Apps For A Cause: A 3rd Grade Service-Learning Project

On Tuesday, May 30th third-grade students at Union Academy showcased their ideas for advocating and creating partnerships with local non-profits. The 3rd Grade App Expo is the concluding event for a service-learning project which began in November.


According to Mrs. Catherine Rogers who leads this endeavor, students began the project by first talking about what is a "cause". Next they used technology to research local non-profits to learn who and how they help in the community. As a group they selected a non-profit and brainstormed a smartphone app that could help their cause. From there, students contacted their organization by email to gain more information about the cause and to receive feedback on their application idea. Student groups then pulled all of their research together to finalize their app idea, design a logo, and create a presentation for the App Expo.


This service learning project accomplishes a number of 3rd grade standards. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are constant parts of the project. In addition, the project teaches students to practice self-advocacy, learn about social justice, and to develop as a citizen. Students feel empowered to be agents of change and they discover how they can work with others to create good. Group work nurtures skills in conflict resolution and negotiation. Most importantly, Apps For A Cause helps students learn the power of their own voice and their ability to solve real problems.


This year Union Academy has made an effort to increase service-learning projects, tying community service into academic curriculum. Mrs. Rogers' Apps For A Cause is an excellent example of how reading, writing, and social emotional learning can all be accomplished through the vehicle of helping others.

Life Skills Day: Educating the Whole Child

     Many schools talk about educating the whole the child, but Union Academy proactively puts this mission into action. One example is UA's High School Life Skills Day. On Life Skills Day, students are divided by grade level and spend a school day attending programs on interview skills, table etiquette, sewing, CPR, and more. The annual event began in November of 2014 under the guidance of Shannen Bretz. According to Bretz the event grew from a brainstorm about what students needed before graduation. He said, "We heard that employers and universities were looking for 'soft skills,' like empathy, responsibility, initiative, and manners. We designed life skills day to encompass these concepts in an effort to develop the whole child and to educate for all parts of life."
     On Thursday, April 13, Union Academy held it's 3rd annual Life Skills Day. According to Kelly Brun, school counselor who has coordinated the efforts for the past two years, the school has made a conscious effort to provide different skills each year and to constantly adapt the program to meet the needs of the students. "Each year we survey the students and the speakers to assess areas of success and improvement.  We also use the survey to solicit new ideas," she said.  For instance, this year the lesson on how to change a tire was hands-on. Sophomore students were divided into small groups and worked together to read a vehicle's owner manual and work through the steps necessary to change a flat. 

     In 2017, twenty-four skills were taught. Each grade level circulated through six different skills. All high school students learned self-defense thanks to Sangrock Black Belt World, US Taekwondo Academy, Roar Taekwondo, and Zen Jiu-Jitsu. Seniors also learned about credit and finance, communication skills, trauma care, and CPR. Juniors learned ethics, how to sew, interview skills, how to register a car, and the importance of a positive social media profile. In addition to how to change a tire and self-defense, sophomore students participated in workshops on table etiquette, stress management, first aid, and impaired safety. Freshmen skills included food safety, relationship skills, fitness, and cyber safety. 
     According to Jim Zorn, the high school principal, one of the best parts of this event is the community support. "Union Academy partnered with nineteen different organizations to make today's event possible." Participants included South Piedmont Community College, Wingate University, North Carolina Cooperate Extension, the State Bureau of Investigation, Turning Point, Monroe Police Department, and Union County Junior Cotillion. In addition,  Union Academy alumni, parents, and grandparents helped teach courses. Community members value the purpose behind Life Skills day. According to Kathy Babula from Youth Meditation, "The best part about Life Skills Day is the variety of instruction regarding the real world that students can immediately put to use. From proper table etiquette to job interview skills to CPR, one never knows when this information will be needed for a 'make or break' moment."
     In addition to the small group workshops, the students ended the day with an assembly called Chasing the Dragon organized by Union Academy's Nursing Department. High school parents were also invited to attend. The assembly touched on the dangers of substance abuse, particularly on the the harmful effects of opioid addiction. One of the speakers at the assembly, Elaine Moffatt, shared her son's story with opioid addiction.  "His addiction began with prescription pill abuse and quickly moved out of his control."

