On June 3, 2009 the work of sixth graders from Coulterville Elementary School in Coulterville took first place at the 2009 Illinois Project Citizen portfolio showcase. Students from fifteen classes in Illinois sent portfolios chronicling the work, research and future plans for their public policy/service-learning projects to the capitol building in Springfield where the judging took place. The Coulterville sixth grade project will be on display at the National Showcase held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania July 20-24.

The 2009 Winning Project: "Take a Seat - If you Can"

Coulterville students present their project to local administrators and policymakers		The winning project on display at the Capitol Building in Springfield. The Showcase was hosted by Secretary of State Jesse White's Office.

After discussing a variety of problems in their community, Coulterville sixth graders decided there was a problem within their school that they wanted to tackle. These students were concerned by the fact that their school gymnasium – the place in which most school special events took place – had no seating area for those physically challenged, nor assisted railing to help those in need up and down the steps.

After doing a great deal of research and interviewing a number of individuals including their Regional Superintendent, school architect, their principal and administrators at other local schools, the students felt that most efficient way to deal with this problem was to make two major alterations: add center railings and a cut-out section that would allow for wheelchair seating to they gym. The students felt that not only would this make it easier to accommodate wheelchair-bound individuals and those who need help on the stairs, they also felt that the railings would prevent other visitors to the gym from injury as well.

After surveying students, parents and staff at the school in addition to parents of physically challenged students who attended their school, the students knew they had the support of the school community. With permission from their Superintendent, they were able to get drawings and an estimate on the cost of the renovations made and they took their proposal to the School Board. While the School Board very much supported the students' idea and were very impressed by their efforts they explained that funding was a problem and currently they cannot afford to make the changes.

The Coulterville students have not given up, however. They found a company that would donate the piping needed to make the railings and are looking into grants or other ways to raise funds to make the renovations. They say they will continue to work on this project until their school is one where all students and visitors feel welcome and accommodated.  


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