Teaching the Value of Community Service Starts in Preschool at USJ

USJ is a non-denominational, non-sectarian, college preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence and to the founding principles of faith, service, and scholarship. Through the fulfillment of our mission and adherence to these core principles, we prepare our students to be responsible and informed world citizens. This process starts with our youngest Bruins in Jr. Cubs and continues through graduation day.

Each year, dozens of donation drives and fundraisers are organized by faculty, teachers, and students in each of our three divisions. USJ has invested thousands in our community in both time and supplies. Many of our students’ initiatives happen in the background, but during the holiday season, a collaborative effort takes place to bring the holiday spirit to underserved communities. At this time, each grade in the Lower School selects a charitable cause and works together to meet their goals teaching students the value of teamwork.

To give a few examples, Jr. K students collected more than 45 bags of supplies to stock the closet at the Dream Center, an organization dedicated to helping homeless women and children get back on their feet. The Kindergarten class collected supplies for Youth Town of Tennessee which offers professional residential treatment services for co-occurring mental health disorders. Second graders made care bags with socks, books, chapstick, and snacks for people receiving treatment at the Kirkland Cancer Center. Third graders purchased various items from a wishlist supplied by Lebonheur Children’s Hospital in Jackson. This included toys and educational materials for their patients.