Dana M. White

In White's "Sharing and making memories (SAMM)" program, she incorporates community service into the learning experience to help Heber Hunt Elementary School students gain a rich cross-curricular experience. This student-volunteer program sets out to promote character education, encourage community involvement, increase attendance, improve behavior and enhance the curriculum for its participants. Students and residents of a nearby assisted-living facility will meet twice a month to discuss real-life experiences pertaining to positive character traits such as respect, acceptance, responsibility and friendship. They'll work together on activities like a Living History Project, planning/creating a garden, reader's theatre, mock presidential election and more. Approximately 40 first through fourth-grade students will share their experiences in a quarterly student newsletter. SAMM is sure to provide the mixed-aged classroom with opportunities to give back to the community and experience a higher level of learning. White is a resident of Sedalia Hughesville.