GEORGE WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL

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

Greetings 7th Graders,

At the time we are writing this, GW 7th graders have already logged 518 hours of service learning hours. That is simply incredible; great work 7th graders! Our goal is for all 7th Graders to complete 10 hours of Service Learning by May 1, 2024. While we encourage everyone to participate, there is no consequence for not completing all 10 hours. Students can start logging their service hours as soon as they do any volunteer work. Here are several suggested opportunities for you to consider:

Upcoming Service Opportunities:

• St. Patrick’s Day Charity Bake Sale: (MONDAY 3/18) Back by popular demand, we are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Bake sale to raise money for Ridgecrest Senior Housing in town. 7th graders & families may count time spent baking goods towards Service Learning totals.

• Baked goods can be dropped off in Mr. Monahan’s Office the morning of 3/18.
• Anyone interested must enter the Baked Good + Ingredients in this sign-up sheet. 
• Mr. Monahan will need approximately 10 very responsible 7th graders to help set-up, work, and clean-up after the Bake Sale.

• Willard HSA Events: The Willard HSA is looking for volunteers to help with all the following events. Please email willardelementaryhsa@gmail.com if interested and Mrs. Sullivan will respond

• Monday, March 18th: Willard Bingo Night #1, time 5-8pm; Willard Auditorium; tasks include helping to set up, assisting with check in, handing out raffle tickets, and selling concessions
• Tuesday, March 19th: Willard Bingo Night #2, time 5;30-8:30pm; Willard Auditorium; tasks include assisting with check in, handing out raffle tickets, selling concessions, and helping to break down at the end of the night
• Thursday, April 11th: Willard Talent Show, time 6-9pm; Willard Auditorium; tasks include selling concessions and assisting with break down
• Friday, April 19th: Willard Circus Night, time 6-8pm: Willard Auditorium; tasks include selling concessions and assisting with break down

• Cleaning up the GW Campus: Volunteers are needed about once a week to clean-up trash that accumulates on the GW field and basketball courts on the weekend. Email Mr. Monahan if you are interested in volunteering.

• Now that the snow has melted, we are going to have our first GW Campus Clean-up Thursday, 3/7. Meet outside Mr. Monahan’s Office at 3pm. Please bring work gloves!

• RHS Sports & Activities: Each year many students volunteer to assist with some of the various Ridgewood High School sports and activities (e.g. Track & Field, Lacrosse, Softball, Baseball, etc.) These are great opportunities to get involved!
• Volunteer at the Ridgewood YMCA (various opportunities): Contact Megan Nayden to volunteer.
• Points of Light “DIY Volunteer Projects”: Looking for a “Do it Yourself” kind of Service project idea? This might be exactly what you are looking for. Browse some of these suggested ideas from Points of Light and pick your favorite one.
• Bergen Volunteers: 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.)  
• Oasis - A Haven for Women and Children: Located at 59 Mill St., Paterson, Oasis 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.
• Used Clothing & Shoes: 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.)

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.

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.
• 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,

The GW Service Learning Committee

Mrs. Amorosa

Mr. Block

Mrs. Chepucavage

Mrs. Das

Mr. Monahan

Mrs. Porod

Mrs. Sikder

Mrs. Wilson