What’s Right With Our Schools: “Dragons in Action” builds students’ character

GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Elementary students building relationships with those in the community may seem rare, but students at Dames Ferry Elementary are learning the importance of helping people.

“In order to be a productive citizen, you have to give back to your community. You got to be willing to do something for somebody else,” says fourth grade teacher Melody Nebel.

Nebel believes students are being taught a life long lesson while being part of “Dragons in Action” service club.

It is an after school program that helps students take ownership of their school, actions and community.

“These students who choose to participate really become, really leaders in our school,” Nebel adds.

First grader Hawke Oller says, “When we go to the nursing home, I just feel really happy because I like helping other people.”

“The way you can help the community is by picking up trash around the neighborhood and also helping out at the Ronald McDonald’s house and by helping the nursing home by just making them happy,” says fourth grader Reagan Sorrell.

Each month students focus on a particular character trait. Then they go out out in the community and practice it.

“Just knowing I can help someone out there, it makes me happy,” says fourth grader Jacob Jackson.

“It’s important that students go out into the community and take what they’ve learned and to us it helps build not just right now but the person that they’re growing into,” says third grade teacher Jennifer Holland.

Traits like tolerance is enabling these students to accept others as they are. They are donating coats to a local agency who supports families who are less fortunate and unable to buy those coats during the winter time.

“Not only did they do that, they took it a little bit further. And in each pocket of the coat, they wrote a personal note. So, whoever received the coat, not only had something to keep them warm on the outside, they got a little note in the pocket that showed that the person was important and people do care about them,” Holland explains.

Students are excited about helping others and wants the ‘Dragons in Action’ to continue.

“It helps me care more about my community. Normally, I didn’t care but every since I joined Dragons in Action it helps me learn my responsibility in this community,” says fifth grader Jada Alexander.

I’m looking forward to doing it in third, fourth, and fifth grade,” adds second grader Maddie Ling.

Teachers hope the club shapes students’ performance inside and outside of the school.