An integral component of our mission, Country School's Community Service programs teach social responsibility to inspire and empower our children to make positive contributions to the world -- while they are students here and throughout their lives. We provide opportunities for students to engage in projects that not only help others, but also nurture self-confidence, independence and the skills that will enable them to be effective leaders and contributors after they graduate.

 

Community Service projects are age-appropriate and take place after school on Wednesdays or on weekends, with support from parent, faculty and school staff. Recognizing that different causes appeal to different individuals, our activities are designed to give the students exposure to many areas where their efforts can make an impact, including: the environment, seniors citizens, disaster relief, poverty, animal welfare, education, and support for troops stationed overseas.

On campus, children of all ages help in various ways through the Work Program, cleaning tables in the Cafeteria, tidying up in the classrooms, and collecting recycling. While these are small tasks, they provide a great sense of accomplishment as children experience the value of being a productive member of the school community.

Last year, our students raised over $3000 to support aid to Haiti through a one-day, all-school bake sale. Our younger students entertained seniors at local residences; sent candy, holiday cheer and letters to platoons in Iraq and Afghanistan (www.adoptaplatoon.org); collected and shipped used backpacks (with personal letters and school supplies enclosed) to young Guatemalan children through Education & Hope (www.educationandhope.com); and ran several food drives for the Lower Fairfield County Food Bank. The Middle and Upper Schoolers supported the Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue (www.roar-ridgefield.org), the Special Olympics, and Midnight Run (www.midnightrun.org). Working with students from Horizons, they also decorated and shipped 200 pairs of flip flops, with personal notes attached, to children in Haiti. In addition, Upper Schoolers spent time on Wednesdays reading to and playing literacy games with pre-schoolers at The William Pitt Child Development Center in Stamford and joining local seniors for dinner at the Waveny Care Center.

 

The Administration and Parents' Association welcome suggestions from the community for other ways in which our children can help out in community while learning the important value of service. If you have any ideas, please contact the PA Representative, Nancy Miller-Rivero, or Andy Morris at Country School.

We are proud that Country School graduates continue to engage in Community Service throughout their secondary school and college years. In a survey of the graduates of the Class of 2007, 50% of respondents had organized at least one Community Service initiative since graduating. This demonstrates the ongoing impact of our mission, to 'inspire students to be lifelong learners with the courage and confidence to make a positive contribution to the world.'