Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Old Rochester Regional High School Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to announce the resounding success of the district’s inaugural Community Service-Learning Day, which took place on Wednesday, November 27, during a half-day of school leading into the Thanksgiving break.
The event provided all Old Rochester Regional High School students with opportunities to engage in meaningful service projects, promoting empathy, responsibility, and connection to the community. Over 20 volunteer activities were offered, ranging from writing letters to soldiers and assembling care packages for local senior citizens, to campus beautification. The event also included off-site opportunities to distribute food to people in need at Damien’s Pantry and help in the warehouse at Friends of Jack.
“We are incredibly proud of our students and staff for their enthusiastic participation in this first-of-its-kind event,” Superintendent Nelson said. “We hope that it’s the first of many. This first annual schoolwide Community Service-Learning Day reflects our commitment to developing not just learners, but leaders who give back to the communities that support them.”
Superintendent Nelson would also like to thank Interim Assistant Principal Lauren Millette for leading this initiative.
“Without her leadership, this event would not have been possible,” Superintendent Nelson said.
The day began with shortened classes, followed by a brief assembly where students were encouraged to reflect on the value of service. Then, the students participated in their selected projects, many of which directly benefited local organizations and individuals.
“Watching the students and faculty participate in the various service-learning activities with smiles on their faces was such a highlight,” Interim Assistant Principal Lauren Millette said. “So many of the students reflected on how special it felt to give back. It was definitely a great day to be a Bulldog.”
Other activities included creating handmade cards for hospitalized children, baking treats for local families for Thanksgiving, and helping to make blankets from fleece for PACE Headstart in New Bedford, to be given to the preschool students there. Some students kept busy knitting crocheted hats, scarves and mittens, to be donated to local homeless shelters.
“This day was a beautiful example of learning and connection,” said Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Sharlene Fedorowicz, who learned how to crochet with the students. “Joining our students to crochet scarves for those in need reminded me of the power of shared experiences and the lasting impact of giving back together.”
The district extends its gratitude to MassHire for generously funding the transportation that allowed over 100 students to participate in off-campus volunteer activities, making this day of service possible.
One group of students left campus to help fill and put together winter care bags at the Dartmouth Housing Authority. Another group split up and went to all of the elementary schools in the district, assisting schoolteachers and reading to younger Bulldogs. Some students traveled to volunteer at a local charity called Gifts to Give in Acushnet.
Several groups of students focused on campus beautification efforts, such as painting inspirational quotes on bathroom walls, helping to build the Transition Program’s garden, and updating hallway bulletin boards.
Some students focused on emergency preparedness, learning CPR and earning a certificate of completion through the Family & Friends CPR Course offered through the American Heart Association. One group helped plan mental health initiatives and events for the nonprofit KyleCares, dedicated to promoting open and honest communication about the mental health challenges experienced by teens and young adults in today’s society.
Principal Devoll highlighted the importance of the event for the school’s culture.
“This event was a huge success both inside the school and in the community,” Principal Devoll said. “As part of a year-long study, we identified service learning as a major opportunity to foster growth in our student body and strengthen our commitment to the community.”
Feedback from community partners was overwhelmingly positive, with several noting the enthusiasm and diligence of the student volunteers, thanking them for helping out. Students themselves shared that the experience was rewarding, with many of them looking forward to similar opportunities in the future.
The district is already planning to expand Community Service-Learning Day next year, building on the success of this inaugural event.