Hi all! This is John here from Baltimore, principal of @SFASchoolBalt, & one of your co-moderators this evening. I will be posting our #AoBedchat questions.
We will follow a Q1/A1 format, w/questions labeled Q1,Q2, etc. at regular intervals. Please label responses A1,A2, etc. to correspond to the question being answered. You are encouraged to retweet, like, & follow those w/great responses! #AoBedchat
Outreach to the marginalized is one of our bedrock principles as a Franciscan school. It's incorporated in each theology class and included direct relational ministry and theological reflection #AoBedchat
Joe Miller from Saint Augustine School. Middle School Science and Math. I’m looking forward to collaborating and learning from everyone here! #AOBedchat
One of the most powerful experiences for our young men is a service camp each summer called @EGLinfo last year we brought over 40 young men to do a week of ministry over the summer. They worked with the marginalized, elderly, disabled and youth. #AoBedchat
DrKia here late! A1 I think they should be built into the framework of every school. Unfortunately too often I see them carried out by a handful of students in an after school@club or as a one off senior project. #AoBedchat
A1: very integrated. Utilizing a STREAM approach as often as I am able. Taught circuiting in tech class for cards given during a nursing home chorus trip, 1 example. #AoBedchat
A1 Service projects give our S's the opportunity to put beliefs in action, promote community awareness, and leadership opportunity. They are essential #AobEdChat
a special shout goes to a number of my colleague including @meerikangas a teacher who does "Socktober" with her classes and this year collected more than 2000 pairs of socks for the poor and homeless #AOBedchat
In reply to
@CurleyPrincipal, @EGLinfo, @meerikangas
A1 - Service is an important part of the St. Louis community. Our service projects are carried out in a variety of ways from individual classroom projects to school-wide ones. #AoBedchat
#AOBedchat Critical part of our mission, the school does lunches for the homeless once a month and then another additional service project each month. My question...How do we make it more meaningful to kids- we cant take them to where there donations are going.
I love how our school collaborates with our parish in organizing and brainstorming ideas for service projects. Our students and parish community become united and focused on serving others together. #AOBedchat
A1 Seniors at Curley are required to leave school for a week and complete a service project in the Baltimore area. It's a very rewarding experience because our students' sole focus that week is service to their own community. #AoBedchat
Q2 - What role do students play in developing & executing service projects w/in their school community? What level of choice do students have developing service projects? #AoBedchat
In the past we’ve collected for a woman’s shelter and students were invited to drop off donations in person and they gave us a tour and showed students the benefit of giving and supporting others. It was very powerful. @StAugustineElem#AoBedchat
At SFA service is an important component of the International Baccalaureate Program. The 8th graders are required to complete a Community Project, and teachers are encouraged to link service with their units whenever they can. #AoBedchat
A2- In addition to MS-Wide projects, we also have a elective that S's design and lead service projects. Our latest one was actually designed by 5th graders and was a a great success #AobEdChat
Q2: Ss choice is vital to project success. Our monthly after school activities had a large amnt of input from Ss
We are challenged getting K-8 students into the field due to age restrictions #AoBedchat
A2: Ss are more engaged in the project if they are passionate. Young people are more engaged when they are invested in projects. It may feel like herding cats, but 1 part of our job is to teach empathy. #AoBedchat
Q2- In our k-8 school, most of the decision making is left to the middle school and the student council. Again, it’s difficult at the elementary level. #AoBedchat
A1 (Answering w/a question 😉) How can we help our younger students more involved in the service the school is participating in? Does anyone have older classes come talk w/younger students about their service experiences? #AOBEDCHAT@StAugustineElem@padrejw1@MrMillerSAS
A2 I think it's most successful when students are engaged and have ownership of their service. Guidelines are important but so is freedom and creativity! #AoBedchat
Amy from #soti here. 6th grade language arts. Still learning about the immense amount of service done by our school, but will chime in and hope to take away some ideas! #AOBedchat
Students should have a choice, but also be aware of the opportunities of the community. Often I see students not knowing/realizing what is available... #AoBedchat
A2 - Our students play a large role in the selection and implementation of service projets and the charities served. The St. Louis School Student Council meets on a bi-weekly basis & they plan fundraising projects, events & vote on the charities they are going to serve.#AoBedchat
A2 Ss should be the drivers of these projects. They can talk with their community members, identify a pain point, and design a solution with direction from their teacher. My other thought is that if they don't find a local problem there are PLENTY of global ones! #AoBedchat
Q2 - What role do students play in developing & executing service projects w/in their school community? What level of choice do students have developing service projects? #AoBedchat
Q2- Great question....ultimately depends on grade level, but student choice should be a critical component. As much student choice as reasonably possible is ideal. Increases engagement #AoBedchat
