Encouraging Boys to Initiate Service Learning Time to Collaborate Gives Rise to Intersession and

Encouraging Boys to Initiate Service Learning

By Jenny Bruce, Associate Director of Communications

Allen-Stevenson boys learn early on the value of doing for others. That goal is integral to the School’s Vision Statement: “We help boys learn that they can make a difference, that is, to make the world a better place.” Yet, the following words from the vision are equally, if not more important; that the School expects each boy—“to be active and engaged in his own learning, so that he becomes intellectually, socially and emotionally strong.”

In this same way, performing community service helps to improve the world beyond our schoolhouse walls; however, service learning moves the dial just that much further. The first essentially begins and ends with the act of volunteering, while the latter’s focus on “learning” provides an essential jumping-off point for students to become better young men. Developing an awareness of the needs of others often takes maturity and reflection. Our faculty do not shy away from engaging in conversations with their students about the different needs of our communities near and far, and it is never too early to begin those conversations in age-appropriate ways.

This winter, when our families, faculty, and staff donated coats, hats, and mittens for P.S. 83, our first-grade students got involved. The first-grade faculty not only took this learning opportunity to build the boys’ math skills but also explained how some fellow New Yorkers did not have the warm clothes they needed for winter. In their own classrooms, the boys eagerly sorted bag upon bag of puffy coats and soft, warm accessories, excited to be helpers, making a difference.

For nearly twenty years, Allen-Stevenson boys have also led a book drive for the children at P.S. 83. While that effort continued this year, in previous years, our students were able to bring the books to the school where they would read to first-grade students. This undertaking was always a meaningful way of connecting their efforts directly to those who would benefit, further humanizing the imperative to help those who may be less fortunate.

Counting coats, hats and mittens

Upper Division boys explaining the Book Drive to Lower Division boys Boxing up books for PS 83

Selling hearts for hearts

(cont. from p. 15) Prioritizing and understanding the needs of others are seed concepts that A-S faculty plant and nourish. Service-learning that the boys initiate is our hope, and when suggestions and ideas arise, they are fully supported. As the boys mature and grow, they often find ways of giving to the community independently. Hearts for Hearts was a project first introduced to our Allen-Stevenson community in 2017 by a compassionate group of boys seeking to support victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the Carolinas.

Enterprising students from different age groups have since embraced the initiative for different causes. As cancer had personally affected several families in their grade, this year’s fourth-grade students took it upon themselves to raise money to support the vital efforts of Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital’s cancer research. The colorful origami hearts the boys folded with care reflected only a fraction of the beauty demonstrated by their own hearts as they passionately pursued their cause.

Most recently, a group of first-grade boys expressed their sadness about the situation in Ukraine. With the help of their teacher, they composed heartfelt letters to President Biden, asking him to help. These boys have taken their concern further with a collection of cash donations, which they carefully counted for Save the Children (of Ukraine) and a sponsored (per block) walkathon in the neighborhood. It is astounding and inspiring to witness this level of compassion and engagement in such a young group of boys.

A successful Walkathon to support Ukraine

Sandwiches being made for All Souls Food Kitchen

As the boys continue to grow, community service becomes an integral part of Upper Division life. Since early in the school year, Upper Division boys have continued what has now become the traditional Friday morning sandwich-making for the food pantry at All Souls Church. There is never a lack of volunteers, and the feeling in the Dining Room when the boys are making sandwiches is always one of joyful camaraderie and cooperation as they eagerly fill tray after tray of sandwiches demonstrating that this activity is anything but a chore. Students look forward to, once again, being able to do more than make and deliver sandwiches. They are hopeful that in the coming year, students will once again be able to join the volunteers at All Souls in serving food to the community.

Helping students understand why we volunteer is instrumental in sustaining the boys’ engagement. By the time A-S boys reach Eighth Grade, they have cultivated an acute awareness that there are people in need, and they have also been encouraged to think about how they can help. This year’s Upper Division intersession provoked a flurry of creative ideas to support our community, including providing musical performances outside the food pantry on Fridays and the Soap for Hope collection. The latter was the idea of two eighth-grade boys who recognized a need and found a creative, thoughtful solution. Homeless people need personal care items, and many people travel to hotels that offer complimentary toiletries. Partnering with Midnight Run and JASA (Jewish Association Serving the Aging), these boys managed to collect bags and boxes of hotel toiletries and personal care goods which were distributed to the homeless.

It is heartening to reflect back upon another successful school year as we prepare to move forward into an exciting new chapter at the School. While some things may change, Allen-Stevenson’s vision remains steadfast…one that is realized each day by dedicated faculty and by our compassionate boys, who are educated “to appreciate community and engaged citizenship, and to develop the drive to share responsibility for promoting a sustainable and equitable world.”

Emile L-S. performs outside the food pantry Supplies collected for Soap for Hope