2004-2005 Eastgate Elementary Community Service Project

Our club helped to build an outdoor learning area at Eastgate Elementary in Bellevue. Club members and parents worked together to create a space where future generations can learn about plants and animals.

Community Service Vision

Our Vision is to touch the lives of those individuals who have basic needs which, if lacking, would hinder their progression to leading fulfilling and contributory lives and by so doing have life changing impacts to us as Rotarians.

Project Plan

Bellevue Sunrise Rotary began its relationship with Eastgate Elementary in 2003. Volunteer efforts included Reading Mentors, Music Program Tutors, and the construction of an Outdoor Learning Center.

The Outdoor Learning Center became a year long project financed by the Bellevue Sunrise Rotary Club with a matching grant from the District 5030. A total of $9,000 was spent on this project. Along with the monetary contribution, hands-on-work was conducted by Bellevue Sunrise members. The project consisted of designing the Center, installing metal tables and benches, selecting and planting trees and native plants, and constructing raised planting beds. A plaque dedicated to the children was designed and installed.

The Outdoor Learning Center is intended to enhance the education of the children when learning how and why plants grow and the various types of plants. In addition, the area provides a location conducive for reading and group projects. The Center was completed May 2004 and dedicated to the school children.

For the 2004-2005 plan year, we will continue and expand our community service partnership with Eastgate Elementary.

In June 2004, the Community Service Committee met with Tracy Mauer, the principal of Eastgate Elementary to discuss ongoing needs within the school. The following are the needs voiced by Tracy:

• Reading Mentoring – Mentors are needed during the school day.
• After School Program – Many kids find that there is no support at home to encourage and assist with homework. This program would begin after school and provide time and support for kids to complete their homework.
• School Supplies – The school currently has 30 backpacks which need to be filled with school supplies for the start of the year.
• Clothing for kids
• Student Recognition Program – Books are needed for recognition gifts. Dollars needed for this program $800.
• Teacher Recognition for Board Certification – Board Certification for a teacher is a year long project for each teacher with a cost of $2000. Donations and recognition for these teachers would encourage teachers to become board certified.

For 2004-2005 the initial focus and support for Bellevue Sunrise Rotary will be as follows:

• Reading Mentoring - Continue to volunteer getting more Rotary members involved.
• School – We will commit to supplying these items to fill 30 backpacks for the beginning of the school year.
• After School Program – If this program gets developed by the school, we will explore our ability to volunteer time.
• Student Recognition Program – We will commit to the purchase of books for students.

We will have a continued focus and involvement with this school for ongoing needs assessment and evaluation of how Bellevue Sunrise can provide support both financially and with hands on volunteering to touch the lives of those with needs.