GEORGE WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL

                  155 Washington Pl.., Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450 • 201.670.2790 

Greetings 7th Graders,

Welcome back! We hope this letter finds you well and that your summers were fulfilling, relaxing, and enjoyable! We wanted to take this opportunity to provide an overview of the 7th Grade Service Learning program, and to mention a few potential 7th Grade Service Learning ideas. As a reminder, all GWMS 7th Graders are asked to complete 10 hours of Service Learning by May 1, 2024.

A Few Important Links for Students & Families: 

• GW Service Learning website. This has everything you need on it, including answers to all the frequently asked questions.
• List of local service groups/organizations. You don’t need to volunteer with one of these groups, but these are some of the local groups/organizations that students have used regularly over the years.

Upcoming Service Opportunities:

• The Willard HSA is seeking 10 volunteers to work at the Willard Panther Picnic on Friday, September 8th from 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Please contact willardelementaryhsa@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering at this event.
• Each year many students volunteer to assist with some of the various Ridgewood High School sports and activities (e.g. soccer, volleyball, cross country, football, marching band, etc.) These are great opportunities to get involved!
• Bergen Volunteers serves as the hub of the community’s social welfare network, offering unique services and programs that serve all of Bergen County. Our community programs support youth, families, caregivers, seniors, veterans, those with disabilities, and the economically disadvantaged in Bergen County. To see upcoming volunteer opportunities please have a parent/guardian visit the Bergen Volunteers Opportunities webpage. (A parent/guardian will need to create a username + password.)  
• The Ridgewood Public Library has several Teen Volunteering opportunities that all students are encouraged to consider.
• Camp Snowflake is held on Saturdays 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the Saddle River County Park Duck Pond to provide a needed social outlet for children and young adults with multiple disabilities. Camp Snowflake provides one-to-one care for its campers with its corps of dedicated volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Camp Snowflake at campsunsnow@gmail.com or by phone at 201-652-1755.
• Oasis - A Haven for Women and Children (59 Mill St., Paterson, NJ) is seeking volunteers to make lunches for the students in their Rise and Shine Saturday program. Please contact Joan Guerrero at joan_salubayba@yahoo.com for more information.
• Looking for an opportunity to complete some hours individually without leaving your own neighborhood? Try collecting unused clothing at home or in your neighborhood, then depositing them in the clothing recycling bin located in the GWMS parking lot. (Make sure to get permission from your parents first.) This year GW is participating in the “Battle of the Schools” against other schools in NJ to collect the most used clothing & shoes.

Some frequently asked questions:

• What is the 7th Grade Service Learning Project? The GWMS 7th Grade Service Learning Project is provided to connect our students with the community and the world through acts of service.  By participating, students bond with their classmates, discover new interests and abilities, learn to work collaboratively, take on leadership roles, and learn the value and benefits of helping others.
• How many hours should each student complete this school year? Each GWMS 7th grader is required to fulfill 10 hours of Service Learning by May 1st of their 7th grade year.
• Should parents get involved, too? We strongly encourage parents to get involved with their child’s Service Learning by helping the students find worthwhile service opportunities, and even by joining them in service when possible.
• Can students choose which group(s) to volunteer with? Students may choose from one of the recommended organizations listed on the GW website, or any other not-for-profit organization. Students are also encouraged to follow their interests and seek opportunities that are not listed. These may be opportunities presented through elementary school events, religious organizations, scouting, athletics, and personal connections. Students and families will receive a monthly Service Learning Newsletter with upcoming events and opportunities.
• How do students log their service learning hours? After completing service hours students can log their hours through a Google Form linked on the school website. It is recommended that each student keep a separate record of hours completed to keep track of their totals throughout the year.

Sincerely,

Mr. Monahan & the GW HSA Community Service Committee