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Students present pet food drive and Safety Town designs; mayor praises community engagement
Summary
Elementary and middle school students presented community outreach and problem-based learning projects — including a pet Meals on Wheels drive and Safety Town building designs — and were recognized by the board and Mayor Bob Fiala.
At the March 10 Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools board meeting, students from Edison Elementary and the district’s School of Innovation presented community outreach projects and problem-based learning work to the board and attendees.
Nancy Trace, principal at Addison Elementary, introduced members of the school’s principal advisory committee who described a February pet-food and toys drive they organized in partnership with the Lake County Council on Aging’s Pet Meals on Wheels program. Student presenters said the drive aimed to help seniors who keep pets and sometimes struggle to obtain pet food. Linda Lewellen of the Lake County Council on Aging told the board the students collected enough supplies to support pets for 71 seniors and to provide toys or treats for each pet. "It was amazing," Lewellen said.
Mayor Bob Fiala attended and spoke to the students about leadership. "I have to applaud these elementary school students for what they've done," Mayor Fiala told the board, praising the students’ ability to connect the district’s "portrait of a graduate" competencies to community action.
Students from the School of Innovation presented a problem-based learning unit to design seven buildings for a Safety Town initiative for Willoughby Hills. Principal Mike Bonnick and staff said the project is now moving into a build phase in partnership with Lyndhurst Lumber (materials) and Sherwin-Williams (paint); community and city officials provided feedback and voted on favorite designs. The School of Innovation team said construction will begin when weather and supplies allow.
The board recognized multiple teachers and staff during the meeting and honored two South High School students for academic distinctions: Siddarth (a U.S. Presidential Scholars candidate) and Austin Parker (a National Merit semifinalist). Superintendent Dr. Ward read details of the students’ activities and awards.
The presentations demonstrated district staff and students working with civic partners on hands-on projects and student leadership experiences that the board said support curriculum and community connections.
