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The Winchendon School

The best college prep school for students with significant unrealized potential

Service Learning

The Immigrant Experience through Food: Koreatown NYC

On a rainy Wednesday, members of our community took part in the pop-up course The Immigrant Experience through Food: Koreatown NYC. Using the articles “What Can We Learn about the Immigrant Experience from Food” by Adam Strom and “The Immigrant Identity: The Key Ingredient to American Food” by Solina Powell as our foundation for conversation and our pop-up experience, our students explored the markets, businesses, and, sharpest in focus, the food of Koreatown. They discussed what it means to be a nation of immigrants and the power of a shared meal, exploring the idea that, as Anthony Bourdain put it, “Food may not be the answer to world peace, but it’s a start.” The Bubble tea and taiyaki were delicious, and Misora  O. ‘22 even won Ms. Wilson over to the glories of red bean-based desserts.

Students Making an Impact: A Service Learning Story

Many of our students have stepped up to be teachers and tutors to help out parents and caregivers that are facing different challenges and inequities with schools being closed. We commend Nan’kware ‘21 for her empathy, selflessness, and hard work.

“Recently, my mother expressed to me how many women in her church have been struggling to help their children with homework because of their limited English skills and time as well. As she spoke to me about it, I told her that I would be willing to help any of the parents who need it whether it’s math, science, or even those who need somewhere to leave their kids while at work. My mother contacted them and two families expressed how they needed help. Both families are from Haiti while their children are first-generation there are obviously many differences that I myself am aware of as a first-generation American. I now am tutoring on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. If anyone needs another day of help they are free to call me so that we can FaceTime or do a Zoom call.”

Saturday, May 16 at 7:00 PM on CNN, meet The Winchendon School senior, Kylee McCumber

In Massachusetts Head of School, Laurie Lambert’s latest video chat, she discussed how the School’s weekly newspaper, “Wapiti Weekly” hasn’t missed a beat since the School went online. The reason for that is the dedication of the student staff and faculty. Kylee McCumber is one of the student editors. Kylee was also recognized earlier this year by WCVB in Boston as an A+ Student for her work with her non-profit Kylee’s Kare Kits for Kidz. That work earned her state and then national recognition as the Massachusetts honoree of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. In what should be no surprise to anyone, Kylee’s story was picked up by the national media. After an interview with People magazine, the story was picked up by CNN. You can watch it May 16th at 7PM on CNN.

We’re excited to see where her adventures take her after graduation on May 23rd.

Celebrating Our Unsung Heroes: A Winchendon School Story

Continuing in a series:

At The Winchendon School, our core values show we CARE. A Winchendon School education is collaborative and during the past few weeks, we’ve heard stories of how members of our greater community are showing resilience and compassion.

In this video series, we’re sharing those stories of our unsung heroes with you. This week, Mrs. Lambert is sharing stories of those on the front lines. Your Winchendon School community says, ‘Thank you!”

 

Celebrating Our Unsung heroes: A Community Story

 

Additional Videos In This Series

 

https://youtu.be/HEJQajN4Gzc?Rel=0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this first of a Sunday evening series, Head of School Laurie Lambert, gives an update on Eric and tells us he's even joined our online classes this week. Mrs. Lambert and Mr. Duncan, from our New York City campus, will be sharing the news you may have missed in a video chat series.

Shifting to Letter Writing: A Service Learning Story

Service Learning at WinchendOnline.

Our Service Learning program has gone online. Our Veterans Outreach Service Learning leaders wanted to broaden the group’s reach during this difficult time with a letter-writing campaign to their heroes; veterans, healthcare workers, active military, and first-responders.

Each week, the group will send out a form to write a letter to a specific group throughout Massachusetts. The recipients will change each week. This first week will be letters for veterans, with “the goal of these letters to offer encouragement and support as many may feel isolated.”
The students ask us all to please take a few minutes out of your day to write a small letter that shows you are thinking of them during this time as many of you know it can be very lonely. The form will close every Wednesday at 3 PM in order for the students to put out a new form on Fridays.
The History of Service Learning as Real World Leadership Experience at The Winchendon School
The Winchendon School student leaders from the Service-Learning program are working remotely from their homes to continue to support and serve our community. They will be working throughout the rest of the school year to implement service-projects aimed at helping our local communities during this difficult time.
For the past six years, our service-learning program has partnered with local leaders and organizations including the CAC, our public schools, MVOC, Beals Library, Growing Places, Mill Center Equestrian Center and more to provide service in the areas of community health, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, social justice, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
We are committed to addressing community-defined needs and engaging our students in real-world leadership and problem-solving that makes a real difference.
Further reading:

Students Share Stories of Positivity: A Service Learning Story

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When students and faculty went online this Spring, so did The Winchendon School’s Service Learning Program. One of the first groups to pivot to an online model was “Project Positivity.” From creating the #hashtag challenge to sharing stories through their Instagram posts, the goal of Project Positivity, in the words of Service Learning leader, Anthony is, “to extend our following for the Project Positivity Instagram. We have been using this Instagram to share positive news, inspirational quotes, etc. to spread good vibes and a sense of community throughout these trying times.”

Have you started following Project Positivity yet? Like all Winchendon School Service learning groups, Project Positivity has its own Instagram page! You can – and should – start following the group! You can find them on Instagram here: projectpositivity_winch

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