September Service Learning Project

1. September Service Learning Project Going Green – Reducing the Amount of Paper We Use for Homework

2. Service Learning • Each month our class will choose a service project that we can complete to serve others or improve the world in some way. • We call this service learning because we tie our project in to academic areas and the Florida Sunshine State Standards

3. What Are We Learning This Month? • We are beginning a unit on conserving resources in science next week, so this month we are working on paper reduction. • This will tie in to math as we add and graph our results, and social studies as we study Florida’s natural resources.

4. Ways to Reduce Paper Use • Writing on the front and back of all notebook pages • Completing assignments that Mrs. Veiga posts on the Elmo, instead of photocopying them • Recycling paper at home and school • Paperless or reduced paper homework options

5. Reduced Paper Homework – What Can You Do at Home? • Mrs. Veiga is offering the option of paperless or reduced paper homework. • Log on to mrsveigasclass.wikispaces.com each week and download the newsletter • The options for those who are choosing paperless homework will be on the same page as the newsletter beginning Monday, September 8th. They will be posted Thursday September 4th.

6. How Do I Turn in Paperless Homework? • Read the assignment each night on the website. • Type the assignments in a word processing document. • Save the document with a title telling the date of the assignment. • Email the assignment to Mrs. Veiga as an attachment by 8:30p.m. the night before it is due. • You may also choose to type the assignment directly into an email, although you will not be able to save a copy for yourself if you do this.

7. How Do I Know My Homework Was Received? • Mrs. Veiga will check her email at 8:30p.m. and will reply to you to let you know she received your assignment. • If you do not receive a reply from Mrs. Veiga just print your homework and bring it in, just in case! • Parents can also let Mrs. Veiga know they saw the child’s planner via email

8. Advantages of Paperless Homework • Each week Mrs. Veiga prints 4 pieces of paper per student for homework, and the students use 4-5 additional sheets of paper to complete it. • 9 pieces of paper per student = 216 pieces of paper each week. • For 36 weeks of school that is 7,776 pieces of paper we will save!!!!! • Saving paper not only saves trees, a natural resource, but also saves money for the school.

9. More Advantages of Paperless Homework • Turning in paperless homework also guarantees that homework will not get lost on the way to school. • Children still learn responsibility because there is a deadline when homework must be turned in. • Paperless homework also teaches the valuable technology skill of emailing an attachment.

10. What are the Potential Problems? • In working with technology there is always the potential for errors. • To cut down on this make sure you check your email after 8:30 to see that Mrs. Veiga has received your homework, and if not print it. • Mrs. Veiga will be lenient on homework that is not received because of technology issues, and will not penalize students if these issues occur and homework is eventually received.

11. How Do I Start? • If you are willing to try reduced paper/paperless write a note in your planner by Friday, signed by a parent. • If you choose this option you will not get a homework packet on Monday. • Instead you will go on the website and start emailing your homework to Mrs. Veiga. • If you are having trouble let Mrs. Veiga know and she will send home a packet for you at any time. Otherwise, Mrs. Veiga will continue to save paper by not making a homework packet for you each week.

12. Questions? • You can always email your questions to Mrs. Veiga – angela.veiga@sdhc.k12.fl.us