KIDS Consortium to Hold “Get Started with Service-Learning” Workshop and Community Awareness Ses

   Presque Isle – On Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, KIDS Consortium, is offering a full-day “Get Started with Service-Learning: Ideas for Implementing the Revised Maine Learning Results” workshop for educators, followed by an hour-long service-learning awareness session for community groups and parents. Through service-learning, students identify, research and address real community challenges, using knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.     Sessions are as follows:
• 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Educator “Get Started with Service-Learning” workshop, pre-registration required; and
• 4:30-5:30 p.m. Service-learning awareness session for community groups and parents, no registration required.
    The “Get Started” workshop is designed for K-12 educators interested in learning more about starting service-learning projects with their students. Thanks to the generous support of the Cummings Fund of the Maine Community Foundation and the Learn and Serve America Program at the Corporation for National and Community Service, the workshop fee will be $40. The registration fee includes lunch, a copy of the “KIDS As Planners Guidebook” (130+ pages, step-by-step resource), additional classroom tools and resources, and a contact hours certificate. Pre-registration for the workshop is required by Tuesday, Aug. 26, at www.kidsconsortium.org.  
    The community awareness session is designed for community groups and parents interested in working with students and teachers on service-learning projects. This is particularly important now that the newly-revised Maine Learning Results call for all students to have civic action or service-learning experiences. At the session, participants will learn about service-learning and its benefits, take home free resources and enjoy refreshments and engaging conversations. No registration required, please visit the KIDS Web site or call 784-0956 for more information.
    KIDS Consortium, based in Auburn, is a non-profit organization that helps transform classrooms and communities through an award-winning educational model that has touched more than a quarter-million students to date. Founded in 1992, KIDS Consortium prepares young people to be active and responsible citizens by training and supporting educators, community organizations and youth in the best practices for service-learning.