By Claire Fallon and Addie Lennon
Mendota Community School
What does it take to build a Better World? Students at Mendota Community School believe birdhouses, thank you cards, and being thoughtful neighbors are good places to start. EL Education’s Better World Week is an opportunity that supports student-led actions and was celebrated from April 27–May 1, 2026. This year’s theme was Cultivate Community.
First grade teachers at Mendota decided to connect this to a classroom unit on birds and give students an opportunity for project-based learning by painting birdhouses and placing them around the campus. “The first graders have loved learning about birds this year,” said Libby Peterson, first grade teacher at Mendota. “Our scholars are so excited to make birdhouses for some of the smaller native birds to help them avoid predators. At Mendota, we strive to give our students opportunities to give back to the community, which includes protecting the environment.”
The birdhouse project is just one example of a Better World Week project. Fifth and second graders worked as a team to assemble baskets of paper flowers and handwritten notes of kindness. They then placed these baskets on neighborhood doorsteps. Second and third graders sent notes of appreciation to community partners.
Mendota scholars have much to be proud about when it comes to making the world better.
