Seventh graders at Godley Middle School recently completed community-inspired essays after engaging local businesses.
Around 90 students led by teacher Sandi Foster contacted 42 businesses and organizations to inquire about how they contribute to the community and promote local pride.
Students were excited and surprised by information they learned about these community enterprises, eager to hear when responses were received.
With students working in pairs, the assignment centered on developing a persuasive essay with a thesis and evidence. Important skills developed with the project included writing a well thought out paper while connecting to the real world, according to Foster. The teacher also hoped students would develop an appreciation for both the importance of writing and community partnerships.
“Being the only pool company in town, maintaining low/discounted prices, and having free water testing shows how Lemaster Pools engages with the community,” wrote one team of writers.
Another pair of students concluded, “Dairy Queen makes people feel welcomed and valued, always helps out with organizations, and has good food which enhances the community.”
“By teaching kids of all ages, having dance showcases for everyone to go to, and hosting donation drives, Infinity Dance Center shows that actively engaging with local businesses enhances the sense of community is important,” wrote a third group in the class.
Another student team composed, “Godley Nutrition is an excellent business that enhances the sense of community by having healthy and affordable products, great customer service, and lots of variety.”
Participating businesses and organizations were 171 Food Row, Bare Barbecue, Bell Bottom Boutique, Brumby's Burger Joint, Cactus & Co., Carmen’s Cafe, Chapelhouse Studios, Chisholm’s, Cowlick Salon, Dairy Queen, Del Norte Tacos, Dollar General, Don Taco, First Baptist Church, Gearhead Men's Grooming, Glazed & Confused, Godley Animal Clinic, Godley Church of Christ, Godley Flowers & Gifts, Godley Nutrition, Godley Pizza Station, Godley Western Fellowship, Good Vibes Nutrition & Energy, HairTech, The Hubb, Infinity Dance Center, J Flo's Gourmet Sno & Mo, Lemaster Custom Pools, LM Lash Lounge, Mi Casita Imports, Palio’s Pizza Cafe, Punkin Patch Daycare, Puppy Patch Boutique, Roden Real Estate Group, Small Town Kitchen, Sonic, Spring Market, StoneWater Church, Subway, Tan Dat Wildcat and Thrifty Q Thrift Shop.
Top essays will be delivered to businesses in frames for display.
- Godley Middle School