Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools May/June 2016 | Page 4

Community shelter touched by fourth-graders’ Love Project Fourth graders at Porter Ridge Elementary are doing more than just studying about poverty and homelessness; they’re lending a hand to those in need in what has been dubbed the Love Project. “The Love Project was a way for the students at Porter Ridge to give back to their community, while learning about real world concerns,” said fourth-grade teacher Amy Morris. The project was born during lessons on social issues, when students learned that there are problems that affect a large number of people within society and even the world. Topics such as divorce, poverty, gender bias, racial discrimination and homelessness were studied. “Students have read many articles and books that show characters or historical people who have faced various social issues,” Morris added. After reading about these societal hardships, teachers and students took things to the next level and decided to collect hygiene items for those who live at the Union County Community Shelter in Monroe. A school-wide drive, known as the Love Project, brought in items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and soap. After students collected the items, they Students at Porter Ridge Elementary fill approximately 200 bags with hygiene items for organized them into more than 200 clear the Union County Community Shelter for the Love Project. plastic bags ready for distribution. “It makes me feel good to know I am helping other people stay healthy,” said fourth grader Lindsay Colquitt. Principal Lisa Taylor said students far surpassed their initial objective. “I am extremely proud of our students and teachers for seeing a need and being willing to help by taking on this project,” Taylor said. “Their goal was 88 bags, so they were very happy that they exceeded that.” Discussing real-life issues and coming up with solutions, Taylor said, was a great way for students to achieve “authentic learning.” “They were able to feel the satisfaction in doing something for Porter Ridge Elementary fourth graders and school staff stand ready to send the approximately others without expecting anything 200 bags of hygiene items to the Union County Community Shelter for the Love Project. in return and our wonderful “When we help them, I think they feel really happy because they parents, who graciously sent in the needed items, made it all know other people care about them,” Lindsay said. possible,” Taylor said. After all