Lynne Bell, Observer Staff
Arcola School Grade seven ELA teacher Heather Saarela says this year's class are “Building A Better World.”
“The kids were amazing,” says Saarela. “This was our final unit in ELA and these kids were fantastic.”
“They had big ideas and they all embraced the project wholeheartedly,” explains Saarela. “I'm so proud of them all.”
The 17 students made up three groups whose mandate it was to choose a philanthropic project and to carry out a related mission.
“One group decided they would raise money and donate whatever the Estevan chapter of the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals),” says Saarela. “Another group decided to raise funds for the Regina Humane Society, and the third group decided that their mandate was to 'Pay It Forward' by cleaning up Arcola.”
“They held bake sales, approached local businesses for donations - and more,” says Saarela.
“One group called the Estevan Humane Society to find out what the organization needed most,” she says. “As a result, they'll be dropping off a donation of dog food, cat food and pet toys.”
“And another group will make a similar donation to the Regina Humane Society.”
“The third group spent days picking up trash in Arcola and their contributions contributed to this year's SMAK Attack community clean-up competition.”
“Not only did these students enact and carry out a plan for positive change,” says Saarela. “They also learned personal and professional development skills such as project management and also by took on leadership roles within their groups.”
“As a teacher, I find it really gratifying and heart warming,” says Saarela.
“I have no doubt they'll go on to do great - and good - things in the future.”
