Project: Increasing Access to Period Products
Health Topics
Menstrual Health
Specific Health Community Problem
Increasing Access to Period Products
Guided Discovery
Through her research, Madeleine learned of legislation stating that all elementary and secondary public schools in the Commonwealth serving students in any grade from grade six through grade twelve shall provide period products in the restrooms at no charge to students. She brought this to the attention of school officials, who retrofitted the dispensers to provide free products. Madeleine created signs throughout the restroom to raise awareness of this change.
Investigation/Research
Through her research, Madeleine learned of legislation stating that all elementary and secondary public schools in the Commonwealth serving students in any grade from grade six through grade twelve shall provide period products in the restrooms at no charge to students. She brought this to the attention of school officials, who retrofitted the dispensers to provide free products. Madeleine created signs throughout the restroom to raise awareness of this change. Through her project, Madeliene collaborated with students to learn more about their perspective on it and the period products available to them at SACS and researched what other schools were doing. She learned about GoAuntFlow, a company providing free period products to students and their partner, Citron, for restocking and maintenance. She has provided SACS with valuable information regarding costs, budgeting, student preferences, and product samples to help inform the school’s decision-making process.
Lesson Plan with YRBS Data
n/a
Solution
Madeleine Lucas’s Service-Learning Project focused on addressing the lack of access to period products at Salem Academy. Noting that the absence of free and convenient period product dispensers led her to research the pervasiveness of this issue for American students, where she found that one in five teens lacked adequate access to menstrual products.
Community Impacts
Retrofitted dispensers at Salem Academy. Her project had a tangible impact on her school community, promoting awareness and access to essential menstrual products.
Connection to Curriculum
Reflecting on her project, Madeleine recognized her social awareness, self-management, communication, and research strengths. In March, was inducted into the Governor’s Youth Council and plans to continue addressing gender disparities through that role.
SEL Competencies
Self Management
Specific SEL Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes
Reflecting on her project, Madeleine recognized her social awareness, self-management, communication, and research strengths. In March, was inducted into the Governor’s Youth Council and plans to continue addressing gender disparities through that role.
District Name
Salem Academy Charter School
School Name
Salem Academy Charter School
Class/Program
Service-Learning
Number of Teachers
1
Number of Students
1
Grade Level(s)
9-12
Duration/Intensity
10 Service-Learning Days across the 2023-2024 school year + independent work time.
Community Partners
Administration + Operations at Salem Academy, Aunt Flow, Rep. Manny Cruz
Content Areas
Comprehensive Health