On Wednesday April 6th, the Middle School hosted a Community Impact Day, which was dedicated to serving our community, learning from local nonprofit leaders, and working to make a difference. On this day, we partnered with multiple organizations including Humankind Ministries, United Way, Union Rescue Mission, International Rescue Committee, Veterans Hospital, Giving the Basics, and the Food Bank.
Throughout the year, 5th Grade has been learning about the theme of Homelessness. A guest speaker from Humankind Ministries addressed the students, who then later that day made blankets for the homeless shelter. In addition students made comfort kits for kids in emergency situations (handed out by police officers) and placemats for Union Rescue Mission. They also visited Upper School Environmental Science teacher Mr. Trombold's community garden, which harvests produce given to the Union Rescue Mission throughout the year.
Sixth grade's annual Community Impact theme is Refugees, and they have partnered with the International Rescue Committee to sponsor refugee families. Advising groups traveled on Wednesday to purchase wish list items for their adopted family and then visited local restaurants and businesses owned by first generation immigrants. They learned from the owners they met, and the day's activities reinforced their curriculum about life as a refugee. It was a great day!
Veterans are celebrated by Seventh Grade, and students honored the veterans at the VA Hospital by planting flowers in the gardens, creating chalk art encouragement, and interacting with veterans. A veterans panel spoke to the students about different aspects of life in the military and as a veteran. Several Upper School seniors presented to the seventh grade about their research on veteran mental health and a project to support local veterans. Wednesday's events, in addition to the education they have engaged in throughout the year, encourages our students to honor our veterans.
Eighth Grade focuses on the theme of Poverty, and throughout the year they learn about the causes, statistics, and nonprofits that serve families in need in Wichita. On Wednesday, 8th graders worked at the Food Bank, toured Humankind Ministries, learned from the leader of Giving the Basics. Following their engagement with community leaders, students made plans to advocate for Giving the Basics' Dignity Drive as well as to collect summertime fun items for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Eighth Graders are on a mission to understand Poverty in Wichita (and beyond) and make a difference!
Our students (and teachers) raved about what a truly impactful day it was. Thank you to our students and teachers for their commitment to our community!