Welcome to Evergreen Elementary

3rd Grade Meaningful Work Program

We are excited to introduce a new initiative that we are going to launch with third-grade students this spring, called Meaningful Work. This coming Monday, we will hold an Introduction Assembly with our third-grade students to share with them our new program. This program is designed to help students develop responsibility, independence, and a sense of ownership within our school community. As the oldest students in the building, our Evergreen third graders are at a wonderful age to take on leadership roles, and Meaningful Work gives them structured opportunities to do just that.

What is Meaningful Work?

After completing applications for positions, students will be selected to take on a school job that supports our daily routines. These roles include titles such as Prize Cart Patrol, Tootsie Walker, Playground Equipment Manager, and Library Assistant, to name a few. Because we are kicking off the initiative in the last third of the school year, we expect that any student who receives a job will stay in that role until the end of the school year. We are hopeful that our Meaningful Work program will have great success this year and that we can continue to refine and strengthen the program for years into the future.

A Note about Job Availability

It is important for families to know that if all Evergreen third-grade students apply for a job, we unfortunately will not have enough positions to place all of them. For students who do not get selected for a position, we anticipate some disappointment, and we are ready to help support students if that is what they are experiencing. 

Why are we doing this?

Schools across the country that have implemented Meaningful Work programs report the positive benefits listed below. The Evergreen staff feels confident that, with strong implementation of Meaningful Work, we too will see our students receive the same benefits.

• Increased student engagement and sense of belonging
• Improved behavior and fewer disruptions
• Higher attendance for participating students
• Stronger relationships with adults through mentoring
• Development of leadership, responsibility, and teamwork skills
• Opportunities for students to feel successful and valued

How will it work?

Each role that is available to students will have a school-adult assigned as a supervisor. Supervisors will provide students with job training and oversight while students complete their work. Supervisors will also give students constructive feedback and plenty of encouragement as they gain skills that allow them to be successful in their work.  

How can families support this?

If your child does receive a job, you can help by talking with your child about it, asking what they enjoy about their work, and encouraging them to take pride in their contributions. These conversations reinforce the value of responsibility both at school and at home.

We are looking forward to watching our third graders shine as leaders. Thank you for your partnership and support as we launch our new Meaningful Work program.

Student Links

Student Email (Gmail)Moodle