Yes! Students of all grades help come up with projects for the school. We especially like to have students suggest and organize a project that affect them personally such as "Back the Blue" day for police officers in the community. In class projects are mandatory. #AoBedchat
Curley seniors are often completing their service opportunities at elementary schools. Perhaps AOB High schools could partner with elementary schools to have HS students lead the younger ones? #AoBedchat
In reply to
@aweatherSAS, @StAugustineElem, @padrejw1, @MrMillerSAS
Students should have a choice, but also be aware of the opportunities of the community. Often I see students not knowing/realizing what is available... #AoBedchat
Some of our MS Ss have approached our school and asked if we as a school can allow them to collect donations in homerooms - Blessings in a Backpack #aobedchat
Q2- Great question....ultimately depends on grade level, but student choice should be a critical component. As much student choice as reasonably possible is ideal. Increases engagement #AoBedchat
Curley seniors are often completing their service opportunities at elementary schools. Perhaps AOB High schools could partner with elementary schools to have HS students lead the younger ones? #AoBedchat
In reply to
@aweatherSAS, @StAugustineElem, @padrejw1, @MrMillerSAS
A1 Seniors at Curley are required to leave school for a week and complete a service project in the Baltimore area. It's a very rewarding experience because our students' sole focus that week is service to their own community. #AoBedchat
We’ve had students vote as a club or team for different Catholic Charities service projects. Great way to engage them. They also take a lead on researching and creating flyers, announcements, etc. #AoBedchat@StAugustineElem
With MLK day coming up, we have discussed with the preschoolers how we can be kind to all and help people who might need it. This prompted plenty of our students to want to donate some of their personal items they no longer need to other families! #AOBedchat#SFASoars
A3– modern day disciples are working with those Christ would be working with. We bring Curley guys to volunteer w/ Refugee Youth Project every single week #AoBedchat
A3 The bishops teach that Catholic social teaching a “constitutive” part of the Church’s mission to the world. We love and serve because we are Catholics, not necessarily because the people we serve are. #AoBedchat
NCEA used to have a booklet you could purchase on service Learning. It explained the importance of reflection and making sure the students knew why they were completing a service project.
In reply to
@CurleyPrincipal, @aweatherSAS, @StAugustineElem, @padrejw1, @MrMillerSAS
Completely agree. Often the students are disconnected from the service activity when there’s no choice. They know they’re doing something good, but it becomes something of a chore, more homework without ownership. #AOBedchat
We always include a schoolwide service project during Catholic Schools Week that is planned by parents and carried out by all students in grades Pk-8. This year, they are making birthday boxes. #AoBedchat
Younger children are EXTREMELY and acutely aware of equity, how many times do they say “that’s not fair.” We can explain what that really means. #AOBedchat
A3 With our Social Justice program, 8th Graders chose a problem, whether local or global, ID the issues and their causes, and develop a presentation with potential solutions. A lot of the work is just astounding. #AobEdChat
St. Augustine community joined together to provide a wonderful Christmas for needy families. Best thing our students never wanted to know are we helping Catholics, just happy to be helping someone in need! #AoBedchat@StAugustineElem
At Bishop Hendricken in RI, the whole high school (including faculty) volunteers in the community at a wide-variety of locations. The faculty and principal volunteered at my inner-city elem school one year, so our hard-working teachers could have a luncheon.
A4 - Parents at St. Louis community are required to complete a certain number of service hours for the school. I don’t love that it is a requirement but it does generate a need and desire to get involved. #AoBedchat
I love that we attend mass every week together as a school community and try to accept the challenges offered in our pastor’s homilies. As teachers, we model to for the students our passion and dedication to the church. #AoBedchat@StAugustineElem
Our parish has many ministries. We have worked in partnership with them. One ministry is the prison outreach. We prepared items with older grades and younger ones made prayer cards for the men. Great lesson on forgiveness. #AoBEdChat
In our Pre-K, I’ve been on the receiving end of some creative service projects from older students who are eager to work with younger kids! Last year we had a student build us a light table for the class and come show the kids how to use it, it was so cool! #AOBedchat#SFASoars
@zwhiteford who keeps track of the parent volunteer hours? It could be a good tool so you don't get giving fatigue from the same core group of parents #AoBedchat
A4: I have to be honest not sure we're doing enough to leverage parents & involving them in #ServiceLearning@SMGHS but hosting #ServiceFair gives local organizations time w/a captive audience #AOBedchat
A4: parents are overextended or more than Ss. Their support is beneficial, but their participation isn’t required. Choosing programs thoughtfully and having parents involved at their ability/availability. #AoBedchat
A4 - Impossible to do it without colleagues who support! I'd love to hear thoughts on what other schools do to engage parents. Our support the camp and them doing their service hours. I'm edified when parents serve alongside their son! #AoBedchat
NCEA used to have a booklet you could purchase on service Learning. It explained the importance of reflection and making sure the students knew why they were completing a service project.
