SCH Middle Schoolers Make a Difference, One Service Project at a Time

SCH’s Middle School students spent a morning last week engaged in service projects designed to effect positive change in partnership with the greater Philadelphia community and to foster a culture of service throughout the division.

"Service learning is an integral part of our Middle School program," says Head of Middle School Meadow Pepino. "By participating in these projects, our students not only develop valuable skills like teamwork and communication, but they also gain a deeper understanding of the needs in our community and the power they have to make a difference."

The day kicked off with 5th graders putting their creativity to work by assembling 200 "Fun Kits" for the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. This organization supports families of seriously ill children by creating a community of comfort and hope. These kits will brighten the days of children ages 3-17 who are undergoing medical treatment. The kits included card games, coloring books, fidgets, stuffed animals, and more.

Meanwhile, 6th graders embraced their role as environmental stewards by heading to the Riverbend Environmental Education Center. There, they planted, watered, and mulched 17 native trees and 100 native perennial plugs, sowed 30 acorns, cleared 45 square feet of invasive vine understory, transported four yards of wood chips, and removed leaves from gutters and drains. 

Focusing on global issues closer to home, 7th graders hosted a meal-packaging event with Rise Against Hunger on campus. This international organization fights hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need. Together, they assembled 10,000 nutritional meals consisting of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and a packet of 20 vitamins and minerals for individuals facing food insecurity.  

Rounding out the day, 8th graders visited Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia, an organization dedicated to providing essential items to children experiencing homelessness or poverty. The 8th graders volunteered by sorting clothes, cleaning shoes, and creating packages at The Giving Factory.

SCH’s commitment to service learning ensures that Middle Schoolers gain a strong sense of social responsibility and a heart for helping others alongside their academic pursuits. They’ll continue service work throughout the academic year including at SCH’s MLK Jr. Morning of Service in January.