K–2: Learning to Love Through Simple Acts of Kindness
Our youngest students begin their service journey with projects that teach empathy, gratitude, and the joy of helping others.
Kindergarten: “Small Hands, Big Hearts”
Kindergarteners participate in simple, meaningful acts of kindness:
- Making cards for nursing home residents
- Creating “Blessing Bags” with tissues, snacks, and prayers for parish outreach
- Helping keep the Marian Garden tidy with supervised clean‑up days
These projects help children understand that even small acts can brighten someone’s day.
1st Grade: “Helping Our Community Helpers”
First graders focus on gratitude and community:
- Assembling thank‑you baskets for firefighters, police officers, and EMTs
- Collecting children’s books for local shelters
- Participating in a “Kindness Chain” displayed in the hallway
Students learn that service begins with noticing the people who care for us.
2nd Grade: “Preparing Our Hearts”
As they prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion, second graders deepen their understanding of compassion:
- Making prayer cards for parishioners
- Collecting baby items for crisis pregnancy centers
- Creating “Acts of Kindness Calendars” during Lent
Their service is closely tied to sacramental preparation, helping them connect faith with action.
Grades 3–5: Growing in Responsibility and Outreach
As students mature, their service becomes more hands‑on and community‑focused.
3rd Grade: “Caring for God’s Creation”
Third graders learn stewardship through:
- School‑wide recycling leadership
- Helping maintain the school garden
- Participating in neighborhood clean‑ups
They begin to see service as a responsibility to the world around them.
4th Grade: “Serving With Joy”
Fourth graders take on projects that require teamwork and creativity:
- Preparing holiday gift bags for homebound parishioners
- Organizing food pantry collections
- Hosting a Saints Wax Museum where donations support parish outreach
They learn that service can be both meaningful and joyful.
5th Grade: “Leaders in Action”
Fifth graders step into leadership roles:
- Partnering with kindergarteners as Faith Buddies
- Running coat and mitten drives in winter
- Creating care kits for families in need
Their service teaches responsibility, empathy, and the importance of being role models.
Grades 6–8: Service as Mission and Leadership
Middle school students take on deeper, more independent service that prepares them for high school and beyond.
6th Grade: “Seeing Christ in Others”
Sixth graders begin structured service hours:
- Volunteering at parish events
- Helping with school fundraisers
- Supporting community gardens and environmental projects
They learn to recognize Christ in the people they serve.
7th Grade: “Service Through Commitment”
Seventh graders take on more challenging service:
- Assisting at local food banks
- Preparing meals for shelters
- Leading younger grade activities during Catholic Schools Week
Their service emphasizes commitment, maturity, and teamwork.
8th Grade: “Service as Vocation”
Eighth graders complete a capstone year of service:
- Completing individual service hours in areas of personal interest
- Leading school liturgies and mentoring younger students
- Participating in the 8th‑grade retreat, which focuses on discernment and living out the Gospel
Their final year of service helps them understand that serving others is not just a requirement — it’s a lifelong calling.
