Community Service
One of the pillars at the school is service to others or community service. In grades K - 5, students complete service activities with their class and as a whole school. As students enter grade six through eight, they are capable of taking on the greater responsibility of choosing and completing individual service projects. Community is one of those expansive terms that can refer to the family, the classroom, the school, the town, the state, the nation, and the world at large. Students are encouraged to serve multiple "communities"; this helps them understand the needs of others and develop the practical wisdom to meet some of these needs.
Each month, students choose and complete a small service activity under the direction of parents and service team advisors. As the school focuses attention a particular virtue each month, students are encouraged, but not required, to choose an activity that relates to the virtue. Students may complete the same service for multiple months; for example, some may want to become regular volunteers in the younger grade classroom, the local library or food pantry, or a senior center. Each month, students write descriptions of what they did and reflection on this service.
Capstone Project
Eighth grade students spend from December to May designing and completing one, large community service project. Students turn in typed and approved "Capstone Project" proposals to their service team advisor. In June, students present their projects to faculty, peers, and parents at the annual "Capstone Breakfast." One of the students' final 8th grade assignments is to write an essay reflecting on their service efforts. These essays become part of the schools permanent archives, and are part of the student's lasting legacy to the school.
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