Kindness, connection, and a sense of community filled the classrooms at Two Rivers during our annual Ms.Brenda’s Day of Service.
On Friday, March 13, all students participated in a day of service to honor the stewardship of Ms. Brenda, a longtime volunteer at Two Rivers. Ms. Brenda was a surrogate grandmother to many students and families. She often lent a helping hand or provided lunches to students. Her compassion left a lasting impact, and after her passing in 2021, Two Rivers launched Ms. Brenda’s Day of Service.
This networkwide day of service supports one of our ASPIRE measures. It highlights a unique characteristic of our school community and ensures that every student participates in community service.
Elementary School Service Initiatives
On the morning of Ms.Brenda’s Day of Service, each campus held a community meeting with Ms. Brenda’s family present to honor her and her many contributions. Not only did the community meeting acknowledge Ms.Brenda, but it also allowed students to learn more about the importance of helping others.
Following each meeting, ECE students made encouragement cards for community members in assisted living. Kindergarten through second-grade students made trail mix bags for N Street Women’s Village. Students in third through fifth grade worked together in teams to assemble and package 442 sun butter and jelly sandwiches for the DC Dream Center.
What may seem like a small act to others allowed students to explore the true meaning of kindness, care, and compassion.
Middle School Service Initiatives
Middle school students focused on assembling 238 hygiene kits and wrote supportive notes for youth at Sasha Bruce Youthwork experiencing homelessness. The kits were more than just a collaborative effort; it was a moment for students to truly engage in making a difference. Middle school students also cleaned the inside and grounds of the school.
These moments placed a special emphasis on a key part of the Two Rivers mission to: “develop a sense of self and community, and become responsible and compassionate members of society.” Through this annual initiative, we hope to continue honoring Ms.Brenda’s legacy while teaching students that it is never too early to make a difference and be the person who develops and contributes to their community.
To watch students in action, please click here.
