Friday, May 3, 2013

In School Service Project: Recycling Project


May 2nd, 2013:

Andre, the district recycling administrator came back to assist in finalizing our plan. We jumped right in and starting to dig through classroom trashes for recycling materials. Our advisory began, without complaining at all, and really helped each other out. We learned some things along the way:

* Only plastic bottles with a number 1 (clear) and 2 (non clear) can be recycled.
* Plastic that can be stretched, can be recycled.
* Paper that has food on it, cannot be recycled (unless it's only a tiny stain)
* ALL materials need to be sorted or it's cross contamination
* Paper plates, cups, etc., can not be recycled

Here are some photos of our project happenings 
The only one with TWO gloves!

Andre explaining that some things can't be recycled.

Working hard to sort the recyclables out of the trash.
And we are off!


strategizing and preparing, discussing the process



Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Official Letter- Teen Power Service Project


**Finalizing our last step before launch, we gathered to view, sign, address, and decide who we could get involved. This project has been a great success thus far, with the whole team pulling together. I am very proud of you all. Below are pictures and the official letter:
Our graphic organizers and tools for developing the project!
Our team locating businesses, signing letters, working together!

Even signing for our absent member, Alex. What a great idea, Faizon!


Jack navigating between spreadsheeting our contact list and signing letters!



HTC (Highland Tech Charter School) Carton Cult Mission: “We desire to help the community grow in a healthy way, specifically, to support homeless teens gain access to resources; so they can live the way we do just as we have the opportunity”

Dear Sir or Madam:

Hello, we are a leadership team from Highland Tech Charter School. Our mission at this school is “Educating for Leadership, Educating for Life”, which focuses on helping students become active members of society, performing leadership roles in order to advance.

For our service project, we chose to partner with Teen Power, an organization that offers the chance for youth to have an enriched life by helping homeless teens receive resources, in order to live productive lives. These teens may have been through drug addiction, abuse, rape, etc. and have nowhere else to turn but the streets. This program reaches out to youth and establishes bonds and friendships in a caring environment. Those that have learned to cope with their obstacles help other troubled teens get through the hardships. In order to reach its mission, this program is partnered with other organizations to increase the success of the youth it services.

These teens have challenges accessing personal items that will help them gain employment, be independent, and have basic needs met (fed, hygiene habits, and access to “nice” and clean, clothes). As teens whom have access to our basic needs, we feel strongly about helping those who can’t help themselves. This organization, Teen Power, is the bridge between Victory and Defeat.

Alaska based Teen Power began in 1972 by a group of activist lawyers who saw a need to help the homeless teens live a better life. During their existence, they have successfully managed to supply food, counseling services, shelter access, among other things, which are key to personal independence and assisting in removing them from the street life of despair and hopelessness.
  
They are now in need of our (and your) support. A lot of these young people have physical and/or emotional/learning challenges, making it hard for them to advocate for themselves. The center, which provides the great services for these homeless teens, is limited on space and resources, making it challenging for them to access clothing and other resources. Since many of these teens do not have funds, they cannot simply go to a second hand store and make purchases needed to prepare them for the weather, jobs, school, etc.

Currently, this program is in need of partnering with for profit agencies or organizations that can provide consistent supplies for these youth.  

We need your help. Your organization has been chosen by us, the student leaders, as the best fit for this service project. Our group hopes to be able to work with you on this project. We are in need of gift cards that can allow these homeless teens to access goods and services, that you are in contact with. Please contact us with any comments, questions, and/or concerns at murray_faizon@asdk12.org

Thank you for your time,

Highland Tech Charter School Leaders