What is Community Service? Community
Service is a service that benefits the community but is not connected
to curriculum mandates. It is generally a "gift of the heart", an
activity that goes beyond civility and beyond cooperation. School
supply collections, sandwichmakiking and get well cards for children's
hospitals are a few examples. Community Service is such an important
ingredient in the development of well-rounded, caring, socially
responsible young people.
What is Service Learning?
Service learning takes community service to the next level. It is a powerful
learning strategy which is directly tied to standards-based education.
It intensifies learning and retention because of its real-life
application and the students' direct connection to those in need.
Service Learning at El Rodeo
The El Rodeo PTA is a leader in the Beverly Hills Unified School District
for their exceptional commitment to service learning projects for El
Rodeo students and families. At El Rodeo, the notion of service
learning has become a deep part of the traditions that make our school
the exceptional educational experience that it has maintained for
generations of Beverly Hills students. Giving back is a significant
part of our collective consciousness when projects and activities are
considered and implemented.
Each grade level has a service learning project that they annually focus on along with
service learning that is incorporated into school projects and special
events. For example, 8th graders on the student committee for the
Writers' Workshop incorporated a student summer reading 'Book Swap' for
students with surplus books donated to a non-profit literacy group
founded by former El Rodeo alumni students. The PTA beautification
committee incorporated a 'Extra Harvest' fresh fruit/vegetable
collection from residents who had a surplus of fruits and vegetables
from plants on their property that was given to the Westside Food
Bank. Bathing suits are collected for the children served by PATH,
Thanksgiving Turkeys are collected for distribution at the Westside
Food Bank, gently used school supplies are collected by elementary
students at the end of the year and donated to family shelters. Extra
lunches are collected curbsite each month for the Westside Food Bank
and 1,000 peanut butter sandwiches and lunches are made on Christmas
Eve day for the food bank.
1st graders collect socks for Operation School Bell, 2nd grade fundraises for the 'Hearts
for Harry' research foundation, 3rd grade fundraises for UNICEF, 4th
grade collects thousands of gently used books for inter-city school
libraries and deliver them, 5th grade collects Pennies for Patients.
Middle School student council visits senior living centers during the
holidays and fundraises to puchase toys for students at the children's
hospital. Middle school students give back to their school in a
variety of ways to earn points towards attendance at the grade level
outdoor education trip.
We are all very proud of the work we do for our communities and will continue to focus on
continuing this important tradition at El Rodeo School. Many, many
thanks to the countless parents, teachers and students who donate
their time and resources towards the successful organization of these
events.
|
 |
SPECIAL GRADUATION PHOTOS
How PTA Enhances the El Rodeo Experience
Get Involved – Find a Committee to Join
President's Corner
Executive Board
Event Calendar (pdf)
Book Tribute Program
Music Center Cultural Arts Assemblies
Science Olympiad
Service Learning
Service Learning Newsletter
Annual Fundraising
Student Directory
ER is GreenER
Weekly Bulletin
PTA Meeting Dates, Agendas, and Minutes
PTA Council, including Free Parent Education Series, BHUSD/BHEF Track Meet, Etc.
|
