Community service projects could become part of curriculum - KOAM TV 7

Community service projects could become part of Joplin Schools curriculum

by LISA OLLIGES

Some Joplin High School students are helping children in Africa through a community service element in their class.

Students involved in the FLEX program are helping create 300 leather-bound art portfolios for kids in Ghana.

The teens are working to help Art Feeds, a local charity.

The superintendent says he would like to build community service projects into the curriculum from preschool through senior year.

Dr. CJ Huff says it is in the beginning stages, but community service is a part of the Bright Futures effort to support the community that is supporting the schools.

"I think it will be part of what we do as a school district, part of who we are," says Dr. Huff.  "It will take some time even for staff to understand the concept, where we're headed with that.  It will take training.  We just started conversations about what that might look like.  The first step is identifying needs in the community."

Dr. Huff says ambassadors will go into charities and businesses seeking ways that classes can help them, while also tying to part of district curriculum.