ThisOldSchool

__This Old School Community Service __

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This Community Service takes care of The Crefeld School's physical plant. Student responsibility for the school embodies our core values of community membership. Students must be ready to do hard physical work, get dirty, work responsibly and independently. Additionally, This Old School will work to foster a better educational environment through research and suggestions about how to change the physical surroundings of our students and staff to create a safer, more comfortable, and more environmentally sound community.

= = = =

=LEARNING =

Learning Goals

 * Use an examination of the school environment to improve an understanding of how learning is effected by physical space
 * Understand differing learner needs based on environmental factors
 * See the relationship between a well tended school and improvements in the community as a whole
 * Understand environmental design
 * Students who are concerned about both the physical appearance of the school and keeping it as a safe and productive environment

Learning Opportunities

 * Examining and surveying the larger Crefeld community and how it is effected by the physical space it occupies
 * Read research dedicated to learning spaces
 * Read research dedicated to office spaces
 * Examine productivity research related to space and color
 * Use research to formulate suggestions on how to better arrange spaces
 * Examining learning spaces and how they effect student learning
 * Reading about LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and how aspects could be applied to Crefeld
 * Creation and design of projects
 * Leadership of both staff and students in creating a better school

Reflection

 * Well considered student ideas and the potential to implement them at Crefeld
 * Weekly meetings to examine proposals and their viability
 * Formal student proposals will be written and submitted

== =ACTIVITIES =

Regular Activities

 * Vacuum
 * Mop
 * Take out trash
 * Take out recycling
 * Weekly meeting to determine daily activities and placements
 * Weekly end meetings to reflect on activities, placements, and new proposals

Special Activities

 * Monitor and optimize energy use
 * Create signs
 * Scraping and repainting picnic tables
 * Repairing and repainting basement exit awning
 * Wood and windows repairs

= = = = == =**RESOURCES** =
 * Weeding, raking, and other landscaping
 * Landscaping assessment and suggestions
 * Fence repair
 * Physical plant needs and assessment
 * Dumpster clearing and organization
 * Examine the learning environment as a whole and make suggestions
 * Student suggestions for future projects of relevance to the larger community

**School Environment**

 * **Action Steps for Implementing a Healthy School Environment **
 * **[] **
 * **2009 Open Architecture Challenge: Classroom - Design the classroom of the future **
 * **[] **
 * **CDC School Environmental Policies Survery **
 * **[] **
 * **Study finds school environment can moderate student aggression **
 * **[] **
 * **Mississippi Office of Healthy Schools **
 * **[] **
 * **Rhode Island's Thrive: Physical Environment in Schools **
 * **[] **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Physical Plant Issues in Developing Countries by WHO **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">[] **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Sick Buildings, Sick Students **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">[] **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">The EPA's Healthy Seat **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">[] **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Colorado: The Healthy School Environment **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">[] **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Connecticut: Position Statement On Creating a Healthy School Environment **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">[] **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">**U.S. Green Buildings Council: LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">[] **

**Construction Methods**

 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">**This Old House: How to Paint a Room**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">**[]**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">**Do it Yourself: Roofing**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">**[]**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">**eHow: Replacing Columns**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">**[]**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">**Lowe's: Building a Block Retaining Wall**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">**[]**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">**U.S. Green Buildings Council: LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">**[]**
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">How Stuff Works **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">[] **

=<span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%; text-align: center;">**PROJECTS** = =**<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Cleaning the Steps ** =

Clearing Behind the Gym [[image:100_4794.JPG width="511" height="392" align="center"]]
=<span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%; text-align: center;"> **STUDENT BLOG POSTS** =

Evan McKenty
12/09/2009

This old school has been an interesting and overall good experience. In the past, as I have done the Community Service thrice before, the activities consisted of about half to an hour's worth of physical labor and then lazing around in the commons while listening to music or playing limbo. Eric Neibauer has rejuvenated the community service by effectively eliminating the lazing around aspect, and replacing it with more work - which was its primary fault in years past. In the beginning of the year, we did a survey of the school grounds and had a brainstorm of things we could do.

