Giving Back: A Look at Community Service in Middle School
This week in advisory, students reflected on the importance of giving back during the holiday season and shared about the ways they and their families do so. Community service is a key part of the Middle School experience at Brimmer, and I want to highlight three initiatives that work towards fulfilling our mission to develop ethical citizens who contribute to the greater good in our diverse world.
For the third year, Brimmer’s Middle School is partnering with the Greater Boston Food Bank for our community service initiative. Every student in the Middle School will spend a day at the Food Bank helping to fulfill their mission to end hunger in Eastern Massachusetts. The sixth and seventh grade students completed their trips this fall, and I encourage you to ask your student about this experience. For two weeks in December, we partnered with the Lower School on their food drive for the Food Bank, and we look forward to collecting as much as possible to donate to this wonderful organization! The grade that collects the most items will receive a special prize when we return from the Winter Break.
The Middle School Senate has picked the Make a Wish Foundation for their charitable focus for the year. This organization, which was founded in 1980, makes wishes come true for children with critical illnesses. The Senate will sponsor several fundraising events throughout the year, including a “break the dress code” day today and a bake sale in January. Our goal is to raise as much money as possible to donate to Make-a-Wish at the end of the year.
As a capstone project, students in 8th grade complete the Community Service Project in Life Skills. Each student is required to complete eight hours of community service. Students choose an organization, contact the organization, and schedule times to complete the service. They keep a journal and a log of their service. The goal is to serve the community outside of Brimmer and May, reflect on those experiences, and share the reflections with our community. In the past, students have volunteered at their places of worship, former daycares or preschools, animal shelters, or at organizations like Cradles to Crayons or Community Servings. I am proud of the work our school does to give back, and I hope you will discuss the importance of acts of service with your student.
Brimmer and May School
69 Middlesex Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-566-7462
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-566-7462
As an inclusive private school community, Brimmer welcomes students who will increase the diversity of our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected from discrimination under state or federal law, in the administration of our educational policies, admissions practices, financial aid decisions, and athletic and other school-administered programs.