Our 5th grade students run the recycling program at Friends School of Minnesota. Daily recycling collection and management is just one way we integrate service learning into school life.
Seed Bombs! Math and Science with the National Parks
Friends School of Minnesota 5th and 6th graders worked with National Park rangers, volunteers, and members of the Mississippi Park Connection to make seed bombs for prairie restoration work within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA). This hands-on seed ball activity is a great way to bring service work into schools and connect students to a unique natural area in their community. Students rolled compost, soil, sand, and 3 types of seeds.. Read More
Environmental Education at FSMN: Walking in our Purpose
Environmental education at Friends School of Minnesota seeks to prepare students to become citizens and stewards of the earth. Whether on a week-long trip to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, a nature walk in the park, or collecting the school compost, environmental education is woven throughout FSMN’s K-8 experience. Here is some great news that demonstrates our community’s commitment to environmental education. Presenting FSMN Environmental Education Work Last month, members of.. Read More
Middle School’s New Environmental Service Club
After a recent discussion at FSMN’s Environmental Education Committee meeting, science teacher, Steve Moe, and I decided to offer a new club to middle school students at FSMN. Our goal is simple – to provide a time and place for kids that are interested in helping the environment to mobilize and take action by working together on several projects throughout the school year. We will meet monthly, and there is.. Read More
Leaf Raking for Elders Service Project 2015
Last Saturday morning, Friends School community members gathered for a community day of service. About 40 students, staff, parents, and alumni helped seniors living in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood by raking leaves. We were able to take care of five different lawns and plan to take care of several more this week as classroom groups go out again. This annual service work is a great way to connect with our neighborhood!
River Field Trip #2: Climate Change
It was a busy week as Friends School of Minnesota 5th and 6th graders headed out on their second River Trip. We returned to Fort Snelling State Park on Friday, October 30 for a special event organized by the National Park Service, Minnesota State Parks, and Will Steger Foundation (now called the Climate Generation). The topic was climate change and the students participated in the following activities: Introduction to park.. Read More
Everyone Needs Food…Not All Have It!
Brad’s middle school advisory’s service project is collecting food for the Francis Basket Food Shelf, a program operated by Neighborhood House. Francis Basket Food Shelf is the only food shelf in Highland Park area and addresses a critical need in the community. It helps over 1,000 individuals each year. Together, the Neighborhood House food shelves distributed 860,311 pounds of food in 2013. Neighborhood House reports that one in five families with children are food insecure, meaning.. Read More
River Trips with 5th and 6th Grades
In December, Friends School of Minnesota 5th and 6th grade students visited St. Paul’s Water Treatment Facility. Students learned all about where St. Paul’s drinking water comes from and how it is treated for safety before reaching our taps. Every time I take this tour I have the same impression – this is so impressive, interesting, and important that every person in St. Paul should take the tour. As always,.. Read More