Knightly News

In a neighborhood in Baton Rouge, the sounds of hammers and saws ring out as a group of students and volunteers construct what will soon be a family’s forever home. In a dance studio in another area, a group of students coaches young dancers to twirl, pivot and step. Service learning comes in a variety of forms, but hopefully, students leave these experiences with the same feeling – we’re all in this together.

Service learning is a key component of an Episcopal education, and new Service Learning Coordinator Ginny Barr, LMSW, is thrilled to be a part of expanding this work. As a social worker, Barr has nearly two decades of experience working with youth and developing community coalitions. She earned a master’s degree through the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and attended the University of Pittsburgh’s Semester at Sea Program. Growing up, Barr attended an Episcopal school, and her parents stressed the importance of supporting your community. Leading by example, Barr and her family intentionally participate in service together at least once a year. 

This semester, Barr began teaching the Middle School Intro to Service Learning class by asking sixth graders to read the school’s mission. Focusing on the goal of helping students develop lives of purpose, she then asked students why service is part of the school. The answers were insightful.

• To be able to have a better future.
• The school wants to teach us good life lessons.
• The school does not just care about our education but our health and wellness.
•  Learn to respect others and our teachers.
• They want us to do this in our community, not just school.

“Volunteering is wonderful - but it isn’t Service Learning,” Barr clarifies. “Service Learning is distinct from community service and volunteering because it focuses on meeting both the needs of the community and that of the learner. Service learning is a form of experiential education where learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection as students work with others through a process of applying what they are learning to community problems, and at the same time, reflecting upon their experience as they seek to gain deeper understanding through a mutually beneficial partnership.”

Service learning participants learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that:

• enhances the academic curriculum of the students and deepens their understanding of what is being taught;
• is conducted in and meets the needs of a community; and helps to foster civic responsibility; and
• provides structured time for reflecting on the experience once it is complete and expressing gratitude for the opportunity.

In much the same way that project-based learning units include a field trip or experiential learning component, service learning relates to an educational concept. For example, in the Intro to Service Learning class, students learned about recycling in Baton Rouge and recycling efforts on campus, made recycling boxes in support of the on-campus recycling project and visited an area recycling facility. In Lower School, students studying their healthy selves toured the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank to learn more about how important this organization is for the health and well-being of the community.

Hiring a Service Learning Coordinator and offering a service learning course demonstrates the commitment school administrators have to service learning. “I am so pleased as an employee and a parent to see how receptive the school is,” says Barr with excitement. “My goal will be to continue to expose our students to our community and the interconnectedness that exists. I hope to build a heart for service.”

It is an exciting time for developing a love and interest in service. Already this semester, Episcopal students have participated in numerous service learning opportunities, and Barr’s goal is to make more experiences available. She realizes not everyone wants to build a house or teach dance, so she wants to connect students with service through their interests. A great example is student athletes spending time with Miracle League athletes. She also wants to create experiences that unite the Episcopal community around service. She hopes to establish a Day of Service for each Middle School grade level beginning next spring. She also envisions service learning experiences for the entire Episcopal community. Look for more information on these community-wide events soon. 

Service learning is a powerful opportunity to connect with members of the Episcopal community and beyond. It is an important part of preparing students for lives of purpose and leadership. 

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.