With a group much smaller than the ones of years past, we made a list of chores we'd do before anything else every week, including collecting the trash, washing boards, vacuuming and mopping. In addition to that, over the quarter, we did things like prevent the flooding of the theater and gym by rerouting the gutter system, wash of some stairs that were covered in dirt. Rerouting the gutter system as been the project we completed that had the most impact. We received accolades for doing the job, as it was noticed by everyone in the school during their trips in between buildings. I would consider the community service to be a success, especially in comparison to years past.

While I have no specific suggestions as for new projects, in all likelihood, we will extend our work to learning environments indoors for the benefit of students, after doing the appropriate research on that subject matter.

Here's to another enjoyable three quarters.

2/17/2010

One quarter later, I can safely say that This Old School has shed its skin of inefficiency of years past and has became a really rad cobra of cohesive efficiency with laser eyes and a machine gun that shoots candy and vaccinations for rare diseases. However, despite how excellent a personification the aforementioned reptile is for our community service, it is important to realize that when our "Cobra" bites into a task, we do not inject venom into our prey, we in fact inject antidote, just to give our prey a heads-up that eventually, they will be bitten and get venom, but we have them covered. The This Old Cobra also looks really good in a pair of raybans. Which raybans specifically is up to you, the reader.

Horrible analogy that barely relates to our community service if at all aside, we've accomplished some cool things that make the "This Old Schools" of yesteryear seem more like "This Old Fools". We've built bleachers, we've raked, and we've alleviated some of the work that Frank normally has to do so he can move on to bigger and better things. The work is more or less every week, which is something I can't complain about. For the most part, everyone in the community service tries their best save for maybe one or two people, which is pretty good. The only issue that has been hindering our community service of late has been the increased number of snowdays and days spent creating presentations for the mid-year-review of community services (which, speaking as a presenter, went very well) as well as days spent creating content for the wiki-blog. The flow of ideas for projects to undertake has also seemed to subside, however, I'm sure this problem will be solved as soon as some time is spent focused on finding new ideas.

I'm sure, come the end of the year, This Old School shall come out on top of the other community services as the definitive example of what a community service should be - that is, if it hasn't reached that point already.

Here's to another positive semester. Evan "Winner" McKenty

Max Cohen
12/09/2009

So far this community service has had its up and downs, we have lost a member from severe poison ivy allergies and we will greatly miss him but as the 006 unit we must move on. Since starting this community service I have seen vast improvements on the maintenance and physical beauty of the school. This Old School used to have a reputation as a slackers community service but with our new fearless leader Eric, 006 have this school on lock down.

We tackled our first large project by the gym digging a trench and putting gravel on the dirt patches. Eric has each 006 agent write original proposals and has all of them approved by Dr. P. After approval he sends the whole 006 team to work I feel like I have really grown as an individual since joining This Old School. I have learned the importance of teamwork and planning ahead. At all times we have projects lined up so if weather doesn't work out that we always have a backup plan. I like This Old School because I do reasonable work while hanging out with my friends which is what Crefeld is all about, community.

I shall conclude by saying do not fret my fellow bloggers/readers I will be next quarter with another journal entry, until next time. Stay cool, cat.

2/17/2010

I'm back!

That's right, the awaited return of your favorite Crefeld blogger has finally arrived.

Time for a quick update since you've last read my mind boggling article I have pretty much the same thing.

We have built the bleachers that all you fine ladies and gents now relax on every morning.

That's about all that's NEW and EXCITING.

Luckily for all of you excited, impressionable readers out there I still have whole semester to update you with new projects, fun times, and awesome blogs about what I will be doing every Wednesday until we get out (with exceptions of illness, and prior engagements).

I will have more to report next time on This Old School 45.4 Crefeld radio. Time for some old school jams. Groovy.

Nate Toriello
12/09/2009

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This Old School is a work intensive but important community service. We work every day to clean the school, dig trenches and clear walkways - it is a rewarding job. The work we do is immediately evident and directly helps the school, thus making the job all the more satisfying.

A great example of this satisfying yet difficult work is the drainage ditch we dug. We worked hard to dig trenches and place stones and gravel. Even though the work was hard, it helped the school and build character.

This Old School had a reputation as a slacker community service, but now we have rebuilt it's image to one of a hard working and important community service. Under Eric's new leadership we will continue working on the school and our community service's image.

