Service Learning
We are proud that Service Learning is a huge priority at South School, and strive to teach our students that they are part of an interconnected world. Acts of kindness no matter how big or small truly make a difference, especially to those in need. Here are highlights from some of our projects!
Great Kindness Challenge
South School was proud to participate in the The Great Kindness Challenge (GKC) by partnering with a local senior assisted living community, The Magnolia of Millbrae. The GKC initiative, presented by Kids for Peace, is a global campaign that promotes kindness in kindergarten through grade twelve schools. It is a positive, action-based bullying-prevention initiative that creates a school culture of kindness, compassion, unity, and respect. Kindness week at South kicked off with an HCSD video, featuring South’s own Elyse Lee, to give kids an understanding of how notes of encouragement can have a truly positive impact on the residents of The Magnolia of Millbrae. Students led origami instructions and all South students participated in making an origami of their choice along with adding positive words to their creations. Student Council members hand-delivered the origami notes to the residents at The Magnolia along with sweet conversations, hugs, and even some dancing! Student Council members presented a summary to the school about their visit and the overall impact they felt these kind gestures had on the residents of The Magnolia of Millbrae.
Treats for Troops
South School families donated candy and other treats packaged for service men and women deployed abroad. These packages were also accompanied by letter by our students.
Pajamarama
Our South community worked with Samaritan House to collect cozy new pajama sets and books for children in need to enjoy at bedtime. South students also wrote notes at school to accompany each package.
Costume Drive
South collected 80 used costumes last year which found new purpose at Compass Family Services. We were proud to make a difference for a lot of children and the environment!
Lakas Shimizu STAR Service Learning Award
For 5th Grade only, this program is designed within the parameters of the Hillsborough City School District’s Essential Outcomes, and continues to be an integral part of South Hillsborough Elementary School’s efforts to teach community awareness, outreach, and service. The criteria for the STAR Award builds upon the strong foundation we have at our school for community service with an increased focus on Service-Learning. 5th graders identify a community need they felt passionate about, learn about that need, and then engage in a hands-on, reflective learning experience by working with a local organization. To earn the Lakas Shimizu STAR Award, students complete their service, reflect and then present to a panel of staff and community members. In 2013 our STAR Award program which focused on building awareness through community service, changed to a service-learning focus and was renamed in memory of Lakas Shimizu, his generous spirit and the important role that community service played in his life.