Sixth Grade Advisories Bring Hope to the Homeless

The second in a series of three Community Service Days for the sixth grade gave the Bolton/Halliday and Richmann advisees another opportunity to partner with the Interfaith Hospitality Network. After the initial student-led toy and book drive last fall, which created a library for the children at the Family Center, the students were offered the chance to make a lasting contribution in the form of a mural on February 27th. The once bleak and empty wall in the entryway is now becoming a colorful, uplifting, and artistic message of hope. The mural depicts four trees, each one representing a season of the year. As the leaves fall in autumn and the bare branches of winter are signs of troubled times, the progression to spring and summer symbolize renewal-a fresh start. The sun is visible through the overarching clouds, and with the words, "Keep on the sunny side," makes a dazzling display of color that shines through the overcast sky. Sarah Cruise, the Executive Director of IHN, comments that guest families tell her how the mural has transformed this hallway into a special and meaningful place. The students, in their rotation groups, also updated three seasonal bulletin boards with a bright and colorful spring theme. As our students were working for the benefit of families at the center, they also received significant experience in learning to empathize with the less fortunate. Mrs. Cruise relayed her thanks to the students for their attention and thoughtful questions as they discussed the article Homeless by Anna Quindlen. In small groups, they shared the meaning of having a home, which in addition to being a place of shelter, many students referred to as a place of "sanctuary." They explored the idea of how difficult it would be to lose that sanctuary and privacy and live in a center for a time. Mrs. Cruise noted that the students showed deep compassion for those in need, as well as a continuing desire to do what they can to help others. What a wonderful group of young people!!