UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Learning Together: Glengarry DHS Students Build Skills Through Community Connections

Grade 7 and 8 students at Glengarry District High School (GDHS) are taking learning beyond the classroom this year through a hands-on program that focuses on skill development, confidence building, and community connection.

The program is a year-long, experiential learning opportunity that focuses on developing students' life skills and social skills. Through activities and community partnerships, students learn communication, teamwork, and responsibility, and apply those skills by working with residents of Community Living Glengarry (CGL). The goal is simple but powerful: create experiences where students and community members learn with and from one another.

That spirit of collaboration was on full display on Feb. 2, when residents from CLG joined GDHS students for a morning of shared activities across the community.

Students and CLG residents took part in three student-lead experiences:

• a short play, created and performed by GDHS students, followed by games at the Community Living Day Program;
• manicures and self-care at a CLG home; and
• an introduction to curling at the local curling club, where students and CLG residents learned about the sport and had the opportunity to try it.

Each activity highlighted different skills students have been developing all year, including communication, teamwork, leadership, and empathy.

By working alongside CGL, students gain a deeper understanding of their community while building skills that will support them well beyond the classroom.

As the program continues throughout the year, students will keep learning, practicing, and sharing their skills while also learning from Community Living residents. Activities will cover a wide range of experiences, including:

• Sports: broomball, golf, swimming, and tennis;
• Home Economics: meal planning, bracelet making, knitting, and gardening;
• Technology: VexIQ robotics, design challenges, and MadLabs (digitizing school/community history); and
• Arts: ukulele, karaoke and dance, stained glass, and Claymation.