Service Learning at GDS

Last week, our school community pulled together and contributed 8,600 pounds of canned goods to Greensboro Urban Ministries. In addition, we secured a $5,000 gift with which to purchase additional food for distribution to those who are in need. This incredible effort was initiated by one student, Antonio Jackson, a junior and regular volunteer at Urban Ministries. WFMY covered the can collection, which was the largest ever donated by a school. Shows what one young man can get going when he puts his mind to it.

On Friday, five of our teachers and administrators headed to Gulfport, Mississippi along with about twenty students to help rebuild houses in a community still recovering from hurricane Katrina. This is the third such trip our community has lead to provide shelter for those still struggling to get by after this devastating storm.

Our Upper School has continued to be regularly involved with our neighboring elementary school, Jesse Wharton. Students go over each day to meet with their lunch buddies and provide tutoring support on Saturday mornings. The US also provided over 110 winter jackets to be distributed to those who need them in the community. US students also participate in raising funds for Operation Smile, Heifer International, and many other worthy causes.

The Middle School operates one of the largest blood drives in the State. They have raised funds this year for Doctors Without Borders and Operation Smile. Eighth graders spend time keeping a portion of our City's roadways cleaned up. They also collected "kindly used" sports items such as footballs and soccer balls and donated them to a sports center in Mexico that serves underpriviliged kids.

Lower School students make palcemats and perform musical numbers for for two senior citizen homes, record books on tape for ESL kids at Jesse Wharton, decorated gift bags for holiday gifts in December and contributed money to the Native American Association.

Our students and our community take a serious interest in others, both near and far. They learn not only why, how and what to give, but also the joy that comes from serving others.

Now, that seems like something worth learning and feeling.