No matter what tradition you follow, the winter months bring a sense of cheer and wonder to all. But during a time of increased generosity and eager anticipation of gifts from loved ones, remembering those who are less fortunate takes a special emphasis and care. So this month, we’d like to share some bright moments of true holiday spirit, courtesy of schools across the country.
Giving More Than Money
The Nightingale-Bamford School in New York City created a K-12 “giving curriculum." It covers activities, assignments, and examples for students to learn the importance of generosity.
Then, in honor of #GivingTuesday—a day reserved to remember to give to the broader community in the middle of commercialized shopping days like Cyber Monday or Black Friday—the school donated the curriculum entirely. Now any school can use or adopt the curriculum to its classrooms, completely free of charge.
Wreaths for the Dispossessed
St. Joseph’s School in North Grosvenordale, Connecticut, also donated its talents to help its community—but this time, the students took charge!
Students alongside their teachers created wreaths to be auctioned off in a community silent auction. The proceeds will support the Shalom House, a specialized shelter for women and children.
Collecting Care
Our final example of exemplary holiday spirit is Valley Christian School in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, which has gone further than a single philanthropic event this season.
Back in November, the school executed “Operation Brotherhood,” during which they collected food to provide 2,000 local families with Thanksgiving dinners. These families would otherwise be unable to celebrate the holiday. At the same time, “Operation Christmas Child” was in effect, as students were asked to donate shoeboxes filled with practical items for children in developing countries.
December’s efforts will be a little bit closer to home, as they participate in the popular “Toys for Tots” program.
But near or far, large or small, private-independent schools across the country and around the world are making their communities better places to live, work, and learn this holiday season. Take a moment to share your school’s work in the community with your fellow administrators! We’d love to rejoice in your successes with you.
(And, from all of us at ISM, we wish you the happiest of holidays!)
Additional ISM resources:
ISM Monthly Update for Admission Officers Vol. 11 No. 3 'Tis the Season for Service ... And Open Houses
ISM Monthly Update for Division Heads Vol. 7 No. 3 Budget Cuts Mean an Opportunity to Reach Out to Public School Students
Additional ISM resources for Gold Consortium members:
I&P Vol. 27 No. 7 Community Service: Taking It to the Street
I&P Vol. 28 No. 7 Scheduling a Community Service Program
I&P Vol. 38 No. 5 Community Service and Service Learning: Designing a Successful Program
