Service Learning is a method of teaching that enriches learning by engaging students in meaningful service to their schools and their communities. Through careful integration with established curricula, lessons gained from hands-on service heighten interest and enhance academic achievement, citizenship, and character development. Service learning is a proven key to educational reform that also makes significant contributions to community development.

As a philosophy, service learning embraces young people as a community resource and asset. It views all people in a democratic society as citizens with the capacity to contribute - no matter their age.

As a community development model, service learning takes on real issues such as pollution control, hunger and homelessness, and diversity. Communities change for the better when service and learning are joined.

As a teaching and learning method, service learning is a form of active learning that values critical thinking and problem solving. Research shows that when service learning is effectively implemented students gain in measures of academic achievement, citizenship, and character

Service Learning at Hillcrest

Middle Schoolers help make Kenosha residents safe from fires!

In observation of Fire Safety Month Hillcrest Bridges 7th and 8th graders created fire awareness informational brochures, emergency number magnets and escape route plans to distribute with free smoke detectors and batteries. These “gift packs” were distributed by students at Head Start located in the Cesar Chavez Learning Center and to other families (totaling 50) in need of these life saving devices. Special thanks to the Kenosha Fire Department for their donation of the smoke detectors and batteries!

Pop Tabs for Ronald McDonald House

Hillcrest Bridges Center is helping Ronald McDonald House (a charity that gives shelter to families with children needing medical treatment away from home) by collecting pop tabs. Students created posters advertising the project and encourage their families and community to save tabs to donate to this established charity. If you can help, please bring your pop tabs to the Hillcrest main office. We are hoping to beat last year’s collection and help make a difference to families in need.

Hillcrest School Participates in National Literacy Campaign

For Every Class That Reads 100 Books, Scholastic Book Clubs Will Donate 100 Books to Children in Need. Hillcrest Middle and High School Students are helping others while they help themselves this school year by participating in Scholastic Book Clubs ClassroomsCare, a philanthropy-based literacy campaign designed to teach children about the joys and importance of reading and giving. From the beginning of school through December 31, 2006, students all across the country, including here at Hillcrest, will read 100 books and in turn, Scholastic Book Clubs will donate 100 books (for a total donation of up to one million new books) to disadvantaged and under-served children nationwide.