This year, five Whitfield juniors engaged in a service-learning independent study program during the second, third and fourth quarters. The program, developed by faculty member Laura Lotz and supported by the junior class advising team, provides students with the opportunity to volunteer at a St. Louis nonprofit organization, while applying the theories and concepts learned in the academic setting to the real-world problems their selected organizations address. “As a grade-level teaching team, we learned a lot from the experience of the pilot year,” Ms. Lotz explained. “We had a more refined application process this year as well as a clearer vision for the students of how their work was going to make a difference for their selected organization and in their lives.”
During this student-directed and teacher-coached independent study program, students are asked to develop their own Essential Questions and work one-on-one with a faculty sponsor to create a curriculum and calendar of assignments. Program requirements include:
- committing to regular meetings with a faculty advisor
- at least 30 hours of volunteer service over the course of the school year
- regular journaling about experiences as well as academic connections to experiences
The students' independent study program culminates with a 15 to 20 minute presentation to their peers, parents, and faculty and staff describing the experience, lessons learned and future actions.
In addition to Ms. Lotz, Andrew Asikainen and Kristen Yackey served as faculty advisors. Juniors who participated and their organizations are:
Caroline Beckmann – Ready to Learn
Nate Noss – St. Louis Food Rescue
Annalies Oertli – The Open Space Council
Morissa Pepose – Almost Home
Sarah Whelan – American Red Cross
According to Ms. Lotz, this year's program was a success and she is looking forward to next year. “I believe this program gives our students the opportunity to see that they can make a difference in their community by being active and engaged participants.” Sarah Whelan agrees: “I had a lot of fun and enjoyed the opportunity to help my community in a meaningful way. I would encourage juniors to participate next year because not only is it a great way to help others, but the experience teaches you a lot about being independent and responsible.”
Caroline Beckmann
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Nate Noss | | 
Annalies Oertli
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Morissa Pepose | | 
Sarah Whelan
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