A character initiative with a focus on community service SHARKS GIVE BACK Miranda Carpenter and Charlene Tillman Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch A character initiative with a focus on community service

The Need On track for over 900 referrals as of Sept. 2010 Student leadership opportunities SOE visit and 2010 character survey Expanding views of students to help become active members of the community Prepare students for volunteer requirements of high schools.

Vision Providing an opportunity for understanding community while cultivating self-motivated student leaders that will ultimately become successful, well-rounded adults.

Mission Sharks Give Back will provide students with a heightened sense of community awareness where they work to understand the importance of the contribution of self to others. Students will work together to bring Imagine School at Lakewood and the surrounding community into a partnership of service. Guest speakers of various community organizations and service learning projects will create a heightened awareness for the needs in the community and empowerment for change. Sharks Give Back will instill an understanding of the importance of volunteerism and the endless ways that one can give back to their community. By instilling this in students now, it is the goal that this program builds a service desire students will carry into adulthood, while developing self-motivated leaders who are actively involved in the community in which they live.

Monthly Service Projects Tree Planting BEACH CLEAN-UP SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT

Success Raised over $8000.00 for charities such as American Heart Association, MDA, and Pasta for Pennies. Students made 728 Origami cranes for Japan relief, resulting in Oshkosh donating 728 articles of clothing to aid Japan. Due to the inspiration of a sixth grade student 728 bars of soap were collected for the One Stop Homeless Shelter. Caroling at a local nursing home resulted in a continuing relationship with their organization for future activities. Development of the Character Council, a student group of leaders who encourage service of our students. NJHS and Character council provided additional programs like the shark schillings, character lessons and community service requirements.

Data

Next Steps The development of “Sharks Give Back” this year has made for a good foundation for moving into next school year. This program along with the NJHS and Character Council will provide additional leadership opportunities to our students. Through participation in this program students seem to have a greater sense of awareness to the needs of others and an understanding of how different organizations and agencies assist with the varying needs of people in our community. Ultimately we want to make sure each student is best prepared for making selfless contributions throughout adulthood.

Recognition We would like to thank Coach Zehr, Kathy Hughes, Kristi Dyer, Arlene Butz, Jordan Valezquez, Tricia Leigh, and Tessa Martin for their contributions to this program. Steve Sajewski for the inspiration to pursue achievement to the highest degree.