DESPITE THE state's ongoing budget crisis, a number of programs, such as Tracy Unified's service learning, are actually thriving.

Of course, it helps to be funded by a federal grant that has nothing to do with California's budget mess.

The grant allows the service learning program to offer mini grants to participating schools to fund projects such as the community gardens at Freiler and North schools.

Those gardens give students a number of academic challenges, along with the a chance to get their hands dirty and provide fresh vegetables for the less fortunate — which is the idea behind the project, mixing academics and community service.

"Every year it gets a little broader and more people get involved," program coordinator Bill Hopman said. "It has been exciting to watch things grow."

Hopman added that the rare advantage of being able to take the financial burden off the school sites makes it easier for the program to expand.

"No other district in our area is able to do that," he said. "It helps a lot."

Often ideas that are born at one school catch on elsewhere, Hopman said.

"We had this anti-bullying project piloted by West High last year that was a tremendous success. This year we are training sophomores at Tracy, Kimball and West (high schools) in the program and they will in turn train the sophomores next year," he said. "They will also be going to the middle schools

One of the more unique service learning projects on the horizon involves the students studying the work of farm labor leader Cesar Chavez. The project will culminate with the students collecting sun block, hats and sunglasses that will be donated to farm workers.

"We are also starting to branch out into more after school service learning ideas," Hopman said. "A lot of students for whatever reason stay around after school. It is probably a good idea to get them involved in some community service."

New administrator

Juan Lopez has been named the administrator of bilingual and English language development site programs for Tracy Unified's elementary schools.

Lopez held the job on an interim basis before he was named to the post permanently. Lopez previously was an assistant principle for South/West Park School.

"We are very proud and excited to name Juan to this key position," said Superintendent Jim Franco. "He is an excellent part of the South/West Park staff and will continue to bring new ideas to our ELD site programs."

Lopez has worked for the district since 1998. He taught math at Duncan-Russell High School and also served as the independent study coordinator and ELL coordinator.

He has also served as the night administrator for Tracy Adult School since 2006.

In 2007-08, Lopez was named Certificated Employee of the Year for "his dedication to students and staff."

Lathrop students hit the streets

The students and staff of Lathrop Elementary School recently participated in International Walk to School Day.

The Manteca Unified's Nutrition Services also had a hand in the day, as part of their efforts to create safer routes for students interested in walking and bicycling to school. They also want to emphasize the importance of physical activity among children and concern for the environment.

The event culminated with a free breakfast for more than 700 students.

Inside Education runs every other Tuesday. Reach Aaron Swarts at angaaron33@yahoo.com.