Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” On January 20, Willowwind students answered this question by participating in the national Day of Service. Willowwind’s Day of Service events furthered Dr. King’s legacy, converting his life mission into community action. The day empowered students, strengthened communities, and brought Dr. King’s dream of a unified community to life.
Willowwind students furthered Dr. King’s message in a variety of ways. Willowwind preschoolers answered the questions, “What does it mean to be a part of a community?” and “How do we build community?” through discussing Dr. King’s life, helping peers, and baking treats. They also created cards of well wishes for local community organizations. These projects are examples of the foundation necessary to build both the academic and social-emotional success within a child.
Beginning in August, K-6 students met weekly in multi-age groups to participate in student-led service learning projects where they brainstormed local community organizations in need, communicated with organizations, and planned for their culminating Day of Service event. Christine Soboscinski explains, “this project gave students a unique change to slow down, make a plan, and take thoughtful action to help someone in their community.”
Student selected organizations included, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Oaknoll Retirement Community, Bickford Cottages, MacBride Raptor Project, Iowa City Animal Shelter, and Crisis Center of Johnson County. While visiting Oaknoll, Recreational Therapist Lindsey Reed, shared the impact Willowwind’s visit had on the residents. She shared, “what may seem like a small moment in your students’ lives is one that will stick with our residents for a long time. For some, this morning doesn’t just make their day, it makes their week and even their year. They will be talking about the youthfulness and joy your students brought for months to come.”
Emotional intelligence is an incredibly important part of education. Willowwind focuses on educating the whole-child by developing empathy and the ability to see situations through others’ perspective. Surrounded around the importance of service, the day was a positive shared experience for all. “It was filled with joy, excitement, and fulfillment as we helped others,” shared Lindsey Hoyt. It provided an opportunity to build compassion and thoughtfulness for others. It allowed Dr. King’s message of creating a better world to live on.
Ask your child about their "biome's" Day of Service project. They'd be happy to share the events and its successes with you.
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