Throughout the year, students at Value Schools are encouraged to reflect on the support they receive from their community and to develop their sense of gratitude. With this gratitude comes a natural desire to give back. Even with the pandemic, the leaders at our schools ensured this year was no exception.
Members of the Student Council at Downtown Value School came together with Dr. Pertilla, Dean of School Culture, and considered how they might give back to their community. By the morning of November 24th the students had developed their plan and carried it out. Joining with teachers and parents, Downtown Value School students made and delivered 1,400 sandwiches to members of the Los Angeles Mission, as well as individuals of the Pico-Union district in Los Angeles.
Zuriel R., a 7th grader at Downtown Value School and member of the student-run planning committee, quickly recognized the importance and power of giving back.
“One thing I learned was that there are many people in need and many who are hungry in the streets. They need things for daily life. Things I take for granted,” said Zuriel. “Value 5 says, ‘We believe that what we learn is not just for ourselves, but to help others and make a better world.’ We helped out in making a better community and a better city that day.”