What is Service Learning?
	Service learning blurs the boundaries of community service and the school curriculum. Specific community service themes are brought out in every subject and tie into the carefully selected service opportunities. What goes on in the classroom is just as important as the act of serving others. By blurring these boundaries students gain a real world education.

	Service Learning Mission
	Ridgefield Academy is proud of its dedication to inspiring character education as well as service to others. RAʼs service learning program empowers students and faculty to become active community members. By integrating our traditional curriculum with community service, RA provides an authentic service learning experience. Community service is embedded in our curriculum and enhances our high academic standards. Students and teachers work collaboratively to understand the issues, and to become the necessary change agents in this interdependent world.    Letter from our Head of School on Service Learning

	Service Learning Curriculum
	Throughout the 2011-2012 school year, the Middle and Upper Schools will be focusing their service learning around Hunger, Poverty, and Homelessness. The students will enhance their understanding of these common afflictions through cross curricular studies as well as a a series of hands-on service events.    MS/US service learning events focusing on Hunger, Homelessness, and Poverty will continue throughout the school year. In addition to Hunger, Homelessness and Poverty, Middle Schoolers will also participate in service projects to help the environment, which directly ties into their Science curriculum.  Preschool and Lower School students will focus on caring for those less privileged, animal protection and care, and environmental stewardship for their service learning initiatives. We are still in the early stages of this gradual transition to a service learning curriculum and will keep you informed along the way of upcoming PS/LS service events and curricular components.

	Contact Information
	To learn more about service learning at RA, please contact: Ms. Nolie Gephart Service Learning Coordinator T: 203.894.1800 x146 email: ngephart@ridgefieldacademy.org

	Norwalk Emergency Shelter
	Our Upper and Middle School students work with the Norwalk Emergency Shelter throughout the year. Please visit their webpage for more information about the Norwalk Emergency Shelter.