Over the last few weeks, we began talking with students about the impact individuals can have on society. This week, students spent time reading and analyzing A Christmas Carol in Language Arts. We focused on the theme of transformation and hope in these discussions in preparation for Give Back Day. We hope students were able to transform into giving members of our community and share the gift of hope with those they met.
Give Back Day 2016
We start Give Back Day each year with the discussion about what it means to give back. One inspiration for starting the annual Seahorse Team tradition of Give Back Day came from a young man named Jayden. We share this news story with students and begin the discussion about the power of "Paying it Forward."
In the morning, students worked busily crafting handmade snowflake ornaments, snowmen decorations, and personalized holiday cards to hand deliver to residents at Carolina Village. A huge thanks to our Seahorse parents for their generous supplies donations and volunteering their time to help students with the crafts. We could not do this without your support!
In the afternoon, students and teachers traveled to Carolina Village to deliver our crafts and visit with residents.
Students learned "Giving Back" wasn't just about tangible gifts. Several students willingly shared the gift of song with residents.
Students engaged in conversation with residents asking how they were doing and about their lives.
Students connected with residents on a personal level listening to their stories...
...and spreading cheer in spirit and conversation.
Several students were moved by the conversations they had with residents.
Residents praised students for their efforts and behavior.
Students even dropped by the beauty salon, making sure it was full of festivities, as they chatted with residents.
We were so impressed with the leadership, initiative, and good will students spread throughout the building. Without being prompted, several student groups began caroling as a way of sharing their voices and holiday cheer with residents in the building.
As a thank you to students, Carolina Village provided us with some delightful refreshments to enjoy before we headed back to school. Students shared the stories of their visits and talked to us about how their day went and what it meant to them to "Give Back" to their community.