Activating Student Voice Through Service Work in the Middle School
By Jennifer Louros, Middle School English Teacher and Middle School Community Service Coordinator, Hackley School
Middle School students are full of ideas. Whether you might be ready to hear their thoughts (or not), Middle Schoolers are poised to share their ideas and they want to know that what they say matters and has an impact. As educators, we love when students feel that they have agency in and outside of the classroom. We want them to take ownership of their work and know that what they have to say has value.
Among the many ways in which we empower student voice is through extracurricular activities such as community service initiatives. Throughout the year, there are a variety of philanthropic and/or service endeavors. In my work leading community service in Hackley’s Middle School, I may have anywhere from 20 to 30 students participating at any given event. Though there are some long-standing traditions within the school, like serving at the soup kitchens or donating toys during the annual holiday toy drive, some of the events held specifically for Middle School students are initiatives proposed by the students, themselves.
Students are encouraged to create a proposal for any interesting thoughts and ideas they may have identifying ways Hackley Middle School can “give back” and make a difference. Getting Middle Schoolers to take their ideas and put them to paper is an incredible skill that has implications well beyond the initial exercise. Students learn to write persuasively — they strategically identify their audience, thoughtfully plan the logistics of the program, and connect their ideas to the greater mission of the school — and they learn to collaborate, bringing in faculty advisers or other students that support their ideas. Many students then schedule a meeting with me, our Community Council advisor, Mr. Lipin, and/or the Director of Middle School, Cyndy Jean. Ms. Jean observes, “It’s really impressive how organized the students are when they come to meet with me. Students often have their notes on hand or even a Powerpoint presentation — the visuals really bring the presentation home!”
Though students want to hear right away that their proposals have been approved, they wait for the outcome — some more patiently than others — checking in every so often to be sure “they haven’t been forgotten.” Student proposals go through a rather careful screening. Once I have the written report in hand, I then take it to the Community Service Committee for approval. The Community Service Committee is devised of all community service leaders (Lower, Middle, and Upper) as well as the Assistant Head of School, Steve Bileca. Once this group has approved the proposals, the real work begins. This year, a sixth grader brought forth a proposal for the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). Thanks to the focus, determination, and thoughtful planning of a Middle Schooler and his peers, Ms. Jean and other Middle School teachers are willing to have a bucket of water dumped on their heads for a good cause — now that is reason for Middle Schoolers to celebrate!
There are many events that take place throughout the year that are long established traditions of giving. The Loaves and Fish Soup Kitchen takes place once a month and generates approximately 10–12 student volunteers for two hours on a Saturday evening. Though there are many returning students, each month has at least one or two new faces joining the team. There are typically anywhere from 35–60 guests each event, and our students always make them feel welcomed. Jiya D. ’26 shares, “I have really enjoyed the experience of volunteering at the Middle School Soup Kitchens throughout 5th grade. What is the most meaningful to me is making connections with the people who attend the dinner, while I serve them a plate of food. I like seeing them smile and those moments make me happy too.” Students treat all guests respectfully, showing warmth and empathy, while making the diners feel extremely comfortable. Students are very intuitive and yearn to make the dining guests’ experiences enjoyable and relaxed. It’s amazing how children and young teens can be so genuinely compassionate and helpful when serving others, without judgement. Our students are not prejudice against nor do they discriminate anyone, but rather treat all people fairly and justly.
In addition, for the past three years, a small group of fifth graders have volunteered on a Sunday afternoon in December during the holiday season to spend time with their friends at Gigi’s Playhouse, an achievement center geared towards infants through young adults with Down Syndrome. Located in Ardsley, this site is one of the many centers located nationwide. It provides educational and social support to members. While there, our students have helped the guests with fine motor activities such as cookie decorating, and dreidel and ornament making, and have engaged in other pretend and imaginative play scenarios. Our students always make the members of Gigi’s feel special, included, and most important, loved! This event has been a wonderful way for our students to give back to children, either who are younger or older than them, who have differing abilities. It helps our students see the beauty and uniqueness in others and to better understand and support people with disabilities, realizing that they are more alike than different and that they should not be limited or treated any differently in society. Ben I. ’26 reflects, “It was a great, fun experience. I learned that, though we may look differently from one another, we all have emotions and feelings, and you should be inclusive to all people.”
Middle School volunteers end the year with the River Park Cleanup. The entire Hackley community, Lower, Middle and Upper School, and members of the Upper School HEAL (Hackley Earth Action League) club have volunteered their time on a Saturday morning during the spring season to clean the riverbanks by Pierson Park in Tarrytown. Through this event, students have been able to see how cleaning the environment is just as important as donating or providing a service to someone, because when our waters and grounds are clean, all living things can live a more enjoyable, safe, and healthy life.
Activating student voice is a core component to our strategic plan. We want students to see themselves at the center of their learning and school experience. Our community service opportunities grant students the chance to be leaders, to share interests with their peers across grade levels, and to connect with their teachers and advisers outside of the classroom. Such experiences make learning meaningful and fun. It’s truly remarkable to see young students serve their community in such mature ways off campus. I attend the events as the supervising faculty member to represent Hackley, but the students could completely run the show on their own…and to be honest, I would have utmost faith and confidence in them to do so- they are naturals!
For more about Hackley School, visit www.hackleyschool.org
