"Reading Buddies" at the local nursing home
Every first Monday of the month a few of my students and I head over to a local nursing home after school to read with the residents. The intergenerational bond we've formed is real. Our last visit was "Bring A Classmate Who Had Never Been Before" Day
Autistic Support classroom volunteers
Two of the students volunteer in Autistic Support classrooms twice a week for about a half an hour. One of them got started when he stared into one of their classrooms. I asked if he wanted to volunteer. He consented, so did the teacher. The other got started when she snickered at the students. After nearly jumping down her throat, I asked the teacher if she could gain a different appreciation and respect for her classmates by volunteering to work with them. She's been volunteering willingly ever since.
Leukemia Research fundraiser
In a school-wide effort to raise money for Leukemia research, one of our 5th grade homerooms won the competition. Truthfully, we forgot that there was a prize. The focus was on helping.
10th Annual Philly Spring Clean Up
Getting 5th graders up and out by 9am on a SATURDAY is no small feat. And to CLEAN?? "Mr. Flemming, you out yo mind!!" But about 5 of them did! They showed up at the school to help sweep, pick up litter, plant raspberries, and dedicate new signs for the school's pocket/urban meadow. Two of the students are also Reading Buddies every 1st Monday! Service is in our blood!