In reply to
@CurleyPrincipal, @aweatherSAS, @StAugustineElem, @padrejw1, @MrMillerSAS
We have involved and very competitive parents...They do wonders with organizing and/or donating for people in need...especially when there is a price involve for their child... #AoBedchat
A4 @SCMOQ we began the last few SY's with a faculty/staff service project making casseroles for Our Daily Bread. Both a gr8 way to bond with team-building & service to others as disciples of Jesus #aobedchat
A4 As a parent, I became involved in service projects because I was the driver. It turned out that I got as much put of or maybe more from the projects. I then initiated more projects and follow-up with the children. #AOBedchat
Our school has opened its doors to our surrounding community in all activities, celebrations, and in sharing the good. By creating a spirit of welcome, we are building and fostering relationships w/ families that feel encouraged to partner with us. #AoBedchat@StAugustineElem
A4: I have to give a shout out to Curley's new Alumni Director. He organized an alumni service opportunity and it was a great way to reconnect with alums and have them give back in new ways. Perhaps other schools could try this. #AoBedchat
At SFA the eighth graders keep a process Journal as they do their community Project. Reflections are included as part of the journal along with their research on the need.#AOBEDCHAT
Q5 When our students finish a service project we immediately ask them to share "peaks & valleys" 1 positive & 1challenge they faced during the project disbanding. Later in school we tie it to a writing assignment or presentation
#AoBedchat
A5- Have S's compile all their work, flyers, etc. in a notebook or online. Have them type up an analysis of what went well and what can be improved on. Next year, people can learn from experiences. #AobEdChat
At St. Margaret, our faculty participates in several service projects that are "faculty only." We painted bowls for Empty Bowl, put together shoeboxes, and participate in fundraisers. Praying for those who the service helps is HUGE!
#AoBedchat
A5 - The Student Council representatives at St. Louis get input from their homerooms on the monthly SC service project and bring the feedback back to the meetings.#AoBedchat
A5:@SMGHS students write reflections when returning from #servicetrips but I think we need to do more to engage them after #servicelearning
They need to realize it's MUCH more than just as @frathermatt says, check the service box! #AOBedchat
A5 - "Capstone" service in 8th or 12th grade would be more meaningful if there were multiple projects in the years previous at lower levels. Scale up w/freq. opp. for reflection #AoBedchat
A5 Our guys reflect on it, do a project and present and discuss in class. What do other schools do? I'd be interested perhaps in some sort of small group faith sharing? #AoBedchat#aobedchat
Kristin Urbanski, AP at RSPS, A5: All our students pre-K through 8th engage in morning meeting with reflection questions written by admin, often about monthly service opportunities. #AoBedchat
A5 Curley sophomores share their experiences at their chosen service with peers in their theology class.. we encourage their honesty, and it’s overwhelmingly positive #AoBedchat
This is what our school does. Only my 2nd ya here, I know there is a reflection process, but I don’t know what it entails. The Ss are quite engaged due to early participation. #AOBedchat
A5 - "Capstone" service in 8th or 12th grade would be more meaningful if there were multiple projects in the years previous at lower levels. Scale up w/freq. opp. for reflection #AoBedchat
A5- We do community prayer once a week and we've had students get up and speak about the service they did and the ways they see God. What I learned from @EGLinfo was to help give them vocab for faith sharing. What was your God sighting? Where did you see Jesus etc. #AOBedchat
I would like to see Archdiocesan-wide faculty and staff days of service just like private companies do. Discovery Channel has a Discover your Impact Day. We could replace a PD day with a Day of Service. So much growth and learning as a community! #AoBedchat
A5 Our students do a presentation to the community on their projects. The Sodality even helped last year by letting them do a dry run ahead of time and receive feedback. The students then invite s families and the 7th grade families to come hear the presentations.#AOBEDCHAT
At St. Margaret, our faculty participates in several service projects that are "faculty only." We painted bowls for Empty Bowl, put together shoeboxes, and participate in fundraisers. They are usually part of our facutly retreat day. #AoBedchat
Q6 faculty at Cathedral complete a service project at the beginning of the school year but we could do better throughout the year. Often times we are busy helping manage the Ss service learning projects
#AoBedchat
A5- We do a faculty community service project at the beginning of the year. I also talk about projects I have been involved with and other projects I am passionate about. They need to find their passion if it is going to mean something. #AobEdChat
A6 choose something YOU are personally committed to! my family is passionate about Alexs Lemonade Stand so we set up a lemonade stand at dismissal in front of the school building #aobedchat
Everything we do, we do as a team and as a team we are called to do everything. Collaboration with laughter and joy filling our hallways is one of the many blessings we get to experience at @StAugustineElem#AoBedchat
I love that idea! We could come together at a central London cation for mass then go off to work on our teams to the assigned project for our day to serve. I would be happy to help organize! #AoBedchat
A6: I model this, even my youngest Ss I call Mr or Miss as a sign of respect to them. I chose my words carefully with my Ss. Many people are one step away from needing charity. Sometimes they don’t even know they need extra kindness. #AoBedchat
A6: We are fortunate that @SMGHS faculty & staff participate along side of our students in #ServiceLearning
In addition, I am personally a member of my local @Rotary club here in @CityHagerstown
Absolutely vital as school leaders we are leading by example #AOBedchat
Everything we do, we do as a team and as a team we are called to do everything. Collaboration with laughter and joy filling our hallways is one of the many blessings we get to experience at @StAugustineElem#AoBedchat
A6 #AOBedchat. I make a point of small service throughout the day. Hold the door. Wash a coffee cup for a colleague. Stop and greet a new student (not in my class) with real enthusiasm. I take care of my dad, who is 99, and I share funny stories.
