The Ohio Department of Education, Learn and Serve Ohio, would like to recognize and present the 2009 Learn and Serve Ohio Certificate of Recognition award to Elida Local School District for their long-term commitment and leadership to service-learning. Elida hosted the first statewide youth challenge conference in Columbus during the 2008 Learn and Serve Challenge. Dave Desenberg, Marsha Jackson, and Jo Ellen Miller are to be commended for their dedication to service-learning and are leaders in helping to expand quality service-learning in Ohio and nationally. Please congratulate them on this well deserved honor!

Elida Local School's Service-Learning Program

SUCCESS - Elida Local School District's service-learning program connects youth with the community via partnerships that link education and experience. Elida offers a 3-credit course providing English and Social Studies instruction in the classroom, with an emphasis on multi-cultural studies. Outside the classroom, students work with a community partner agency for a minimum of 120 hours to earn the 3rd credit.

They involve students in community activities which complement their classroom studies and are part of the curriculum and engage students in service to the community to enrich academic learning, promote personal growth and help students develop the skills needed for productive citizenship. Curriculum connections are based on curricular topics/issues, career exploration, community issues, community partner¹s need, and/or student interest.

Additionally, as a statewide model, Elida provides leadership to expand service-learning by offering regional conferences, providing professional development and mini-grant opportunities to area teachers, mentoring and supporting new grantees; presenting at local, state, and national conferences; and promoting service through the media and district newsletters.