     "With the growing heroin epidemic in North Carolina and across the United States, we think it is important for students to be aware of how dangerous it is to take prescription drugs without doctor supervision," said Monica Kocell, school nurse.  According to Ashley Sabo, head of the Union Academy nursing department, "Information from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) indicates that one in five high school seniors reports misusing prescription drugs at least once in their lifetime.  In addition the DEA reports that 75% of opioid (heroin) abusers started with prescription pills.  Teens and their parents need to be aware of the addictive nature of these pills."  

     From changing tires to substance abuse prevention, Life Skills Day is a proactive way that Union Academy works to ensure the success of their students.  "Keeping our students safe, teaching them to be independent, and preparing them for the future are the real goals of this day," said Kelly Brun. 

Union Academy Family Reunion Day 2017

     Family Reunions are always special times, but especially so at Union Academy Charter School. For the third time this school year, the 1400 members of 27 Union AcaUA Character Educationdemy “families” came together Wednesday, April 5 to work, learn, eat and play.
     Families at the K-12 school consist of elementary, middle and high school students combined in groups of about 50 to form “families.” Each family is distinguished by wearing matching t-shirts. The final reunion of the year, started out with all UA families gathering for a school assembly in the football stadium filled with music and a celebratory mood. Student families then began to make rotations of morning activities.
     Mike Baucom, a trustee with Hometown Heroes, a local non-profit organization that helps children afflicted with cancer, spoke with the students about the value in being charitable with time and money to help those in need in our community. Baucom said, “Giving is the greatest gift your heart will ever receive and no matter how young or old you might be, it’s never too early or too late to start giving to others.” He talked about the organization’s annual Christmas Tree Lot fundraising event and encouraged students of all ages to volunteer helping run the tree sales.
     Following learning about the Hometown Heroes organization, student family groups rotated to the high school gym to make Christmas cards and ornaments to donate to the organization for the tree sale this year. Student-decorated cards will be given away at the lots and the Christmas trees will be decorated with the hand-made ornaments. ”This is so much fun and I like hearing the Christmas music playing now. I hope the ornaments my UA Family made will make someone want to buy a Christmas tree next year to help children with cancer,” said Addie Watkins, third grade student.
     The third and final rotation of the morning allowed an opportunity for all students to sign the base floor and wall beams of the new 32,000 square feet dining and classroom addition being built at the Upper Campus located on MLK, Jr., Boulevard in Monroe. The student names and their thoughts will be forever embedded in the structure of the building.

By Luan Ingram

1st Grade Students Brighten the Birthdays of Children in Need

Union Academy's 1st grade classes partner with Bright Blessings, a non-profit organization that cares for the needs of homeless and impoverished children in the greater Charlotte area. According to Cynthia Mitchell, first grade teacher, “This partnership focuses on the character trait of compassion. At the beginning of the year we introduce the trait to students through reading and writing.”  The team of first grade teachers then use this trait to educate the students on the needs of others in the community and the students’ ability to make a difference.  “At this young age, teachers want students to start thinking outside of themselves and start thinking about words like grateful, thankful, caring, giving, etc.  This theme of compassion is carried throughout the year whether working on service projects in the classroom, writing, reading literature, or visiting the Bright Blessings location itself,” said Mrs. Mitchell.

One of the main ways first grade students serve the community and learn the implementation of compassion is through Bright Blessings’ Bless-a-Birthday program.  This program provides presents and parties to children who do not have the financial means to celebrate their birthdays. Throughout the school year and as needs arise, first graders collect specific needs for Bless-a-Birthday such as gifts, juice boxes, cookies, lollipops, and other party supplies.  The first grade students at Union Academy do in-class projects for the program by making gift wrap and bookmarks that will be used to help celebrate the birthdays of these children.  Twice a year, first graders visit the Bright Blessings location in Matthews, North Carolina where they tour the facility and receive an update on growing needs and projects.  While at the facility, the first graders have an opportunity to do hands-on service such as making gift bags for parties or decorating gift wrap.

