Winona Area Public Schools
Before winter break, students at the Winona Area Learning Center were challenged to identify ways in which they can make their community feel seen and loved.
The result? Another successful WALC “Gives Back” project-based learning activity.
WALC students, with the support and guidance of staff, selected one of the following community service projects:
- Read to students at Jefferson Elementary, showing that a love for learning and reading never stops.
- Baked dog treats, decorated bags and delivered them around town to various grooming businesses and animal shelters to bring joy to our furry friends and their owners
- Made cards and visited St. Anne’s to play Bingo and share a few smiles and laughs with the residents
- Created gift bags for their fellow ALC students with essential goods, hats, gloves and more.
It wasn’t as easy as just signing up for a project and showing up to volunteer, however. Students had to fill out a proposal that covered their planned contributions to the activity as well as how it related to one of their current classes. They had to then take their proposal to the teacher of that particular class for approval. Students also had to answer reflection questions about their project.
Project-based activities like this engage students in real-world, hands-on learning that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration — skills that will serve students well after graduation. Combined with the community service aspect, these WALC students now feel empowered to find compassionate and effective ways to give back to their community in the future.
The projects were made possible due to financial support from the Foundation for WAPS.