Students Connect Across Schools Through Service Learning

Bronxville Middle School eighth graders recently connected with Bronxville Elementary School second graders during a shared recess experience. The students participated in outdoor games and activities, fostering meaningful interactions through play, conversation and laughter.  

The experience was part of the eighth grade Service Learning Club, led by advisers Cassie Caplan, Jessica DiCaprio and Connor Mitchell, with guidance from Alyssa Dioguardi. 

Building on these connections, the partnership will continue this spring through a service project. Eighth graders have prepared materials for second graders to create dog and cat toys that will be donated to Paws Crossed Animal Rescue in Elmsford, New York. When the project begins, the middle school students will join their younger peers in the classroom to assist with braiding, knotting and completing the items.

“We are hopeful that this will help build a connection across the schools and that both groups will be excited to see each other in the spring as we wrap up this project together,” Dioguardi said. 

In addition to their work with second graders, members of the Service Learning Club have been actively engaged in community service initiatives throughout the school year. In February, the students volunteered their time to play board games and share lunch with senior citizens through the Bronxville Senior Citizens and Gramatan Village. They are also scheduled to participate in the Creative Hearts project in June.