Sault Area Middle School (SAMS) Math Teacher Ms. Jodie Jacobson challenged her fifth grade class to research "areas of need" within the local community, but the end result was much greater than anticipated — A donation of $545.68 and household essentials to Hospice of the EUP.
The 19 participating students walked plastic cups, paper towels, disposable plates, and other donated items from the school to the hospice house early Tuesday afternoon. Ms. Jacobson said they each had their arms and hands pretty full, as though they were "carrying stacks of wood."
"The experience was breathtaking, literally," student Liam M. wrote when reflecting on the community service project at the end of the school day. "The walk up was exhausting, but the reward of knowing you helped people makes it all worth it."
To wrap up the 2022/23 school year, Jacobson added a service learning section to the class's 'What I Need' (WIN) study time. She split them into multiple groups that chose a specific area of need to learn about and present. Group project 'Help for Hospice' was unanimously selected by the class as the winning service project.
"Together, they decided to help our local hospice house," Ms. Jacobson said. "The students decorated coin buckets to be placed in various classrooms. They made posters to advertise their project throughout the school. A few students wrote an email to staff explaining their project."
Some even wrote and read about the 'Help for Hospice' project over the school's loud speaker each morning.
Finally, the day had arrived to compile all donations and deliver them to Hospice of the EUP. The students toured the facility and ate pizza on its deck.
Upon returning to Mr. Jacobson's room, she asked them all to write about their community service experience. Here were some memorable student quotes:
Charliee B. — "I recommend this for years to come because it shows people that they can help and make a change."
Olivia N. — "I feel the best part was the tour of the Hospice House. It was nice to be shown hospitality after giving the donations."
Keira B. — "I enjoyed the experience because it was nice to give back to the place that cared for my grandma when she passed away."
Mason G. — "One of my favorite parts of hospice was being able to bless all of the great people that lived a lovely long life."
Khloey S. — "I really enjoyed being part of this service learning WIN class because it helped support a good cause and taught me how to be a good citizen. I felt like I did a great thing and I hope that everyone can experience this."
Last but certainly not least, 4-H ARTiculate Journalist club member and student Audrie Matthews — "The best part of our service learning class was the feeling of fulfillment you get when being part of the things we did. I enjoyed it because I enjoyed helping my community and feeling like I was part of something."
Ms. Jacobson said she has organized several service learning projects for both Pickford Public Schools and Sault Area Public Schools in years past.
"I think this type of class allows kids to go beyond classroom learning," she said. "I plan to continue this section of 'WIN time' in the future."
It costs more than $250,000 per year to maintain the five-bed Hospice of the EUP house. Donating to Hospice of the EUP is easy when visiting its website, here.
