Service Learning at Mapleton Jr. High School

Mapleton Junior High School’s Service Learning class started five years ago and has already changed the lives of many--both the students and the members of the community that they have served.  Mrs. Robyn Card, the teacher of this class, provides the opportunity for kids to learn the benefits and value of service. This class is truly out to make a difference in society and the lives of others – especially those who take the class.

Each year the Service Learning class does around fifteen large projects including food drives, campus clean up, helping meals on wheels, making blankets for local police to carry in their cars, sending handmade children’s books to Uganda, recycling, sponsoring Mapleton Jr. High dances, helping the Mapleton City Library with books, a Christmas project and much more.

“Lend a Hand” is the theme for this year and that’s exactly how we intend on spending our semester. Service Learning is a chance to learn to become a leader, a hard worker, and the joy of giving back to our community. The class also reads the book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens, by Sean Covey.

Some of the requirements for the class include completing twenty hours on a personal service project called “The Power of One.” This assignment allows each person to plan, carryout and reflect on what one person can do to make a difference in the lives of others. Each student also takes pictures and individually tells the class about their project and explains how it has affected them and the lives of others. No one leaves Service Learning without a bigger smile and an even bigger heart. It is a fun class that can really make a difference in your life.