This school has found a way to turn students’ physical education classes into a form of community service.
For most of us, the summer months are the perfect time to do yard work. The weather is good, the land is dry, and there is little to no chance of being interrupted by rain. However, there are other people in the community who, as much as they would like to, can’t physically do that themselves – the elderly and people with disabilities.
This is where the students from the Alternative Learning Center come in.
The ALC is a school for high school juniors and seniors who are at risk of dropping out.
As part of the curriculum, during the last two weeks of school, the students may choose from a variety of activities that will be counted towards their physical education credits. One of the options is volunteering to do yard work for those people who can’t. Social studies teacher, Tim Hizler, started the inspiring project about four years ago after they initially built their own garden.
Tim Hitzler, a teacher at the Alternative Learning Center, says that he and the students will be helping people with disabilities and the elderly with a variety of outdoor chores.
“The students and I and other students come out and help them. Could be raking leaves, pulling weeds, cutting grass, cleaning gutters – just depends on what they need,” he said.
Tim says that he added yard work as an option for the students to receive physical education credits because it is the only way for the school to help the community. He also believes that it will be beneficial to the students as well.
“The students aren’t typically too excited at the beginning but once they get involved and start doing the yard work they become more motivated. What they really like is A: helping people. They really like giving back to people and meeting the person,” he revealed.
Hizler to PEOPLE, “Once kids do it once, they wanna do it again. It’s good for them to learn real-life skills.”
The students and teachers at Dubuque Community School District assisted people with yard work until the 6th of June, which was the last Thursday of classes in the school.
What a great idea! This initiative is a win-win situation for everyone involved. Hopefully, this program remains part of the school curriculum for the years to come.