The Program:
S.O.C.K.S. Day began as a conversation between a parent and former Independence Elementary student who wanted to contribute to their community. The student did not feel that as a child they could make a difference. One conversation led to another with our amazing Principal, Chris Turner, who understood the mission and allowed the seed to grow. For the past 13 years, the entire IE school community (administration, teachers, staff, students and families) has embraced the program. With 1st Grade Teacher -- the wonderful and dynamic -- Corena Bell at the helm leading teachers and staff with 110% support as well as an INCREDIBLE team of PTO parents/families, time and energies have been devoted to this amazing event to ensure continuance as the program continues to gain even more momentum and strength each year.
S.O.C.K.S. Day is a school-wide Academic Service Learning Project that gives all Independence Elementary students -- Young 5's through 5th Grade -- the opportunity to reach out and make a difference in our community by addressing local needs and providing students with opportunities for civic engagement and academic instruction.
While this Academic Service Learning Project takes several weeks to incorporate grade level content expectations, the culminating activity -- S.O.C.K.S. Day -- includes a building-wide celebration/demonstration during a half-day session. Each grade level participates in a different Service Learning Project that coordinates with their grade level curriculum and meets specific grade level content expectations.
S.O.C.K.S. is a collaborative effort of a generous grant from Independence Elementary's PTO, students, staff, community members, and school volunteers. Since the S.O.C.K.S. program started in 2003, the children of Independence Elementary have directly touched the lives of thousands of people and organizations. Truly and significantly allowing the students to understand the power they have to make a difference!
Each year, businesses in our community aid our efforts in the way of monetary and/or in-kind donations. To date, hundreds area businesses have contributed to S.O.C.K.S.
S.O.C.K.S. Day began as a conversation between a parent and former Independence Elementary student who wanted to contribute to their community. The student did not feel that as a child they could make a difference. One conversation led to another with our amazing Principal, Chris Turner, who understood the mission and allowed the seed to grow. For the past 13 years, the entire IE school community (administration, teachers, staff, students and families) has embraced the program. With 1st Grade Teacher -- the wonderful and dynamic -- Corena Bell at the helm leading teachers and staff with 110% support as well as an INCREDIBLE team of PTO parents/families, time and energies have been devoted to this amazing event to ensure continuance as the program continues to gain even more momentum and strength each year.
S.O.C.K.S. Day is a school-wide Academic Service Learning Project that gives all Independence Elementary students -- Young 5's through 5th Grade -- the opportunity to reach out and make a difference in our community by addressing local needs and providing students with opportunities for civic engagement and academic instruction.
While this Academic Service Learning Project takes several weeks to incorporate grade level content expectations, the culminating activity -- S.O.C.K.S. Day -- includes a building-wide celebration/demonstration during a half-day session. Each grade level participates in a different Service Learning Project that coordinates with their grade level curriculum and meets specific grade level content expectations.
S.O.C.K.S. is a collaborative effort of a generous grant from Independence Elementary's PTO, students, staff, community members, and school volunteers. Since the S.O.C.K.S. program started in 2003, the children of Independence Elementary have directly touched the lives of thousands of people and organizations. Truly and significantly allowing the students to understand the power they have to make a difference!
Each year, businesses in our community aid our efforts in the way of monetary and/or in-kind donations. To date, hundreds area businesses have contributed to S.O.C.K.S.