IB World Schools Lend a Hand

On October 2nd, IB World Schools Barbara Bush Middle School and Ranchview High School took part in a Staff Development Service Day. Service is an integral part of the International Baccalaureate programme and our objective was to experience service first hand, and then reflect on how we can integrate it more into our schools.

Students, teachers and administrators from Bush Middle School and Ranchview High School took advantage of an early release day. They divided into two groups and headed out to two different service sites: the North Texas Food Bank and the community garden at Bear Creek Community Church in Irving.

Fifty teachers went to the community garden. The church welcomed us with signs and appreciation and Brother Gerald Taylor, a master gardener at the church, ran through the activities we would be taking part in. Teachers spent the time gardening, constructing planter boxes, and painting the children’s garden and existing planter boxes.

Sixty teachers and administration went to the North Texas Food Bank where they helped in the distribution center to sort food. Teachers sorted 8,000 pounds of food which provides 6,667 meals to hungry North Texans in need.

The groups returned from the two sites, collaborated and discussed ideas on how to promote and integrate community service in classrooms.

Find out more about the IB World School Programme.