Merced Sun-Star column written by MCSD Public Information Officer, Sara Sandrik:

Collaboration is a powerful part of student success throughout the Merced City School District. Parents, teachers, administrators, board members and countless others work together to help children thrive.

Many times, the collaboration also involves other agencies and community partners. I’ve enjoyed seeing some inspiring examples of that type of teamwork this summer.  I learned about one of those cases while taking photos of a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) showcase at Rivera Middle School on July 7. The gym was filled with interactive displays and engaging experiments the students developed during the district’s Summer Academy for Academic Achievement.

Two of the projects that caught my eye were vertical farms designed by eighth-graders. One resembled wooden bookshelves while the other utilized wire containers, and both incorporated efficient irrigation systems to water a variety of plants. The students explained how the structures could help address food production challenges as urban populations continue to rise.

They also gave credit to Lowe’s and Home Depot for bringing their blueprints to life. The businesses donated supplies and worked with the young engineers to build the vertical farms, which will be used for more hands-on lessons during the school year.

I witnessed another commendable collaboration through the Lift While You Lead Empowerment Project.  The five-year program begins with a four-week course during the Summer Academy at Rivera. The goal is to increase self-esteem and improve academics, attendance and discipline among girls going into eighth grade. The students are all from the Merced City School District, their teacher works for the Merced Union High School District, and UC Merced undergraduates serve as their mentors.

The Educational Employees Credit Union also contributes by funding field trips to places such as California State University, Monterey Bay, and Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch in Mariposa. During a ceremony last week, the girls gave emotional speeches about the impact the program has already made on their lives, from increasing their confidence to helping them make better choices.

While students are the main beneficiaries of the partnerships mentioned above, they also give back to the community through other collaborations.

That was the case when Castle Air Museum reached out to see if any Summer Academy classes could write thank-you cards to give to local veterans and active-duty troops during Military Appreciation Day at the museum July 9. More than 1,000 kindergarten through eighth-grade students composed heartfelt letters and created patriotic artwork to honor our service members.

Those are just a few examples of the powerful partnerships that help make our schools and community stronger. I’m excited to see and share many more as students head back to class this fall.

http://www.mercedsunstar.com/news/local/education/article89768022.html#storylink=cpy