Learning Takes Root in Michigan (A Learn and Serve America Subgrantee)

Hands-on learning gained new meaning when students at Lincoln Elementary in Wayne Westland planted six trees as part of a service-learning project called Rooting for the Rouge. The trees will help keep excessive storm water runoff and pollutants out of the Rouge River . Lincoln was the first of nine district schools to host events benefiting the rouge.

"We voted on which trees to plant. We all took turns putting things on the trees like dirt, mulch, and the woodchips. Best of all, the planting helped make the Rouge River cleaner," said fourth grader Samantha.

This water quality project is a partnership between the cities of Wayne, Westland, Inkster, Canton, and the Wayne Westland Community Schools district fourth grade classes and building and grounds department. Students study local water quality, plant trees, label storm drains, and educate the community covering benchmarks and standards in language arts, science, social studies and life skills.

During the 2005-2006 school year, Wayne Westland Schools engaged more than 1700 students in more than 21,800 hours of service-learning. Wayne Westland service-learning programs were funded by the Michigan Community Service Commission's Learn and Serve – Michigan program. The school was recently awarded a $24,500 Learn and Serve – Michigan school-based grant for the 2006-07 school year.

For more information about service-learning in Wayne Westland Schools, contact Lynn Malinoff, 36745 Marquette, Westland, Michigan 48185, (734) 419-2082 or at lmalinof@umich.edu.