Community Service Collaboration


On Friday, January 22, a group of St. B’s students from grades VI and VII met with students enrolled in the East Harlem Tutorial Program to work together on a community service event.  Initiated by Mrs. Nordeman, Ms. Oshins, and Mr. Rodriguez last year, this collaboration with East Harlem Tutorial Program has provided St. B’s students with an opportunity to give something back through community service while getting to know other students in the neighborhood.  Last Friday both groups of students made one hundred sandwiches for the New York Common Pantry, an organization which distributes food daily to the homeless and others in need.

The event last week wasn’t all work.  The originators of this collaboration believe that everyone brings something important to the table, and they want to encourage open discussions and use games to help students open up with each other.  Last Friday’s session began with several games that helped break the ice and encouraged participation from each student.  Then the conversation moved toward a discussion about homelessness, what causes it, and how often we ignore it.  With the big snowstorm approaching, much of the conversation focused on how the New York Common Pantry helps the homeless population during bad weather.

After the games, discussions, and sandwich making, the students enjoyed a pizza party together.  We at St. B’s extend our thanks to East Harlem Tutorial Program for generously hosting us last week.  Thanks, also, to Mr. Merrill for chaperoning.  We look forward to hosting East Harlem Tutorial Program students here before the end of the school year.
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