Our daily routine consists of first dividing our forces to clean the commons, vacuum the rooms and hallways. Then we take out the trash and gather in Eric's room to discuss our next move. After this we often begin work on more long term projects like, building drains or cleaning concrete stairs. Other times we write WIKI journals or come up with new ideas of how to fix up the school.

Overall, our community service is important and satisfying although difficult service that has improved my work ethic and sense of community.

2/17/2010

Thus far, This Old School has built the bleachers that now reside in the gym. The project took only a few community service periods to complete and was the most fun project we have done so far. Building the bleachers was not unlike constructing a giant Lego kit, that is if Lego kits came with large amounts of sharp metal pieces.

We worked in teams of two constructing the two bleachers, one team worked with Eric carefully reading instructions and correctly assembling the benches. The other team constructed, then rebuilt the bleachers several times because we assembled incorrectly, but in the end both teams completed their tasks and moved the old bleachers outside.

Having built the bleachers I don't know how much I trust sitting on them, but so far they have not fallen apart and no one has broken them...so far...

Andrew Clark
2/17/2010

First off, I would like to inform Max Cohen that I have recuperated from my poison ivy incident and I am BACK. Every Wednesday I participate in a Community Service, cleverly named 'This Old School'. Service for the Crefeld community is demonstrated first by taking the trash and recyclables out, washing the school boards, vacuuming the incredibly dirty halls and rooms and last, mopping and sweeping the downstairs. To accomplish these chores successfully I would suggest being in very good shape, maybe even working out 4 to 5 times a week. It is tough work and you need to be determined in order to finish in time. So far we have, cleaned the dirt off of the steps outside down to the field. We redirected the drain thing so that water doesn't flow into the gym and theater when it rains. And last, we built the new bleachers that sit in the gym. We have many more important tasks to complete. Stay strong.

Ben Palitz
2/17/2010

This Old School is a rewarding community service. Each week starts with the school jobs (trash, boards, mopping and so on). On days we don't have a job to do, each person writes a proposal for things we need to fix around the school. We have already kept the rain from flooding the grounds near the gym. Our goal is to repair as many problems around the school as we can. If you like getting your pants dirty and like lifting heavy objects than this is the community service for you, and if not well ... I have nothing more to say to you. Nothing!

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Connor Loughin
2/3/2010

This year in my community service, This Old School we have done many interesting things. We have built a retaining wall for better drainage patterns, fixed up the glass in the front window baskets, and even assemble larger bleachers. I felt as if I were a vital component to further the advancement of each project. The only thing that seemed to happen was that when I tried to use my full strength and eliminate trips, my tools always failed me. Being in this community service has really made me aware of the fact that I need tools that match my strength and size. So far this year I have broken a wheel barrow, a rake, a squirt bottle, and various other tools. I have for so long been a small person in a small body, and for the first time in my life I am a little person in a big body. This year and last I have taken many strides in becoming a large person in a big body.

Eric Abrams
2/17/2010

<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My community service this year is This Old School. I was also in this the past two years but this year is much different. I don't like it so much anymore because there seems to be no downtime. Also, it used to be more enjoyable because everyone would joke around while we were working. Now, it has a much more serious tone and has become more of a chore then it had previously been. It is fun when we do group projects like putting together bleachers, but it is not much fun when the projects are outside and the weather is bad. Also,, the way that the jobs are split up everyone is pretty much alone for a couple hours which gets mundane and boring pretty fast.

Becca Snyder
2/17/2010

This Old School community service has been interesting this year. Although I don't necessarily enjoy certain aspects of This Old School (such as vacuuming, taking out the trash, and pretty much every other job we do in the beginning of every community service period) there are many that I do enjoy. After our routine jobs we start a project. And so far we're been doing a lot in my opinion. I like that I can see the difference that we, as a community service, are making, like cleaning the glass flowers that decorate the front of the school, and fixing the problem of rain water pooling in front of the gym/theater building. With many other projects in the works, I am excited to see what else This Old School can do before the end of the year. Yay for us.

Max Perlmutter
2/17/2010

This old school was an easy community service to join mid year and its like not fun buts it’s not terrible. The jobs are relatively easy to get done and were all usually finished in around 45 minutes. We do some coolish things like put the bleachers together but it’s all like just grunt work in the end.