Following our philosophy of forming ongoing, mutually responsible partnerships between school and community, students use service-learning discussions to springboard community action plans that address environmental issues in our area.
The students examine the relationship of humans to the the natural world through art and literature and identify ways that they can contribute to a sustainable society without sacrificing their own fulfillment. Or in Daniel Quinn's words, the students decide how they can become Leavers. Students discuss Daniel Quinn's Ishmael which chronicles the dialogue between a man and his gorilla teacher. The teacher, Ishmael, helps his student, the narrator, understand the long history of the role of humans on Earth from a non-human (literally) perspective. Ishmael is a call to action to change how we value the environment, and students develop Ishmael-inspired Action Plans that change the way our community thinks and acts toward the environment. Since Ishmael is not a how-to manual on saving the planet, students have the flexibility to develop ideas that fit within their own interests.
Students take ownership of a project that reaches out to the community on topics of sustainable living, such as environmental ethics, education, legislation or preservation. They develop objectives & an action plan, make necessary contacts, organize logistics, and upon completion of their project, reflect on their experience and present what they have learned. As students involve themselves in strengthening the sustainability of our community lifestyle, they better understand their role and values.
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