Cotter has a new format for homeroom time, it is called Connect and Serve. Students are grouped by grade level in groups of around ten and assigned an adviser. The groups meet on Wednesday and Thursdays for 25 minutes either before or after lunch. Each group has selected a name and logo and most have selected a service opportunity to complete as a group.

Mr. Uribe, Cotter’s new principal, was interested in students doing community service together and having time to talk about important issues, in a small group format that was a regular part of the schedule. This led to the creation of Connect and Serve with the help of teachers and staff.

Mrs. Corcoran, one of the leaders of the program, has said that the main logic behind this new program was to get all students involved.  “The goal is to connect Cotter students with the community and work together in groups on projects. This will allow the students to get to know each other on a different level while servicing the needs of others”, Mrs. Corcoran said.

Each month has a different theme.  One of the hopes of this effort is that this will be only the beginning of life-long service by the students as they grow up and are on their own.

In talking with Mrs. Corcoran, she has indicated that the benefits of this program are endless.    There is work to be done, and once projects are completed, the groups that are helped can see the obvious benefits. Each group presented their name, logo, and plan of action at an assembly and some of the groups have already completed projects.
The Thursday portion of every week deals with leadership and school culture. The main focus is about good citizenship, and how to be an positive member of this community. There are some things to work out with the process, but goals of Connect and Serve evolve, but both teachers and students see positive things coming from the project.