N. Adams Schools to present 10th Annual Service-Learning Conference
College to receive first ‘Higher Education Partner’ awardNORTH ADAMS, Mass – In partnership with Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (NBCC), North Adams Public Schools (NAPS) will host its 10th Annual Service-Learning Conference on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at MCLA.
Service-Learning is a method of teaching and a way of learning whereby students use academic knowledge and skills to meet real community needs through service activities connected to their curriculum.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Reflections, Traditions and the Promise of Service-Learning.” Local dignitaries and leaders to speak at the conference will include North Adams Mayor John Barrett III; State Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, D-North Adams; Al Bashevkin, director of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (NBCC); and MCLA President Mary K. Grant.
At the conference, MCLA will be the first college to receive the Massachusetts Community Service-Learning Higher Education Partner Leader award, which will be presented to Grant.
The award, from the Community Service-Learning Advisory Council to the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, is in recognition of MCLA’s development of future service-learning teachers, and of the College’s partnership with public schools to promote service-learning, civic engagement and community improvement.
The event is free and open to youth, educators, community agency staff, civic leaders and interested citizens.
Sample workshop offerings include “Intro to Service-Learning,” “Breaking Ground: Drury Gardens,” “Top Secret Tips for Youth/Adult Partnerships,” “TAKE CHARGE with Service-Learning” and “Water is Essential,” with additional themes of local history, pre-kindergarten service-learning, addressing hunger, bully prevention, solar energy and more.
For more information or to register, contact Debbie Rosselli, service-learning coordinator at Drury High School, at 413-662-3240 ext 1205 or at sl_rosselli@yahoo.com.
