Lisa Zeuli, third grade teacher,
Baxter Elementary School
In the fall of 2001, Xerox supplied a team
of innovative Baxter educators with Palm
Pilots and keyboards in order to put technology
in the hands of educators, so they in
turn could better understand how to put
technology in the hands of their students.
By working with Palm handheld technology,
Baxter teachers were able to guide their
students in using Palm Pilots and Vernier
Probes to conduct scientific testing of
the
quality of air, water and soil in Baxter
Bog
(which adjoins their school) just like
real
scientists!
John Andrews, principal of Baxter
Elementary, approached Xerox with his
vision for engaging kids not only in their
learning but also as members of the Baxter
Community. He asked Xerox if they would
help him accomplish his vision by sponsoring
clubs, preferably during lunch times,
that would engage students in an interest
of their own choosing. Incorporating support
from Xerox, Baxter has facilitated the
operation of various lunchtime and after
school clubs. This support includes the
publishing of the Baxter Literary Gazette
for
the after school Writers’ Club sponsored by
fifth grade teacher, Michael Webb; Karaoke
equipment for the lunchtime Karaoke Club
sponsored by music teacher, Joan Haskell;
and an all-school garden club which helps
students throughout Baxter maintain an“
Adopt-a-Plot” of their choice on the school
grounds. The sponsors of the garden club
are third grade teacher Melody Davis, and
second grade teacher, Terri Daniels.
Utilizing a classroom set of garden equipment
purchased with funds from Xerox,
these two classes have led the way at
Baxter in gardening efforts. With the advice
and support of Judy Christensen of the
Anchorage Master Gardeners’ Club, students
have applied concepts from their science
curriculum which has made their
learning dynamic and meaningful for them.
Students are offered an opportunity at
school to get their hands dirty, engage
in a
fun hobby and possibly consider a future
career in the field of science — or gardening! |
John Zeuli, Client Account Manager,
Xerox Corporation
The impact these clubs have had on the
Baxter Community and Xerox Corporation
has been multifaceted and far-reaching.
Baxter students have become empowered
with a voice to initiate programs of
their
choosing in a club format for their school.
Baxter Community School has joined the
effort by holding classes instructed
by master
gardeners on site to make learning
about gardening accessible at a reasonable
price for club sponsors. Students
understand the connection between what
they are learning in school to how that
applies in the real world. They are setting
goals, establishing timelines and producing
authentic products and performances that
engage them in their learning and in
service
to others.
Xerox benefits by allowing its employees
to complete community service during
business hours in an avenue of their
own
interest. Xerox is seen as not only
a corporation
benefiting from the school district
which purchases their services to accomplish
school district goals, they are seen
as
working partners with the school district
in
building future citizens set on the
path of
attaining skills that will benefit
all in the
workplace of tomorrow.
"Digging in the dirt;
preparing the soil to plant
in; discovering gargantuan
tap roots bigger than me is
so much fun! I want to
garden every day!" |
