Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/96437
Before I came to Latin, I taught in a Chicago public school in an impoverished neighborhood just a 15-minute drive from here. My experience there left a tremendous impression on me because just a few miles from Old Town, a very different kind of neighborhood existed. When I made the choice to come to Latin, it was with a heavy heart. I promised myself I would make every effort to continue to help the families in North Lawndale. Initially, I became involved with community service by creating a partnership between my former school, Dvorak Academy, and Latin. I arranged to have the old rooftop recess equipment and classroom supplies donated to Dvorak. As it turned out, this partnership with my former school was just the beginning. I wanted our lower school children to participate in service, but I also recognized there was tremendous added value if parents, faculty and staff modeled the importance of civic responsibility. The lower school's motto of Kindness, Manners and Civility shouldn't be limited to the children. My goal has been to extend the idea of service learning to the adults as well. The first faculty/staff project I coordinated was preparing and serving a meal for homeless guests at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter. That evening reminded me that being out of your comfort zone teaches you something about yourself. It forced me to reflect on the importance of giving to others and how a simple gesture can leave a lasting impression on those you are helping. It also motivated me to want to do even more and reach even further next time. It became a defining moment in that it was so uplifting and inspirational. I wanted to establish deeper roots in community service and help create similar opportunities for our students. Perhaps the most rewarding service learning project for me has been what I hope will be an ongoing tradition at Latin: Pajama Day. On this day each year, every child, faculty and staff member may wear pajamas to school as long as he or she brings in a pair of pajamas to be donated to the Pajama Program organization. All children can relate to the satisfaction of having warm, comfy, pjs to snuggle into – something that helps create a meaningful connection for them to those children who may not have this basic clothing item. My hope is that Pajama Day, and other service learning opportunities, raise an awareness in our students about the many needs of people in our community, even those just a few blocks away. My wish for our students is that they learn to recognize how important it is to be empathetic, that they grow into civic-minded people who have an understanding of social responsibility, and that they truly embrace our motto of Kindness, Manners and Civility – well beyond their lower school years. "That evening reminded me that being out of your comfort zone teaches you something about yourself." Celebrating Pajama Day. Latin School of Chicago 49