Service Learning Connections

What is service-learning?

Service-learning is a teaching method that integrates thoughtfully designed service to the community into the school curriculum. Service-learning programs engage young people in community activities where academic skills are used to solve real-life problems and meet authentic community needs. At the same time, program activities help students understand the meaning of citizenship, a sense of caring for others and their ability to help determine the quality of life in their communities. Service-learning provides opportunities for schools to work with community partners in identifying and working on needs and issues impacting the community.

South Whidbey has a strong tradition of service-learning, even before the term "service-learning" was officially recognized in education. Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Sandy Gilbert, a teaacher at Langley Middle School, engaged her students in a wide range of programs that provided links between their academic learning and community needs. From her Pennies for Tyler Project (started in response to her student's desire to help a fellow student who had been diagnosed with a serious illness) to her projects to support Lolita (an Orca in captivity), Sandy set the stage for the strong foundation of service-learning that began to grow at Langley Middle School -- and began to reach out into the community. LMS teacher Rachel Kizer was also instrumental in these early service-learning programs, developing an all-school "Make a Difference" project that engaged students in recognizing their ability to make a difference in their community and school. Through this project, many student activities were created -- even some that live on today as a legacy to Rachel and those students -- including the Salvation Army Project, started by former LMS student Amy Walker, and the Relay for Life LMS Project, begun by student Jennifer Barrow. Soon other programs began to blossom at LMS, including a collaboration with The South Whidbey Kiwanis to create a Kiwanis-based service organization for middle school students known as "Builder's Club" and the beginning of the LMS Apprenticeship program through the hard work and vision of Diana Shirley. With the support, belief and enthusiasm of Principal Greg Willis, these programs expanded, and staff, parents, administrators and the community began to take notice at the profound impact these service-learning experiences were having on students -- and Langley Middle School soon became known as the "school that helps the community." A sense of pride, connection and belonging infused the school, staff and the students of the school.

This commitment to service-learning continues at Langley Middle School today, and is spreading to other schools throughout the district and community. From South Whidbey High School teacher Jenny Gochanauer'service-learning projects with her Spanish students, to Linda Garl's garden project at the Primary School with her 1st and 2nd grade students, Scott Mauk's organic gardening program, Renee Neff's salmon project, and so many more, service-learning is making a difference in our students' lives -- and in our community as a whole.

Creating strong school and community partnerships is a critical component of service-learning, and we are fortunate in South Whidbey to have so many individuals and organizations who give of their time, resources and selves to support our youth in giving back to their community through service-learning. For more information, please contact the SWCEC Director Susie Richards.

Please take some time to look around our site, and find a way that you can make a connection -- for our youth, for our community -- and for yourself!

Service-Learning Through SWCEC

• links to service learning sites
• service learning training
• collaboration opportunities