Local students join summit

    GORHAM — On March 27-28, hundreds of K-12 students from around New England gathered at the University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus, for the 8th annual KIDS Consortium Student Summit on Service-Learning. They celebrated their work to solve real problems faced by their communities through service-learning — a teaching method that links community projects with academic studies. For example, elementary students established a school-community recycling program through their math and science studies, and high school art students designed and led art classes for senior citizens. Through these activities, youth learn to be communicators, problem-solvers and active members of their community.  
Contributed photo
SERVICE LEARNING – Region 2 students presented their gas pump restoration project and forestry project at the Service Learning Summit in Portland. Pictured, from left, from: Keri Bennett and Sam Carman; back, Justin Smith and David Philips.
    Attendees will come from Houlton, as well as from all other districts around Maine and New England.
     The event’s theme, “Got Green? Who Can Make a Difference? We Can!,” encouraged participants to work together to make their communities more environmentally friendly. Using this theme, students and educators at the Summit will have fun showcasing their work, reflecting on their experiences, and learning new skills.  A number of organizations including Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Energy Education Program, Cultivating Communities, LOTS to Gardens, Cool Communities, Portland Trails and Heifer International will lead workshops on topics ranging from composting to global warming to world hunger.