Service learning expands every year at MMS. While many of our student clubs have been service-oriented for years, all MMS students now have multiple opportunities to engage in service learning. Twice a year, we run an adjusted schedule, extending our DEN time and empowering each DEN group to take the initiative in addressing an identified need as they select and implement a service project based on their strengths and interests. The impact of their service can be seen throughout our building (beautifying the building and grounds, assisting our custodial staff, making improvements to our recess spaces, making appreciation gifts for support staff, writing uplifting messages to 6th graders, writing welcome letters to next year’s 6th graders, making welcome bags for new students, and making bags for students impacted by loss), district (encouraging elementary students through positive messages and images on the sidewalk, working with preschoolers, helping 1st graders with a project, and making Leadership Portfolios for next year’s kindergarten students), and our community (making doggy bandanas to encourage adoption from our local animal shelter, making blankets and bracelets for children in foster care, making paper cranes to uplift others, making treat bags and placemats for local nursing homes, providing supports to HOPE, organizing materials for Fit-2-Serve for upcoming 1st grade classes, making cards for SBLHC, Carle, and local nursing homes, knitting a blanket for charity, lending a helping hand at Catholic Charities, and serving at Palm Terrace, The Armory and Fire Station 1). Afterward, students are encouraged to reflect on their experience.
Many DEN classes continue to serve others through intentional activities such as writing letters to express their gratitude to others or adopting an area of the building. These classes take on responsibilities like overseeing the lost and found area and ensuring lost items are washed and sorted for easy retrieval. Students also manage and restock our Wildcat DEN, providing support for those in need within the school community.