In addition to using this service project as a tool for learning compassion, reading, and writing, the first grade teachers also tie the project to First Grade Social Studies Essential Standards.  Standard 1.E.1.3 expects students to understand how supply and demand affects the choices families make, including why people cannot have everything they want. Discussing the causes of homelessness and poverty helps students understand why people often prioritize choices based on wants and needs.  Students recognize that birthday celebrations are a want and not a need.  Discussion on this essential standard allows the children to see how they can help fulfill this want for those less fortunate and make a difference in the community. 

 “This is a meaningful project for this age group because they are helping children just like themselves. This consistent connection to being kind and caring towards others is an important part of the whole C-A-R-R-O-T P-I, and developing the character of the students,” stated Mrs. Mitchell.

A Visit to Autumn Care: A Trip to Discover the Past and Serve the Elderly

     On March 22, Mrs. Hughes' 5th grade Cardinal Time group spent the morning interacting with the residents of Autumn Care, a nursing center in Marshville, NC. Becca Yanacsek, substitute teacher, spent the morning preceding the trip teaching the students about the importance of serving this part of the community.  They watched a video about a 102 year old dancer who saw videos of her in her youth for the first time. The video prompted discussion on the lives lived by the elderly and their wealth of knowledge about the past.  Students discussed how they learned much about the past  through the oral history part of the Fifth Grade Heritage Project completed last month.  Ms. Yanacsek suggested that the service trip was an opportunity to continue learning through oral history.  This discussion led to a "secret mission" where students were challenged to discover the history of the residents at Autumn Care.
     Once at Autumn Care, the students filled the cafeteria, armed with games, nail polish, or craft supplies.  Under the guise of activity volunteers, they used the time to ask the elderly residents questions. While playing checkers, or teaching Uno they tried to discover the ages and previous jobs of the residents.  "I met a lady who was 102 years old.  I did the math.  That means she was born in 1915!  She told me that she didn't have a car growing up, but did have a two seated carriage called a Surry," said student Shelby Brooks.
     In addition to learning about the past, students also learned the importance of serving this population. In the reflection circle after the project, students shared their experiences. Fifth grader Teigan Hatinen said, "I liked helping those people.  One lady said that her daughter and sister never come to visit.  I think she really liked that we were there."
     Everyone benefited from their time spent at Autumn Care. The elderly were entertained and felt respected and valued. The students were filled with compassion and learned a worthwhile lesson on caring for those who are older. During the service reflection circle, student Erin Collins summed up the experience with her quote, "I think it is important that we listen to their stories and pass them along.  They feel better having someone listen and I feel good for helping them."
     Union Academy is dedicated to creating good citizens for the future.  Service learning projects, such as this visit to Autumn Care, are a common experience for all UA students.  Through these opportunities, teachers and staff hope to expose students to real-world needs and  inspire them to create solutions.  Union Academy believes that community involvement is a fundamental tool for promoting the school’s core values and for developing leadership skills in students.

