We want to teach our students how to be global thinkers. What better way to start than in our own community? Students at The Cushman School are encouraged to participate in a variety of programs that help enrich the lives of others both in our local community and worldwide. Some of the following are ways in which students make a difference.
Student Council/Student Government:
The Elementary Student Council and Middle School Student Government Council (SGA) are one of many ways school life reflects the values of The Cushman School. Student Council and SGA provide kids with an opportunity to make a difference. Eligible students in grades four through eight have an opportunity to provide leadership on campus by organizing and running special school events and projects. Some projects are traditionally woven into the council such as:
Other projects evolve from the students themselves in response to a specific need or proposal that the council and its members may have. These projects include:
The Student Council and SGA programs are committed to linking character education to service learning opportunities, and providing students with skills of leadership, citizenship, and stewardship. Student Council and SGA eligibility is determined through a monthly evaluation of the student in the areas of Industry, Courtesy, and Responsibility. During the fall and spring semesters, the Student Council and SGA selects its governing officers (president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer) through an election process.
Adopt a Grandparent at the Jewish Home for the Aged at Douglas Gardens:
Once a month, a Cushman class visits the residents at the Jewish Home for the Aged at Douglas Gardens. The students sing, play games, visit and assist in serving refreshments to the residents. The intergenerational activities create empathy, understanding and appreciation of diversity in our students. We are both the givers and the recipients of many “gifts” from the residents.
Service Learning in the Middle School
Service learning connects school-based curriculum with the inherent caring and concern young people have for their world, whether on their school campus, at a local food bank, or in a distant rainforest. The results are memorable, lifelong lessons for students to foster a stronger society for us all.
Service learning differs from other forms of community service or volunteer work because the education of students and young people is always at its core. Students are actively participating in the process of understanding, integrating, and applying knowledge from various subject areas as they work to improve their communities. We at The Cushman Middle School feel this is an important habit to cultivate. Cushman encourages a spirit of service among its students through participation in Student Government, Cushman Cares Projects, food drives, community service days, Ronald McDonald service dinners, America’s Moms for Soldiers, and various other activities in conjunction with our diverse Service learning themes.
In a two year rotation, our students research and discover opportunities and issues centered around global and community issues.
Community Learning Partnership (CLP)
The Community Learning Partnership (CLP) is a consortium of educational institutions and community organizations in the Miami Shores area committed to sharing resources regarding common goals and interests. Through this combined effort, the partnership will enhance the quality of our programming, projects and events and will develop and implement initiatives to benefit the community as a whole.
Common Institutional Interests