Service Learning
Etna Elementary School’s Service Learning Program
In 2006 Etna Union Elementary School District was one of twenty school districts state wide to receive a CalServe service-learning grant from the California Department of Education. While EES has joined the Scott Valley Unified School District, the school continues to serve as an example of a model service learning school for our county and the state. Many of the resources and grants utilized for the service learning program are now offered district wide. Teachers and students throughout the Scott Valley Unified School District participate in this model program.
For questions or further information please contact Gary Warner, our Service Learning Coordinator at gwarner@sisnet.ssku.k12.ca.us or at (530) 467-3322.
What is Service Learning? Simply put, service learning connects classroom studies with the natural interest and concern young people have for their world. Service learning provides an opportunity for students to contribute to solving problems by helping others in their school community, their neighborhood, or around the world. When students apply what they are learning in ways that help others, the results are memorable and positively impact learning and the community. Students gain lessons that can last a lifetime. While learning, students develop the ability to contribute to a better society and all people benefit.
How is Service Learning different from community service or volunteer work? Service learning differs from community service or volunteer work because the education of students and young people is always at its core. Students are actively participating in the process of understanding, integrating, and applying knowledge from various subjects as they work to improve their communities. The question "Why am I learning this?" disappears as they see what they have learned in action.
