Tuscaloosa’s Adopt-A-School Program directed by the
Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama
has become an established part of the local community’s educational fabric.
The purpose of the program is to utilize the vast human resources and talents of
the business community to strengthen, enhance, and enrich the quality of
education in the public schools of the Tuscaloosa County and City School
systems. The Geological Survey of Alabama/State Oil and Gas Board (GSA/OGB) has
been an Adopt-A-School partner for almost 20 years and is a partner with
Southview Middle
School and Westlawn Middle
School.
The State Geologist and staff are committed to having a
Very Involved Partnership through the sponsorship of a variety of educational
activities that include:
Job Shadowing
During the month of February in recognition of
National Groundhog Job Shadowing Day
on February 2nd, the GSA provides a job shadowing experience for students. With
job shadowing, students “shadow” workplace mentors as they go through a normal
day on the job. Job Shadowing has proven to be an academically motivating
educational activity dedicated to giving students an up-close look at the world
of work and providing a link between academics and careers in the geosciences.
As students observe work being performed in the workplace, they see first hand
the importance of good math skills, communication skills, people skills and the
ability to use technology as important tools that are required in almost all job
positions at the GSA/OGB.
Earth Science Week
Since October 1998, the American Geological Institute has organized
Earth Science Week as a national and
international event to help the public gain a better understanding and
appreciation for the Earth Sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth.
The GSA/OGB receives a proclamation from the Governor of the State and sponsors
an Earth Science Event for students to participate in hands-on demonstrations of
a geological activity.
Classroom Speakers
Participation in Read-A-Thon - Read Across America is celebrated in the schools
and GSA/OGB staff are invited to read from selected books.
Honoring the Achievements of Students
Teacher/Adopter Appreciation
In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, the GSA/OGB hosts an Appreciation Luncheon
for faculty and provides them with educational resource materials. To show
appreciation to their Adopter, the schools provide thank you notes to GSA/OGB staff
and present them with gift baskets during special times of the year.
Parent Appreciation
The GSA/OGB is represented at Open House with an exhibit table and gives pens, pencils,
postcards, posters, and other items to parents to help them gain a better understanding
of what the GSA/OGB is doing to help their children learn about the geosciences.
Adopt-A-School Week Activities
The GSA/OGB participates in various activities to celebrate Adopt-A-School Week
including hanging banners, displaying exhibits at the schools, and activities to
honor our partners.
Community Service Projects
The GSA/OGB collects old telephone directories for the schools to help with their
participation in the Telephone Book Recycling Project and supports Christmas Gift
Giving to students.
