Pomona, CA– On Tuesday, December 18, 2018, La Verne Science and Technology Charter (LVSTC) in Pomona, California presented their 2018 Winter Music Program & Service Learning Project Showcase to the student, families, friends and community members. The purpose of the event was to showcase the talent, growth and achievements of the students in the La Verne Science and Technology Music Program, while presenting the exceptional service learning project accomplishments of LVSTC students.
According to the Pomona Unified School District, “Service Learning” links what students learn in the classroom to a service project in the community. The benefits include increasing the students’ feelings of connection to their community; providing a relevant context for hands-on learning, nurturing academic and non-academic strengths and talents; promoting an awareness of diversity; reinforcing values such as justice, compassion, and citizenship; builds community support for education and educational support for communities; strengthening relationships between the students, teachers, and community; contributing to career development and social capital; and allowing the students to see how they can make a difference in their community and around the world.
LVSTC’s Winter Music Program and Service Learning Showcase began with introductions by Mrs. Dolores Lobaina,Principal, La Verne Science and Technology Charter. In alignment with the implementation of LVSTC’s “Leader in Me” and the “7 Habits of Happy Kids,” Mrs. Lobiana introduced about Habit 6 (Synergize – Together is Better) and Habit 7 (Sharpen the Saw – Meaningful Ways to Help Others.)
The Service Learning Projects included Grade K and Special Ed’s “Wheel-a-Thon” for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. With a fundraising goal of $250, the students raised more than $800!
Other Service Learning Projects included the First Graders’ “Read to Feed” project for Heifer International; the Second Graders’ “Operation Gratitude,” which consisted of assembling gift boxes and handwritten notes for veterans and those serving in the U. S. military; the Third Graders’ “Grateful for our First Responders,” a project in support of the California firefighters; the Fourth Graders’ “Holiday Joy,” for the Children’s Services Center at Casa Colina; and the Fifth and Sixth Graders’ “Priceless Pets and Public Service Announcements.”
Under the direction of Music Director, John Aranda, the Winter Musical included a variety of holiday favorites performed by the LVSTC’s student orchestra, which included beginning and advanced violins, clarinets, trumpets and flutes.
The Winter Music Program & Service Learning Showcase was presented with generous support from the LVSTC’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) who provided Christmas decorations, student gifts and other support; the teaching staff for their commitment and dedication to their students; LVSTC students for their hard work and perseverance in “Sharpening the Saw” for their Service Learning Projects; and the parents for their continued support and encouragement of their children and school.
