“There is project-based learning taking place in every single classroom in Gilmer County”

In an effort to show Superintendent Bryan Dorsey and the school board that Gilmer County Schools use project-based learning strategies, four groups of students made presentations at the February Board of Education meeting. Led by Clear Creek Principal Jason Kouns, students had the opportunity to describe the activities of their respective groups and list their accomplishments.

“We have asked 11 students representing four individual groups at Clear Creek Middle School to come and talk to you about some of the positive changes that are taking place, not only in our school, but in our community based on their efforts,”

Kouns said from the podium. He added that, although the students are individuals making a difference, without parental support their success would not be a reality. He then recognized any parents of students who presented that evening.

The four groups presenting were The Student Advisory Council, RIOT Group, GEMS club and the Clear Creek Junior Beta Club.

Member Hannah Jones explained that the Student Advisory Council led a stuffed animal fundraiser for children in the Elsie Restoration Home. The stuffed animal drive will run from January to the end of the year. The RIOT Group, a 16 member anti-bullying group said that it has brought its message to other schools and gives anti-bullying tips during the morning announcements. The GEMS club, the Gilmer Environmental Methods for Students, does its part by issuing monthly newsletters and has arranged recycling bins around the school for paper, plastic and cans. And, dedicated to the promotion of ideals of academic achievement, the Clear Creek Junior Beta Club has formulated and presented drug-free awareness during Red-Ribbon week and held a canned food drive for the food bank.

Following the presentation, Kouns thanked the students, teachers, and board.

“It makes me excited,”

he said

“to have parents who are fighting for their children’s education,”

Kouns said, referring to the parent involvement.

“In watching what you’ve heard this evening, I hope this validates and further solidifies the fact that there is project-based learning taking place in every single classroom in Gilmer County,”

he asserted.

Although, the groups that presented before the board were engaged in learning projects, they were presented as part of extracurricular or specialty groups, beyond the classroom. Kouns did not explain the connection between the projects the groups participated in and the type of learning strategies used in the classrooms.

“It has been a wonderful presentation,”

Board Chairperson Kathy Jones said, adding that she loves to see young people “step up” and that it is never too young to be part of the community.