For nearly 20 years, the Middle School Day of Service at Presbyterian School has stood as a cornerstone of the curriculum, embodying the school's commitment to partnership, service with compassion and community engagement. Rooted in the ethos of serving others, this annual event not only underscores the importance of giving back to our local community but also teaches valuable lessons in empathy, cooperation, and altruism among our students. This year, a change was made so that each grade level had a specific day of service instead of all three grade levels serving on the same day.
The 2024-25 MS Days of Service include:
6th Grade: October 18, 2024
7th Grade: March 28, 2025
8th Grade: November 15, 2024
"Transitioning from a single Middle School Day of Service to three grade-level service days has allowed us to deepen our commitment to the four community service partners with whom we already have established relationships as our three Middle School grade-levels serve at the same organizations throughout the school year." stated Middle School Chaplain, Rev. Nathan Tenney.
Early Childhood and Lower School Chaplain, Brenton Smith, encapsulated the significance of these projects, affirming the foundational role in the school's faith programming. "The ethos is clear: to actively love the city and its inhabitants, echoing the teachings of Jesus to serve rather than be served." she stated. Through service projects with our neighboring partners, students and faculty alike embrace the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others right in our own backyard.
Guided by the principles of compassion and respect, students embark on a journey of service, partnering with various community organizations. From packing meals at the Emergency Aid Coalition to tending landscaping with the Hermann Park Conservancy, to playing with children at the Nehemiah Center, to pulling weeds and preparing garden beds at the Main Street Ministries Garden, each project is imbued with the spirit of helping an organization do what they do best. Students are learning that by working together, we can help make a greater impact on our community. As Rev. Nathan Tenney emphasizes, "this day is not just about lending a helping hand but about forging meaningful connections with the broader community."
Through hands-on engagement, students not only learn about the challenges facing their community but also discover their capacity to effect positive change. By embodying the school's motto of respect for oneself, others, and the environment, students cultivate a sense of responsibility towards the world around them.
Following their service activities, students gather to reflect on their experiences, contemplating the significance of putting the needs of others first. These discussions foster a deeper understanding of the value of empathy and altruism in fostering a more compassionate society. Moreover, students express a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve others, recognizing the inherent dignity in acts of kindness and generosity.
As the day draws to a close, prayers are offered, invoking a sense of purpose and calling to continue serving others in their daily lives. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, students and faculty alike are reminded of the transformative power of service in shaping a more inclusive and compassionate world.
The Middle School Days of Service are not merely an event but a testament to the School's unwavering commitment to compassion and community engagement. Through ongoing partnerships with local organizations, Presbyterian School strives to cultivate a culture of service that extends beyond a single day, permeating the fabric of daily life. As the school continues to nurture future generations of servant leaders, the Middle School Day of Service stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity, illuminating the path towards a more just and equitable society.