By Jill Gooch | Communications Committee Lead
With the school community transitioning to new leadership and the welcoming of new families, engaging together in community building is a priority for the 2019-20 academic year. Check out the student newsletter describing their experience of this process!
Thanks to the support of our families and GlobalGiving community, here are some of our highlights!
Elementary Students Organize Food Drive for Local Nonprofit
The 17 students in the lower and upper elementary classes (grades 1-6) organized a food drive to support a local nonprofit that provides meals, food supplies, and personal care items to individuals in the Christiansted area (Lighthouse Mission). The idea for the student-led service project was sparked during the class' planning for the school's winter festivities. As conversation regarding the Thanksgiving menu and value of gratitude unfolded, the students naturally came to the need to share abundance with others in the community. In Montessori-fashion, the students discussed how they would like to express this.
In small groups and community meetings, the students identified the steps to run a food drive. Older students with more leadership experience helped identify the roles and responsibilites. Students then selected roles to ensure that everyone was included and successful. While some students focused on writing letters to families and requesting donations, others coordinated logistics and organized the incoming gifts of food. The donations were then delivered by another set of students to the Lighthouse Mission.
Community service is excellent leadership development. It helps students practice social skills, cooperative planning and shared work. In addition, these student-led community projects also provide multiple opportunities for writing, research, math, problem solving, and critical thinking. The event was a success!
Families Organize A School-Service Day
Following two school-wide picnics, in which families gather to learn about Montessori-inspired parenting and build community, two parents organized a family in-service day.
The day included necessary repairs to classrooms, bathrooms, and general maintenance. With 12 parents (roughly 50% of the families at the school) also rolled up sleeves and did a deep clean. The arched ceilings are now sparkling and clear of several months of island grime and dust.
One student-focused area involved converting an old, indoor plantbed into a peace corner for the 2 1/2 to 6 year olds. While not yet fully complete, the backdrop includes a tree of life with birds singing, and provides an area for conflict resolution and meditation.
Thank you GlobalGiving community for your support!
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