2007 Charity - Service Learning Initiative of Northfield Public Schools

In 2006, the first Service Learning Initiative of Northfield Public Schools was made possible by funding from a local non-profit organization and offered at Northfield High School. Through this community sponsorship of the classroom, students and teachers have had the opportunity to experience service learning. The first step was a service learning class, an elective course for junior and senior students. In one year the class has grown from 25 to more than 70 students and is now funded by the school system. As a required part of the class, students are asked to “spread the word” about service learning to other teachers in the district by sharing their work and the curricular connections that exist. The second step has been to provide opportunities for educators (representing a variety of schools within the District) to be formally trained on incorporating service learning into their curriculums. Funding for the Service Learning Initiative will not only support the students and our community today, it will provide a lasting impact into the future.

Organizations that have benefited from the Jingle Bell Run/Walk in past years include:

2006 - Northfield Area Family YMCA
2005 - Jeff Amerman Pavilion at Spring Creek Park
2004 - Northfield’s Christmas Day Dinner for All and the Health Finders Network
2003 - Community Action Center’s Permanent Supportive Housing Project
2002 - Spring Creek Barrier Free Park