Today’s annual Morning of Service honoring Martin Luther King Jr. exemplified kindness and compassion, as students from pre-k to eighth grade participated in age-appropriate service activities, engaging collaboratively to serve others. The day began with Morning Assembly, where Head of Lower School, Trelane Clark introduced “At the Table with Dr. King,” an incredibly moving, multifaceted performance that teaches students about the American Civil Rights movement and the valuable lessons of equality and respect. Through music, poetry, historical video footage and Dr. King’s own words, At the Table challenges students to engage in creative acts of service and leadership in their communities. The show was performed by professionals from the Mizel Museum in Denver, and was a powerful, inspiring and poignant performance.
Students then dispersed to various areas of the school to engage in the many wide and varied service activities. Pre-kindergarteners prepared dog and cat treats for the Dedham Animal Rescue League, while Kindergarteners designed birthday bags for Walker School residents. First graders created a singing performance video and made cards for Traditions of Dedham residents, second graders walked to raise funds for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and third graders crafted valentines and thank-you cards for Dedham Food Pantry shoppers. Fourth graders collected towels and blankets for the Animal Rescue League, learned about the shelter, and designed this year’s Fun Run logo, and fifth graders took part in the 30 Days of Service Challenge, creating and sharing service ideas.
Middle schoolers had the liberty to choose their activities, to include making cards to express their gratitude for Military, Veteran and First Responders with Operation Gratitude, creating valentine gifts for seniors, developing malaria education presentations for Nothing but Nets, organizing a book drive and creating get-well cards for Baystate Hospital, creating nameplates for Charles River Center, volunteering at Dedham Food Pantry, knitting scarves for Circle of Hope in Needham, and making signs and organizing for the Cradles to Crayons clothing drive. Many of these projects continue well past this particular service morning, occurring throughout the year, including multiple middle-school service afternoons.
At Closing Assembly, Head of School Allison Webster shared her thoughts on the day and talked about how moving the performance “At the Table with Dr. King” was, and how it focused on big moments—those moments when it’s really important to have conviction. She went on to explain that by regularly practicing having conviction with the little things in life, it helps you to feel confident speaking up when something really big or unfair happens. Ms. Webster closed with this challenge to students— “Think about the ways you can support each other in that work of practicing your convictions, and be the person that YOU want to be, over and over again!”
A tremendous thank you to Colleen Hultgren and Laura Martinez, our DCD Service-learning co-coordinators who planned, organized and led the day’s activities in order to make service a meaningful learning experience to DCD students, as well addressing community needs. Each of these projects provided meaningful learning experiences reinforcing the great importance of good citizenship, and students learned valuable skills while having fun! Community service has long been a significant educational priority at DCD, with all students engaging in community service projects throughout the year to help others in need.
Click here to see photos and videos from this special day!
