Making Their Mark: Dot Day Inspires Service Learning

Imagine the power of students using their talents, gifts, and energy to move the world to a better place. That is exactly what our 6-8 students accomplished on Dot Day 2014.

Inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ book, The Dot, our students embraced service learning opportunities in our local Rome community. The Dot tells the story of a girl who begins a journey of self-discovery after she is challenged by her teacher to “make her mark.”

Our students experienced firsthand the balance between learning goals and service outcomes. They combined community service with structured opportunities to learn by connecting, collaborating, creating, and celebrating with a “heart” of service.

Dot Day service activities included:

· Making toys, treats, and beds for the Humane Society of Rome

· Visiting with senior citizens at Winthrop Court

· Playing bingo at the Renaissance Marquis with Alzheimer’s residents

· Picking up trash at Ridge Ferry Park

· Helping to organize products and set-up for customers at Action Ministries Food Pantry

· Assisting with the gardening at the Boys & Girls Club

Service learning builds camaraderie and teamwork. Our students learned the value of investing in our community. They became active, positive contributors as well. By participating in Dot Day 2014, students forged bonds with each other and learned firsthand that every person counts. 

As a sixth-grader pointed out about her experience at Renaissance, “They appreciated us so much. The little things make such a big difference.”

There is a common saying that “you learn something new every day.” This definitely holds true. With each new experience, our students learn new life skills and become active citizens in our school community and the community at large.

As expressed by a seventh-grader, “Community service and helping others helps you be a better person.“

Our students certainly “made their mark!”