Looking Back and Ahead with the Lower School Service Learning Committee

The Lower School Service Learning Committee is excited to embark on another year of meaningful service learning events that allow the group to engage with pressing issues in our community and beyond. From addressing homelessness and ensuring access to clean water to helping animals in need, these experiences deepen our understanding and empathy. Look out for events throughout the year for the students and the entire Poly community, which empower us to make a real difference while learning the value of service and responsibility.

The committee had an impactful 2023-2024 school year by organizing meaningful events that integrated community service with the lower school curriculum. In Fall 2023, the committee launched Pack It Forward, a backpack and school supply drive. Students learned about disparities in access to education and made bookmarks in the classroom. The Poly community assembled backpacks of essential school supplies, including students' handmade bookmarks. The backpacks were donated to Schools on Wheels, benefiting children in need.

The second event, Gifts of Warmth, focused on collecting used blankets and coats for residents of the Hope on Alvarado family shelter. Over 300 items were gathered, and students created gift tags with uplifting messages to accompany the donations. The event was highlighted by a visit from the shelter’s manager, who spoke to the students about their work and passion for helping unhoused individuals.

Winter brought Panther Packs, where students assembled sack lunches for homeless individuals seeking shelter during the colder months. The committee organized Kindness Kits, or hygiene kits for Tiny Homes Arroyo Seco residents in the spring.

Another notable project, Poly Picks up Plastic, was a partnership with Ridwell Recycling to collect hard-to-recycle items, aligning with the school's sustainability mission. Additionally, a service learning club initiated by third graders collected used towels for animals at the Pasadena Humane Society.

Students again decorated lunch bags and made Panther Packs in the Spring of 2024, assembling 200 lunches for the unhoused community, further emphasizing their commitment to service and compassion.

The success of these events was made possible by a fantastic turnout of volunteers, strong support from Lower School faculty and staff, a dedicated Lower School Service Learning Committee, and the enthusiastic participation of students eager to make a difference. These efforts have provided essential resources to those in need and instilled a greater sense of community service and empathy in Poly students. Go, Panthers!

If you have any organizations you are passionate about supporting, please let the Lower School Service Learning Committee know here. We look forward to more great partnerships!