Local Coe College student participates in national service learning initiative

CEDAR RAPIDS — Coe College joined forces with Truman Elementary School in Cedar Rapids to take part in a national service-learning initiative called “Communicating Common Ground.” As part of the program, 28 Coe students, including Danny Kalkhoff of Newton, worked with 60 Truman students from Ellen Wiedenman, Payt Bergert and Annette Kenney’s fifth grade classes.

Kalkhoff, a 2006 graduate of Newton Senior High School, is the son of Dave and Lorraine Kalkhoff.

Truman Elementary students visited the Coe College campus on Feb. 25 to enhance their multicultural awareness and self-esteem through communication instruction by Coe students. Kalkhoff and fellow classmates enrolled in the “Fundamentals of Speaking Class” at Coe College taught public speaking skills and engaged with the Truman students through a variety of activities.

“Service learning is more than community service. It is a mutual partnership that includes academic learning, reflection and assessment. Both groups learn so much from each other,” said Coe instructor Karen Sindelar.

“Communicating Common Ground” is a national service-learning initiative that unites college students, faculty and community groups in providing multicultural education to students in grades K-12. It also promotes service learning as a tool to enhance student learning and civic responsibility. This is the ninth year Coe and Truman have taken part in this national service learning initiative.

Located near the heart of Cedar Rapids, Coe College is a selective, private, nationally recognized liberal arts college providing superior quality educational experiences for students since 1851.