Objective:

In seeking to fulfill the principals expressed by school’s motto, “Citizen, Scholar, Steward,” KCD has emerged as a local and national leader in community service programming for youth.  In the past two years, KCD has conducted successful school wide efforts to build a Habitat for Humanity House and raise funds for and awareness of Cedar Lake Lodge, a home for mentally retarded adults.  In the summer of 2007, KCD initiated a relationship with a Special Forces (Green Beret) battalion at Fort Campbell in an effort to provide support for the troops and their families. 

The politics of the war in Iraq are complicated and opinions vary wildly.  However, this should not distract us from recognizing the sacrifices that are being made by the troops and their families.  There is a tremendous emotional, physical and financial burden placed on these people and an effort by the KCD community to support them is consistent with the school’s mission.  The strategy for meeting this objective is to align the military and the school community on an appropriate scale.  The school began preparing for this program in March of 2007 by researching and planning the best approach to this issue.  This included discussions with faculty at every grade level, leaders in the service community supporting the troops and members of the military.  Through our personal contacts with the military, we have found an excellent match:  the alignment of the KCD community (902 students and their families) with a battalion of Green Berets (approximately 500 soldiers and their families). 

The battalion’s mission for its deployment from October 2007 to the summer of 2008 is the indigenous population in Iraq on issues of community development.  An essential part of the training the soldiers receive is focused on the culture of the people of Iraq and the interpersonal skills necessary to develop effective partnerships.  

Working with the battalion leadership, KCD developed a plan to serve as an extension of the battalion’s Family Readiness Group (FRG) leading up to, during and following the battalion’s deployment.  In addition to the opportunity for service, KCD’s interaction with the battalion allows students, in an age-appropriate way, to learn about the necessity for cultural awareness, as it pertains to Iraq and military families.  Assuming success in this partnership, the model may be duplicated by schools widely.

KCD formed a committee in the summer of 2007 that included students at all division levels, parents, grandparents and faculty.  One student chairs the committee under the supervision of the Assistant Head of School for Development (Faculty Sponsor).

Timeline:

August   
As school begins, communicate with the students and families about the opportunity to participate this project.
Create Bridge to Ft. Campbell Steering Committee.

September   

• Faculty Sponsor presents project to the Upper School (US) and Middle School (MS), inviting volunteers to join the steering committee.  Faculty Sponsor works with 4th grade teachers to finalize recruitment of 4th grade members of the committee by the 14th.
• Planning taking shape at all divisions on how best to use our visitors’ time on the 27th and 28th.

September 19   
Upper School committee chairs need to have committee meetings scheduled.

September  20   
Activation Day.  This will be a special event and we want to invite the student, parent and teachers that are leading the volunteer effort to go to Ft. Campbell to meet members of the battalion.  The KCD group going will both have a special learning experience that day.

September 20 – 26   
LS Director will create a slide show and work with grade level team in LS to present the service project and the LS welcome for our visitors on 9/27-28

September 27   
US committees submit plans to Steering Committee leaders.

September 27, 28
Visit from FRG leaders and the Lt. Col, Command Sergeant Major and 3 NCOs on the 28th.  Use this event as an opportunity to announce to KCD community our plans for the year.  Give students an appreciation for the training involved in becoming a Green Beret.  Include spouses of battalion soldiers to discuss their perspective with students and KCD parents. 


October   
Initiate correspondence.

November/December   
The FRG is sponsoring a holiday party of battalion families on Dec 2.  KCD will deliver all presents to the event.  KCD will also send a group of volunteers to help work the event in coordination with the FRG and their families.  Good opportunity for teen to teen interaction among our two constituencies.

• Angel Tree

 

• Holiday cards
• Art
• Flash presentation (start with photos in fall of students holding “Happy Holidays” signs)
• Knit clothes for babies (hats, booties, blankets). 

January   
Clothes collection for Iraqis.  Boxes must be uniform in size.  Items sorted by gender.  Boxes transported to Ft. Campbell and then airlifted to Iraq.

March   
KCD group visits Ft. Campbell to help set up and run a party.  The purpose of the party is for the battalion’s kids to make welcome home banners for their soldier parents.  KCD students help.

May   
CD with patriotic songs by our choir sent to FRG as welcome home presents for soldiers.

August   
Battalion soldiers and families (approx. 100) visit Louisville.  KCD to host visitors at a minor league baseball park for a dinner and a game.

October   
KCD hosts battalion soldiers and families for a visit similar to the one held in September 2007.  A small group will arrive early to teach classes on a Friday, with the bulk (approx. 125) arriving later Friday for tailgating and a football game at KCD.  Horse farm tour followed by a picnic at KCD on Saturday with KCD US kids organizing activities for younger KCD kids and battalion’s kids.

Ideas

• Provide updates on Bearcat sports to troops via email.
• Identify students that want to create a special newsletter for the troops with KCD and local news.  The intent is to make this fun, upbeat and offer insight into life back in KY.  Send every two weeks.
• Plant a garden in honor of the Battalion.
• Donate air miles to help family travel.