Stewart School in Garden City continues its tradition of community service through its innovative Service-Learning Program, empowering students to make a difference while developing valuable skills.
Service learning, a cornerstone of Stewart School's educational approach, engages students in hands-on experiences that promote active participation in organized service activities. Through this method, students not only learn academics but also develop important life skills such as empathy, responsibility and teamwork.
One of the highlights of Stewart School's service initiatives is the “With a Purpose” events, where students have the opportunity to purchase pizza or pretzels during lunch or snack times. The profits from these events are then donated to various charities, chosen by the students themselves through a rigorous proposal process.
In a recent “With a Purpose” event held on March 15, students rallied behind fourth grader Jackson Gallogly's proposal to support St. Mary's Hospital for Children in Bayside, Queens. The St. Mary’s Hospital for Children is committed to improving the health and quality of life for children, young adults and families with special healthcare needs. Jackson's heartfelt connection to the hospital, combined with his dedication to helping children in need, inspired his peers to contribute generously. As the ambassador for the event, Jackson took charge of promoting the initiative and making announcements, showcasing leadership qualities beyond his years.
The event was a resounding success, with more than $1,000 raised on March 15 alone and a total of $16,710 donated to various charities throughout the year. Stewart School takes pride in its Service-Learning Program, which instills values of compassion and altruism and also fosters a sense of community and social responsibility among students.
"We are immensely proud of our students' dedication to giving back to the community," said Brenda McCarthy, reading teacher and coordinator of the event. "Their passion for service-learning is truly inspiring, and we look forward to nurturing this spirit of generosity in future generations."