The staff at Grand Rapids' Ridge Park Academy is committed to teaching their elementary and middle school students the importance of community involvement. This year the school was recognized for its support of American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is a bulletin board in one of the main hallways which reads, “Our Troops Have Heart.” On the board are letters from soldiers who have received encouraging letters and/or one of the 142 care packages that students mailed in November, 2006. A sergeant from a local battalion presented a special American flag to Ridge Park for its tremendous ongoing support for service men and women. One soldier drove three hours to the school, when she returned from Iraq, to personally thank the students.
In addition, a sergeant who is also a parent at the school, came to a moral focus assembly while home for two weeks, to tell the students about some of the troops in Iraq that are extremely grateful for the students’ contributions. Ridge Park Academy students have participated in several community service projects, including food drives and making place mats for Mel Trotter’s Thanksgiving dinner. |
