Middle School Year-End Summary 2005 - 2006
As part of their grade level theme, "Refugees and Immigrants in America," the 7th graders began their year by immersing themselves in the refugee experience by participating in a refugee simulation in the International District and visiting important historic sites in the ID. English classes read "Of Beetles and Angels," an account of an Ethiopian refugee's journey to and struggles in America, and studied turn of the century immigration in history class. This was followed by several service days at agencies that address the needs of immigrants and refugees. Agencies included: Pacific Asian Empowerment, Asian Counseling and Referral Service, El Centro de la Raza, Women's Refugee Alliance, the English Language School, Parkwood Elementary School English Language Learner Program, the Bilingual Orientation Centers at Thurgood Marshall, John Hay and John Stanford elementary schools, the Chinese Information Center, Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority, and the White Center Food Bank.

As part of their study of "Class in America," the 8th graders had a series of classroom studies, documentaries, and off-campus service learning experiences to examine the concept of economic class, the mobility (or lack of mobility) between classes in America, and the experiences and challenges of membership in particular classes. Offsite service activities focused on homelessness and hunger. During their three service days, the students went with their advisory groups to food banks and agencies that provide food and services for homeless and the working poor. These agencies included: NW Harvest, the Cherry Street Food Bank, the First Avenue Service Center, the Millionaire Club, the Downtown Food Bank, the University Food Bank, Cascade Immanuel Food Bank, Familyworks Food Bank and Resource Center, and First Place. At these sites students packaged and distributed food, made lunches, and sorted clothes.   

Guest speakers during the year included Lakeside parent Frank Schott, speaking on his work and experience in refugee camps in Bosnia and Africa; a speaker who shared his personal experiences coming to America (and surviving) as an undocumented worker, and a refugee from Somalia. Students concluded their year long study of immigration and refugee issues by getting involved in the current controversy in Congress over immigration reform. Representing key players including Senators Frist, Kennedy, McCain; President Bush; the United Farm Workers; agricultural businesses, and others, students participated in a simulation where they tried to build consensus between groups with very different feelings about issues like border security, amnesty, guest worker programs, and what to do about undocumented immigrants in America.

Over the course of last school year, we were fortunate to have several articles submitted with photos of our Middle School students during their Service Learning outings.  Here is a link to those summaries for you to enjoy:
 
Middle School Service Summary and Photos

Upper School Program Gets New Leadership and Focus in 2005 - 2006 by Rachel Finn, Upper School Service Learning Coordinator

Lakeside's [Upper School] service learning program has undergone a great deal of change this year, from a change of leadership and an attempt to redefine and reorganize program goals, to an initiative to form lasting community partners.  The first step in this process started with a name change from Service Learning to Local Service Learning in an attempt both to distinguish the program and to link it more closely in name to the global service program.  The second step was forming a multidisciplinary committee that includes parents, administrators, and faculty members from both the Upper and Middle Schools to help facilitate the reorganization.

Since September, several partnerships have been developed with local organizations and more are in the works.  The foundation has been laid for a dynamic relationship with Seattle Public Schools.  A tutoring program has been introduced at Stevens School in the Capital Hill neighborhood, in an effort to create a quality experience for tutors and students alike.  Lakeside students work consistently with the same students one-on-one or in small groups, helping with homework and working to develop vocabulary and reading skills.  Source: Inside Lakeside , Spring Edition, 2005 - 2006