Saint Joseph School strives to foster growth in Christian discipleship through character formation and service opportunities for its students. Since the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, students have participated in two service opportunities that support the local community and beyond. The first service project was organized by Saint Joseph School’s Eagles Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and kicked off on September 11th, the National Day of Service. During the following week, members of the NJHS collected pocket tissue packs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, shampoo, soap, hand lotion, inspirational books, bibles, washcloths, hand towels, hats, scarves, gloves, and neckties from their peers. The donations benefitted the Sleeping Bag Ministry at the United Church of Christ Federated in Webster. The ministry makes sleeping bags and health kits for people experiencing homelessness. The kits have been shipped to people in need in the Dominican Republic, Albania, New York, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and locally, to the towns of Southbridge, Sturbridge, Auburn, Webster, Oxford, Leominster, Worcester, Boston, and Dudley, Massachusetts. Following the collection, members of the NJHS and their advisor, Mrs. Karen Lefebvre, took time out of their school day to deliver the items. During their visit, students learned how the sleeping bags are made and organized. It was certainly an educational experience for the students, who are eager to hold another collection to benefit the Sleeping Bag Ministry. This was the second time the students worked to assist this very worthwhile ministry. Members of the Saint Joseph School National Junior Honor Society include Grade 8 student Molly Hachigian and Laura Ibrahim, and Grade 7 students Ayla Reed, Liana Worth, Faith Muga, and Rosemary Basha.
In addition, another school-wide service endeavor, The Kindness Rocks Project, was organized by Art Instructor Alysha Smith. The project also supported Social and Emotional Learning at Saint Joseph School by teaching students how to be good friends and how expressing kindness through artwork can inspire others. Every student in Grades Prek-3 through Grade 8 painted a rock with kind words, warm messages, and bright images. Ultimately, the students learned that the mission of the Kindness Rocks Project, “One message at just the right moment can change someone’s entire day, outlook, life,” is very true. The rocks are proudly displayed outside the entrance to the Richard A. Nowak Gymnasium for students and visitors to enjoy and take if needed. People are also encouraged to leave a rock of their own.