Community Service / Corlears Cares
Corlears Cares, a Parents Association intiative, has, as its goal, the creation of a continuous dialogue about the meaning of community service and the fostering of a sense of social responsibility in our young students, ultimately leading to action. The Parents Association has worked with the administration, staff and faculty to create a comprehensive program of community service events and activities.
Activities
Last year activities included:
- Three community planting events (one at Corlears and two at a local playground),
- a pajama and book drive as part of a fall Pajama Party held at the school,
- a story exchange and back pack drive for the children of St. Jude’s School in Gulu, Uganda (pictured on right),
- a coat drive for New York Cares,
- a food drive for St. Peter’s Food Pantry in Chelsea
- a loose change jar fundraiser benefiting PlayPumps International, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Jane Goodall Foundation.
Communication
Throughout the school year, Corlears Cares performs several communication functions, for example:
- The Corlears Cares Chronicles in which all members of the school community are invited to share stories of things they have done to help others, and the colorful publication is filled with photos and student artwork. To view issues of The Chronicles click here.
- A monthly column in the school newsletter to introduce new activities, and for parents and other members of the Corlears community to share ideas about teaching community service values to children. Topics have included Talking to Our Children about Homelessness and Using Gift Giving Occasions as an Opportunity to Teach about Giving Back.
By creating a forum for dialogue and action Corlears Cares strives to develop in children a mindfulness of the needs of their community and a sense of individual responsibility for that community. If you have any comments or questions about the Corlears Cares program or would like to get involved, please feel free to contact Sabrina.