A6 - Have often used annual staff retreat as service opportunity - and it's a must to share w/Ss and Ps so they can see the modeling! Social Media is the way to help do that - A7 #AoBedchat
A6: Our MS Ss meet monthly in small mixed-grade groups with a faculty advisor. Ss have a safe place to share and we have found teachers love to share about their experiences with Ss. We also do service projects as a group. #AoBedchat
A4: I also think we need to look at having @ArchbaltSchools work to offer #servicelearning across elementary & high school levels. Allowing a true partnership for communities #AOBedchat
A7 During Curley Senior Service Week, we started tracking hours and check-in using an app called @MobileServeApp We wanted the guys to use social media. We used the hashtag #CurleyServes Feel free to check that out too! #aobedchat
A7 During Curley Senior Service Week, we started tracking hours and check-in using an app called @MobileServeApp We wanted the guys to use social media. We used the hashtag #CurleyServes Feel free to check that out too! #aobedchat
It's important faculty & staff are also engaged in #servicelearning
Also school leaders need to be volunteering w/local organizations & leading by example #AOBedchat
By being open and willing to learn new things. By having a growth mindset and learning from others. By asking for help and trying Twitter for the first time! By great leadership! @StAugustineElem#AoBedchat
@StAugustineElem We do #ThankfulThursdays where Rteam wears our school #SharetheGood t-shirts and we try to randomly serve one another in some capacity. When we change the lens in which we see one another and serve one another, His spirit can work in and through us. #AOBedchat
A8 - I think our community has a powerful desire to make a positive difference in this world and together we can do it. Joining forces and collaborating as a diocese can yield positive results. #AoBedchat
Q8 I am inspired to get faculty involved in more service projects during the school year and to try to integrate social media more effectively #AoBedchat
A7:I have spent a significant amount of time using the free cost of social media to share all the #servicelearning@SMGHS does in our local community. We have seen tremendous growth in the engagement of people! Oh & did I mention it's FREE #AOBedchat
WE are called to serve others, even those we see every day. Service does not only mean feeding the hungry at the sister school in Haiti. I want to inspire Ss to realize that! #AoBedchat
I love the ideas on service and reflection that were offered here. I also love the idea of service as a team for a retreat or other @archbalt sponsored event! Great collaboration among schools and teachers! #AoBedchat@StAugustineElem
In reply to
@John_DAdamo, @archbalt, @StAugustineElem
A7. We have become really intentional with social media and #SharingTheGood happening involving our students and school community @StAugustineElem I think the team and parents would agree the community is more aware and more "connected" #AOBedchat@AoBEdChat@Principal567
In reply to
@John_DAdamo, @StAugustineElem, @AoBEdChat, @Principal567
Before we close I do want to have everyone mark their calendars for March 3rd. In a joint effort, the AoB and Loyola University is offering a free PD day for all Catholic Educators. @Principal567 is leading a great group of educators and will put more info out soon. #AoBedchat
I’m inspired to involve the younger students, my 4th graders for example, who participate all year long in other students service projects. It will be so beneficial for them to have ownership over their own projects. #AoBedchat
A8: I absolutely want to incorporate ideas shared to better engage our families in #ServiceLearning
This truly was an amazing & insightful inaugural chat! So great to be engaged w/my @ArchbaltSchools colleagues @AoBEdChat#AOBedchat
