D-Term 2008-2009
D-Term 2008-2009
ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL D-TERM PROJECT
Theme: POVERTY
D-Term is an interdisciplinary and experiential service learning project that takes place in the final year of Middle School. Each year, a topic is chosen for the St. Stephen’s 8th Grade Students to study in depth. One of St. Stephen's goals is to help create responsible global citizens who value social justice. Before one can be a good global citizen, one must first learn how to be a good local citizen. This year the eighth graders will study poverty in depth. They will focus on poverty in Austin and the organizations that locally help and support the poor.
The students identify and research specific areas of this main subject. This year the students may choose to study poverty in regards to Mental Health, Physical Health, Food, Shelter, Clothing and Education. Each student then selects a task group within these sub-topics in which to participate. Assignments ("task groups") within the groups are:
Reporters: Write an article for the school and local newspapers including details of their subject, organizations that address the issue and political issues surrounding this topic.
Web-Designers: Design a web-site for their subject group and post all information obtained through research including links, photographs and videos.
Photographers: Photograph the semester’s efforts especially volunteer work days.
Power Point Creators: Create a compelling power point about the information collected. It will be shared during chapel.
Chapel Coordinators: Make the final presentations in January after the project is complete.
Bloggers: Maintain a web-site of on-going experiences and impressions of their classmates. Bloggers will interview each member of the class and create a compilation of poems, essays, statistics and artwork for each sub-group.
The students will spend the entire semester in research through reading, personal interviews and volunteer service. This topic will be integrated into every class. Beginning in October, there will be a special speaker series in chapel where leaders from the community will come and share their view points and experiences with regards to fighting poverty in Austin. After completing the research portion of the project, students will then spend two days volunteering with various local non profit organizations in town. At the end of the project, each of the six groups will prepare and make a presentation about their specific aspect of poverty.
D-TERM 2008
GUEST SPEAKERS FOR MORNING CHAPEL
I. Big Picture Overview: Causes and Symptoms of Poverty in Austin and Beyond
1. October 23: Scott McCown: Former District Judge. Current Director of Center for Public Policy Priorities.
Topic: Big Picture of Poverty in a Systemic Sense.
II. Specific Problems Associated with Poverty
Topic: Health Care Needs in Austin
Topic: Providing Food and Housing for the Homeless.
Topic: The Needs of Families and Children Impacted by Poverty.
5. November 13: Bob Stewart: Former President of the National Association of Social Workers. Currently working in Dallas with a state-wide effort to transform Mental Health Services.
Topic: Low Income Families and Mental Health
6. November 18:
III. Call to Action: What Can Be Done?
Topic: Offering Education Opportunities to Individuals Wishing to Expand Their Career Options.
8. December 12: TA Vasquez: Topic: Transforming Philanthropic Approaches to Alleviating Effects of Poverty
9. December 15: Patrick Bresette: Gives training around the country on citizenship and the common good.
Topic: What It Means to be a Good Citizen.
D-Term Websites created by students (in only two days!)