Each grade level contributed with a hands-on project in support of a local philanthropy or community-based organization. These projects included assembling sack lunches, creating sunflower sacks for Nora’s House, designing holiday placemats for local hospitals, making birthday bags for Meals on Wheels, and creating blankets for Friends for Life Animal Shelter.

 

In addition to the on-campus projects, Class 4 participated in an off-campus service project at the Houston Food Bank. The students helped with sorting donations and other tasks needed at the food bank.

 

Head of Lower School Andrew Herman said that this biannual event serves as a meaningful teachable moment wherein students can develop an appreciation for the importance of helping others. In keeping with the SJS Precept of Care, the program encourages students to extend themselves for others with compassion, kindness, and respect.

“We discuss hands-on service with our students in age-appropriate ways and how we use our time and talents to help others without asking for anything in return,” said Herman. “By bringing these hands-on projects to campus, they are able to experience a small piece of that. Our parent volunteers also join us so that they can help serve alongside their students. We also try to host a monthly after-school project by grade level with this same idea.” 

 

Assistant Head of Lower School Julie Ballew, who serves as the coordinator for the program, echoed Herman’s sentiments.

 

“We want our students to recognize that everyone, regardless of age, can use their hands in service of others,” Ballew said. “As our Precepts and Principles state, we are a community of gratitude, and we want even our youngest students to use the gifts they've received to give back to others.”

 

The next “Lower School Gives Back” opportunity will be held in February 2027.