There’s an exciting new class at Calais this year taught by Ms. Binal Shah for 12th Graders! It’s called Service Learning. In this innovative class, learning goes beyond the school walls and into the community with special projects and presentations across multiple subjects and needs.

Wikipedia defines Service Learning as: “An educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service in order to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience while meeting societal needs”.

At Calais, Service Learning is a student-led class where students are in charge. They search for projects in the community that they are interested in as well as projects where help is needed. Students research and learn about the problems faced by the community and work together to find the best solutions. They collaborate, brainstorm, and evaluate project ideas and then implement the projects they select through careful planning and teamwork.

The first Service Learning project this year focused on recycling and the environment. Students learned about the importance of recycling at both a local and global level and then visited other Calais classrooms with a Powerpoint presentation. At the end of the presentations, each class was given a bin and encouraged to recycle. This lesson was not only about taking steps to help the environment, but also to make the world a better place for future generations. Students taught their peers about the three Rs (Reducing, Reusing and Recycling) and pointed out that not everything should be recycled.

Later in October, the students assisted the AAI program in providing our beloved pup squad with some new comfy beds to relax on when they aren’t in therapy sessions. Students designed and made no-sew dog beds using donated materials like old fleece blankets, throws, and scraps of material. Additional cat and dog beds were made and will be donated to local community animal shelters. 

Throughout the semester, Service Learning students will develop and strengthen essential life skills such as problem solving, assertiveness, and goal setting, and most importantly, gain experience to pave the way for future careers.

“Students are learning from this class that they have great potential to be helpful to the community. They feel empowered and valued.” Says Ms. Shah 

Ms. Shah has always been a strong believer in giving back and this is why teaching this class is so important to her, She adds, “There is so much that we can do to make such a big difference in the lives of others. These volunteer projects are just a step in the right direction for the greater good. The satisfaction of helping others is so great for mental health. Also, the awareness of how one good deed can create even more, and in turn, a better life for us all – makes it all worth it!”