The holiday season is the time of year when a number of Georgia charter schools give back to their local communities through school-wide community service projects.
In November and December, students at Pataula Charter Academy in Edison and Spring Creek Charter Academy are focusing on the Design Principal, Service and Compassion. In their Crew meetings with teachers, students are discussing compassion for the less fortunate and how they can help those in need in their local communities.
Pataula Charter Academy students are putting what they learn into action through a Holiday Food Drive to support area food banks. To encourage participation, members of the school’s band are holding their first concert and are calling on attendees to bring a non-perishable food item rather than charging admission.
In Bainbridge, Spring Creek Charter Academy is helping First Port City Bank of Bainbridge and the Bainbridge Family Connection with their annual community food drive to replenish local food banks for the holidays. Students are competing as part of teams called Crews to see who can bring in the most non-perishable food items. Crews meet daily and help students learn and grow as they receive support from peers and teachers. The winning Crew will receive an ice cream or pizza party as a reward.
In Atlanta, Centennial Academy charter school’s staff members, parents, board members, and community partners are working to brighten the holiday season for children and families in need. Each year Centennial hosts an “Angel Tree” where gifts are collected for scholars and their siblings. Centennial Academy is home to a diverse group of scholars, including students residing in three homeless shelters. The annual Angel Tree typically serves 150-200 scholars in need.
