Service Learning at Broadmeadow

In the weeks following Halloween, students in grades 1 - 5 participated in a Letter Writing Campaign to American soldiers serving overseas.  Students at each grade level read about Veteran's Day, used maps to locate the many countries abroad where American military personnel are currently stationed, and worked with buddies to write friendly letters to soldiers.  5th graders in Mrs. McCarthy's class enjoyed a visit from an active member of the military, also a Broadmeadow parent, who spoke to the importance of maintaining communication with soldiers while they are away from home. The Broadmeadow community was able to send over 20 boxes filled with donated Halloween candy, letters written by 4th and 5th graders and pictures drawn by 1st-3rd graders.  Around the first of December we received a letter in the mail from a soldier serving in Afghanistan.  It said,"Mrs. McCarthy, I just wanted to write you a quick note of thanks from the soldiers of CTF-2-23.  You brightened our spirits with your letters, drawings, and of course the candy.  We shared most of it with the local children and I distributed the letters to my soldiers."

A group of  3rd, 4th and 5th graders worked on a service learning project as part of Broadmeadow's afterschool Service Learning Group.  After hearing about 3 amazing organizations, students researched, then voted on the cause they felt was most worthy.  The animals won!  The first project benefitted the Animal Rescue League.  Students researched what the immediate need was for this organization and discovered that it was blankets, towels, toys, and monetary donations.  Working in teams, students made flyers & posters, wrote announcements, (one for the PA and one to be read at our monthly All-School Gathering) and did some online research on how to make pet toys.  For the next few weeks, donations came in and toys were made.  Parents then drove the group to the Dedham shelter of the Animal Rescue League where they delivered the donations.  The following week, a representative from the shelter came to Broadmeadow (with 2 friends - a kitten and a snake!) and talked to the children about what the organization does and how their service helped.