Welcome to the Student Michigan Education Association (SMEA)
Student MEA leader Antoinette Bogdanski talks about "Outreach to Teach" at Lansing's Bingham Elementary School.
Student MEA members give school a makeover
About 150 volunteers gave Lansing’s Bingham Elementary School a makeover as part of an annual community service project organized by education students at Michigan State University.
MSU’s Student MEA chapter spent months planning “Outreach to Teach,” which included painting murals, landscaping, and donating books for every student.
Student MEA members from Michigan State University helped Lansing's Bingham Elementary students and others plant flowers and complete other service projects as part of "Outreach to Teach," an annual effort to help a public school in need.
“We’re hoping to create a more welcoming and comforting environment for students and staff to work and learn in,” said Tracy Szutkowski, president of the MSU chapter.
The school was selected after college students contacted the district and met with some principals to discuss needs. About $12,000 in materials were donated to the school.
“It’s really great for the kids to come in and be excited about being in school and in their classrooms,” said Antoinette Bogdanski, vice president of the student group.
Earlier this month, Student MEA members from Central Michigan University performed similar work at a Clare public school.
MSU students painted several murals in the school, including smaller works of art on window shades. Here, students work on a Dr. Seuss-themed mural.
The Michigan programs are modeled after the success of an annual “Outreach to Teach” program organized by the National Education Association’s Student Program. The NEA event is held in conjunction with the NEA’s Representative Assembly each summer.
Heather Pilarz
SMEA Chairperson