Student Service in Action Projects
Dedham Public Schools is partnering with the Dedham Human Rights Commission (HRC) to encourage our students to choose a service project to complete as a way to give back to our town, state or country.
Student service projects will be featured at the Human Rights Commission’s
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration happening on January 19, 2025 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Dedham Middle School!
What To Do:
- Complete a service project before January 12, 2026
- Take pictures of you doing the project
- Reflect on your project
- Submit your work to DPS!
Steps for All Grades:
- Choose a Project: Pick a service project that addresses a community need YOU care about.
- Explain Its Importance: Write or discuss why you chose this project and how it connects to Dr. King's values.
- Take Action: Complete your service project, either individually or with a group. Families are welcome to join in on the project!
- Show Us What You Did!: Take pictures of your project. Make sure that participants are in at least one of the pictures so we can celebrate your work!
- Reflect: After completing the project, reflect on your experience through a grade-appropriate activity.
Ideas for Your Project:
Make cards or care packages for seniors, veterans, or hospitalized children.
Clean up a local park or schoolyard (with adult supervision).
Organize a food or clothing drive in their neighborhood or school.
Help neighbors with small tasks, like raking leaves or shoveling snow.
Partner with a local nonprofit to volunteer for a day (e.g., at a food bank or animal shelter).
Mentor or tutor younger students in need.
ANY other service project you are interested in!
Grade-Level Reflection Activities:
Grades PreK-2: Draw a picture of what you did and write one sentence explaining how it helped others. Ask an adult for help if you need it!
Grades 3-5: Write a short paragraph explaining why you chose your project and what you learned from helping others. Try to include how you think Dr. King would feel about your actions!
Grades 6-8: Write two or more paragraphs OR create a multimedia presentation discussing: What issue you focused on and why; How you think your actions made a difference; and How your project relates to Dr. King’s vision of service and justice.
Grades 9-12: Write four or more paragraphs OR create a multimedia presentation discussing: The importance of your project to you personally and to the community; Challenges you faced and how you overcame them; How Dr. King’s legacy inspired your actions and how you will continue his work in the future.
Submit Your Work:
Choose one of the options below to submit your work by January 12th to be featured at the HRC’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration happening on January 19th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Dedham Middle School!
1) Email pictures and reflection activity to Mr. Ed Paris, DPS Director of Teaching and Learning at eparis@dedham.k12.ma.us
2) Bring pictures and reflection activity to the student's school's Main Office
3) Bring pictures and reflection activity to DPS Central Office (located in Dedham High School)
**Be sure that your name and grade are on any work you submit!!**