organizations, such as Sammy’s Buddy Program, Freedom Service Dogs, and Special Olympics. In addition, students meet with activists, authors, and disabled community members to digest different perspectives and study the Americans With Disabilities Act to learn the direct link between accessibility and inclusion. Successful participation in the program inspires fourth graders to be lifelong allies.

Fifth-grade students learn how to grow a variety of produce in science class and determine how to use this knowledge to support the community.

In their math, science, art, English, and history classes throughout the year, sixth graders examine the themes of poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity by engaging in discussions and outreach projects. Students then take the information they learned into the broader community by working alongside local non-profits. To end the year, sixth graders host an event known as “Empty Bowls,” which showcases beautiful ceramic bowls they create in art class and raises money for those experiencing hunger in our community.

In class, seventh graders learn about the science and impact of Alzheimer’s and honor an elder in their life by creating a visual display that encapsulates their story. Outside of class, students partner with local organizations to assist seniors with outdoor and home improvement projects.

In connection with their capstone project, eighth graders collaborate with local organizations that work to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals in our community and beyond.