A very special honoring goes out to all those Middle School families, students, and faculty who joined us for our first Middle School Service Learning event on Saturday, September 17, as part of the 16th annual Creek to Bay Day in Oakland. Redwood Day participants gave some very special TLC to our local watershed area, spending the day in Dimond Park, which is part of the Sausal Creek watershed. Tasks included collecting trash, mulching, and removal of non-indigenous plantings.

The "learning" part of service learning is an integral part of Redwood Day's approach to service, providing the necessary cognitive and emotional understanding to deepen students' and families' commitment to contributing to their local communities. Prior to participating in the Creek to Bay Day event, the Middle School used their Monday Gathering time to help students understand the source, causes, and impact of pollution, especially plastics, to oceans, marine life, and food sources. Students and faculty watched a video about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and learned that as plastic waste disintegrates, it resembles tiny plankton which is then ingested by fish and birds. Smaller plankton feeders become prey for larger fish so that petroleum-based products eventually become part of the human food supply. Studying topographical maps and aerial photographs of the Sausal Creek watershed brought home the reality that a plastic bottle casually tossed aside on the ground in Joaquin Miller Park could easily make its way to the bay - and beyond! -- via Sausal Creek.

At this same gathering, Middle School students, faculty, and staff also brainstormed different ways in which we could "contribute to society" as a school community. Possibilities included beautification projects, serving in soup kitchens, donating food and clothing, and helping in animal shelters. We invite you to add to our list! We are planning two more Service Learning events (one each trimester) and encourage you to let Middle School Director Clarence Perkins know of possible future events and join us at the next one.