Service Learning Academy

Upland Unified School District's School Board identified "Signature Identity" as a district priority.

Valencia Elementary enthusiastically adopted "Service Learning" as it's signature identity. 

Being a Service Learning Academy supports Valencia’s belief statement that “Valencia Elementary School is dedicated to promoting academic achievement and positive social behavior by creating a safe, nurturing community of students, staff and families.  We exist to help students learn, grow, and become good citizens,” which was written collectively by the staff. 

Service learning serves as a context for the academic areas of writing, social studies, science, and beyond. It fosters critical thinking as students work to solve problems at our school and in our community. Service learning teaches students what it means to be a good citizen, and it aligns particularly well with three of our S.O.A.R.R. behavior expectations: Appreciation, Respect, and Responsibility. 

This work provides opportunities for students to become more self- and socially-aware as they also develop stronger relationship and responsible decision-making skills. It is Valencia’s goal that students will become change agents and leaders who use their gifts and skills to meaningfully contribute to their communities and the world.

 

 

Mahatma Gandhi observed, “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”