Learn and Serve Ohio would like to recognize Hudson City School District and Tri-Village Local School District for their commitment to service-learning and for being an example of best service-learning practice for 2008.

Hudson City Schools Program Staff: Lani Banner and Jeremy Tawney

Hudson City School District’s Service Learning is a unique course that combines the disciplines of social studies and English with application in community service. This full year program consists of three courses of study: one social studies unit of American Government /Contemporary Issues, one unit of English 12, and one unit of community service. The course enhances critical thinking and decision-making opportunities through the service learning experience. Students spend three days a week in class and two days a week engaged in community service. A three period classroom block offers the learner the exceptional opportunity for the interdisciplinary study of English and social studies. Selections from classical and contemporary literature will focus on the nature of man and society, the human condition, the philosophical basis of American Government, and participatory citizenship. Each student will be placed in a service-learning site at the beginning of each semester. A journal will be required for reflection and evaluation. An in-depth research project will demonstrate the student's analysis of the curriculum as it applies to the service learning experience. In addition to the individual service learning experience, students will participate in several community action projects. Critical and analytical thinking skills will be demonstrated through classroom research, oral and written presentations, discussion, and debate. The service-learning course will connect the Hudson High School student with the community, sharing resources, talent, and experience. Through civic participation students will have the rare opportunity to acquire insights for personal growth and career development.

Fostering a culture of caring and giving back to their community encourages students K-12 to become involved in meaningful projects that include: the development of a statewide student driven service-learning website, identifying school safety issues and designing service-learning projects to solve them, developing and implementing a latchkey program to keep students safe and drug free, and collaborating with community organizations to preserve a local landmark by creating a living museum featuring a working African-American pioneer village.