A volunteer paints a bench at last year’s Community Campus Day. Photo provided by United to Learn.
Dallas ISD and United to Learn are kicking off their annual Community Campus Day event today at neighborhood elementary schools.
United to Learn (U2L) aims to “accelerate student achievement and grow purposeful leaders” with three Community Campus Days held on January 20, March 4 and April 22.
“Research shows that the learning environment influences performance and shapes student aspirations,” a press release said. “In fact, a report by Professor Peter Barrett states that a school’s built environment accounts for 25% of a student’s learning progress.”
United to Learn will bring together hundreds of volunteers to install 15 leveled libraries, reinvigorate 10 outdoor learning environments, establish 10 spirit stores, set up eight care closets, design four calming corners and apply three hallway sensory paths.
“One of my favorite things about CCD is seeing the light and enthusiasm in our volunteers’ eyes, as they recognize they are contributing to the strength of our schools and creating more joyful spaces in which children in our city learn,” Abigail Williams, United to Learn founder and CEO said. “Engaging and activating businesses and community groups is a critical and fun way to sustain strong schools throughout Dallas ISD. Together, we can make a significant impact.”
At Nathan Adams Elementary, 30 United to Learn fellows will work with 60 sixth graders to plant onions with 5th graders along with Farmer Kim. Seven schools in the neighborhood will also participate in the Community Campus Day activities:
- Cedar Crest Elementary – Leveled Library
- Elisha M. Pease Elementary – Leveled Library
- Frederick Douglass Elementary – Spirit Store
- Harrell Budd Elementary –Â Â Mindfulness Corners
- N.W. Harllee Early Childhood Center – Garden Refresh
- William B. Miller Elementary – Mindfulness Corners
- J.P. Starks Elementary – Dream Big: School Clinic Refresh: Volunteers will assemble furniture and install screens to create separate areas within the clinic, which will ensure privacy and limit exposure to illness
