Mr. Siegel

Mr. Siegel Special Education Dept.

Tel. # 781-982-2160

Mr. Siegel currently is teaching Academic Support classes in addition to teaching the AHS Community Service classes and serving as the advisor for the Peer Leaders. This web page will contain information for Academic Support, Community Service, and the Peer Leaders. The Academic Support classes focus on developing effective study skills and strategies for students to implement to help them be successful in class.

COMMUNITY SERVICE CLASS

Course Syllabus

I. Course Description:

Community Service is a course designed to help develop the student as a responsible member of society and the community of Abington. Students will be engaged in classroom activities addressing community-based issues, social and civic responsibilities, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork, among others. Students will also participate in the planning and in the service stages of community service projects.

II. Project-based Learning Component:

Weekly activities will include projects and activities focusing on many topics, including heroes in the community, good decision making, good character, homelessness, hospice, the AHS mission statement, a guest speaker program, class debates, disabilities, and inspirational movies (including Pay It Forward, Freedom Writers, We Are Marshall, and Tuesday’s With Morrie.)

Quarterly Community Service Projects will include:

Qt. #1- Outward Bound (Ropes Course Team Building activities)

Qt. #2 – Thank You Letters to Veterans/Nursing Home Holiday Project

Qt. #3 – Old Colony Y Youth Conference/Clothing Drive

Qt. #4 - Outward Bound (Ropes Course Team Building activities)

III. Course Objectives:

1. To develop an appreciation of social and civic responsibility.

2. To develop critical thinking skills, compassion, empathy, and leadership skills that reinforce one’s commitment to society.

3. To learn practical organizational skills associated with the planning and implementation of specific community service activities.

4. To teach students principles of good character and how to work cooperatively.

PEER LEADERS - The Abington High School Peer Leaders and the Community Service class were nominated for the 2009 Volunteer Group of the Year Award by the Massachusetts Senior Care Association for their partnership with the Colony House Nursing and Rehab Facility in Abington. The students write letters to "pen pals" at the nursing home, decorate seasonal murals at the nursing home, and participate in holiday projects for the residents during the year.