Freshmen Focus: UA's High School Student Transition Program

     Union Academy is dedicated to educating the whole child as evidenced by the second year of the school's Freshmen Focus workshops. Freshmen Focus began in the 2015-16 school year when principal Jim Zorn pulled together a team of high school staff members with instructions to create a curriculum that would assist freshmen with entering high school. His idea grew to become a series of ten lessons designed to both acclimate ninth graders to high school and find success in their final years at Union Academy. This year the program grew to include upperclassmen as co-teachers of the lessons. "It seemed like a natural fit to include our Link Crew Leaders in the implementation of Freshmen Focus," said Trent Faulkner, Union Academy teacher and Link Crew adviser. The Link Crew is a group of juniors and seniors in charge of Freshmen Orientation. "They were looking for another way to interact with the ninth grade class and this was a great opportunity," he added.
     This school year's Freshmen Focus series kicked off with an assembly hosted by Mr. Faulkner and the Link Crew. Mr. Faulkner interacted with students teaching them the importance of choosing friends wisely and keeping focused on the goal of graduation and college. The Link Crew led students in games where they experienced the importance of working together and choosing wisely.
In the months following the assembly, students rotated through a series of eight activities and learning skills such as stress management, SMART goals, serving others, and making the most of high school. Students were quizzed on the history and mission of UA and learned about the importance of the three Cs: Challenge, Character, and Community. They participated in scenarios that made them consider choices they may be faced with as a high school student and evaluate their life priorities. "My favorite class in Freshmen Focus was learning how to calculate my GPA and what to expect in high school," said ninth grade student Andrew Young.
     The tenth and final meeting of Freshmen Focus was on High School Service Day. This half day event began with a wrap-up of all previous lessons and more activities related to personal leadership and success. Students were reminded of UA’s graduation requirement involving service hours and were exposed to the needs of local charities and non-profits. Students chose from eight different projects such as making blankets for Project Linus, crafting para-cord bracelets for the USO, stuffing race bags for the Heart of Monroe, and preparing lunch for Operation Reach Out. They demonstrated teacher appreciation by cleaning rooms, braiding chew toys for dogs at the Union County Animal Shelter, and mixing home-made play-dough for the Alliance for Children. Student Emily Huang said, "I like feeling like I'm making a difference. On service day, I felt good about making para-cord bracelets and making sandwiches for those in need." "My group created whisper phones for emerging readers. They learned that serving others does not have to be elaborate project and that the most simple act of kindness can go a long way, " said Holly Hammonds, high school counselor.
     "Our goal with the Freshmen Focus program was to create a solid foundation for these young students entering high school. We want them to understand the importance of good character, and we want them prepared to meet the challenges of the next few years and feel supported through the process," said Principal Zorn.
     Freshmen Focus and the Link Crew are examples of how Union Academy proactively works to promote core values and performance values (Principles 1 & 3 of Character Education). In addition this program works to create a caring community (Principle 4 of Character Education) across grade levels.

Union Academy High School Clubs Serve the Community

   

   On March 15th, Union Academy High School students completed over 800 hours serving the community through the annual High School Service Day. This event is one of many examples of how UA is committed to serving those in need and is dedicated to the development of character in students.

   For students in grades ten through twelve, High School Service Day was the final event for their chosen club and was a celebration of their work over the school year. When clubs began in the fall they were challenged by Mr. Zorn, the high school principal, to create a project that would give back to others. Over the past eight months, students have investigated areas of need tied to the mission of their club. Based upon those needs, club members then worked together to address the area of concern. For instance, the Sports Lovers club saw a need to educate middle school students about the importance of a healthy life style. They then created and executed a lesson on this topic and engaged sixth grade students in fun ways to exercise through dance. The Knots of Love club, a group of students who learned to knit, discovered that the local hospital maternity wards were in need of hats for newborn babies. According to Emma Tittle, a junior at UA, the club, “knitted twenty or thirty small hats and then delivered them to CMC Union on Service Day.”   

   For ninth grade students, the High School Service Day was the finale of this year’s Freshmen Focus workshops. On Service day, freshmen were reminded of UA’s graduation requirement involving service hours and were exposed to the needs of local charities and non-profits. Students chose from eight different projects such as making blankets for Project Linus, crafting para-cord bracelets for the USO, stuffing race bags for the Heart of Monroe, and preparing lunch for Operation Reach Out to name only a few. “Our goal today was to let them see that it is easy and rewarding to serve others. We hope that by introducing them to these local organizations, they will find a place to get involved and give back over the rest of their high school career,” said Kelly Brun, school counselor at UA.

   Overall, almost twenty different local groups and organizations benefited from the High School Service Day, including Wolfe School, Brookdale Union Park Nursing Home, and Operation Christmas Child. However, the biggest beneficiaries of the day were Union Academy’s high school students. “So many teachers have helped me over the years and it felt great to finally give something back to them.  I loved making them breakfast on Service Day,” said Jeannine Llanos, 12th grade student.