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Friday, September 6, 2024 | Upper Arlington Middle Schools - Hastings and Jones
On September 6, 2024, with support from the Upper Arlington Education Foundation, Upper Arlington’s middle schools proudly hosted Dr. Buddy Berry. Dr. Berry presented at both Jones and Hastings Middle Schools, impacting all 1,500 middle school students in the district. The upbeat, funny presentation held an important message that aligns with the district’s commitment to service-learning and reminded students and staff of the power of small acts of kindness to create meaningful change.
The Story Behind the Grant
For the 2024-2025 school year, the Service-Learning Committees at Jones and Hastings Middle Schools reimagined how to engage 1,500 students in service-learning and community impact. Service-learning supports the district's mission by enriching students' academic experience by integrating classroom learning with community service, helping to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and civic responsibility. It also fosters empathy and a sense of social responsibility, preparing students to become engaged and thoughtful citizens. The year’s theme, "Together We Can Make a Difference: Jones & Hastings Year of Service," reflects the commitment to fostering student involvement in meaningful change.
To kick off this initiative, the schools applied for a grant to bring Dr. Buddy Berry* to speak to all middle school students. UA+Ed was the lead funder and helped secure additional funding from the district's service learning budget and both schools' PTOs.
“Service-learning is an important part of our students' experience during middle school. We are proud of the projects students have completed over the last several years, and we are happy to see the impact that service has on our students. Buddy has a powerful and energizing influence for both students and staff. I am excited about this opportunity and in full favor of this grant.” - Aimee White, Principal, Jones Middle School
Engagement Throughout the Year
Following Dr. Berry’s inspiring and thought-provoking presentation, each grade level will focus on a specific service theme for the school year.
During this first semester, each grade will participate in a day of service by venturing into the community to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting. These service projects will align with the student's learning goals. For example, 7th graders will focus on environmental stewardship, while 8th graders will explore themes of veterans’ support and civic responsibility. This service-learning will continue throughout the year, with a potential school-wide celebration of service planned for the final quarter of the school year, where students will showcase the impact of their work.
The Lasting Impressions
The goal of this year-long service initiative is to inspire every middle school student to engage in meaningful service-learning. By participating in these projects, students will become more open-minded, empathetic, and empowered problem-solvers.
"Service-learning expands students' perspectives, helping them see the world in new ways and making them more compassionate and engaged community members. In addition, it helps students actively apply their academic learning to make a difference as “experts” and changemakers," said Ellen Erlanger, Co-Founder of Partnerships for Authentic Learning & Leadership.
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*Dr. Buddy Berry is the superintendent of Eminence Independent Schools, where he has developed the FIRE (Framework of Innovation for Reinventing Education) model. This model aims to empower students with next-generation skills, foster passion projects, and encourage community-based problem-solving. Dr. Berry has also partnered with Upper Arlington’s service-learning initiatives through Partnerships for Authentic Learning and Leadership.
The Upper Arlington Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides access to meaningful opportunities for students that are beyond the budget of the Upper Arlington School District. Established in 1985, UA+Ed is permanently structured to fund programs and projects today and for generations to come. The Upper Arlington Alumni Association is an important part of the foundation and keeps graduates connected, engaged, and motivated to pay it forward.
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