Students collecting cans for community service

Community Service

Informed by a mission that encourages us to “develop in each student a sense of responsibility to himself, to the school community, and to the greater society,” Pre and Lower School students participate in service learning and volunteer opportunities throughout their elementary school experience. Fourth graders are paired with first-grade boys to act as mentors and friends in our Big Brother Program. In the same vein, second graders act as “play buddies” to Pre-Kindergarten boys, and third graders become “reading buddies” with Kindergarteners.

Focusing their attention to serve the community at large, Pre and Lower School boys brighten the days of others through various activities  Experiences over the years have included visiting the elderly at senior citizen centers or young children at a local Head Start program. Schoolwide service projects involve all children who choose to participate. Led by our student council, students conduct fundraisers, book swaps, and food and clothing drives for the needy. Students at every level are encouraged to reflect upon their service learning experiences and internalize the joy of giving. They are constantly asked to develop a sense of appreciation and responsibility for others.