Service
Our students learn from an early age what it means to be a part of a community.
Starting in Pre-K, our students have opportunities to get involved with projects that benefit the broader community around them, and to volunteer their time and lend a hand to those in need.
Primary, Lower, and Middle School students are active participants in the collection, delivery, and distribution of food, clothes, and supplies for such local charities, while Upper Schoolers roll up their sleeves to help prepare and serve meals at Father Bill's shelter in Quincy. Each interaction gives the students a chance to witness firsthand how significant a small gesture of support can be.
Service learning is at the core of “improving the heart.”
The Derby Parents Association coordinates trips throughout the year, and educational opportunities are woven into the curriculum whenever possible. Through both school and parent-initiated service projects, giving back is integrated into the Grade 4-8 homeroom and advisory periods. Our Middle and Upper School students are empowered to take the initiative and garner support for causes that are important to them. Throughout the year, there are countless stories of students and families extending their generosity to charities both locally and globally.
Days of Service
Students and faculty across all divisions participate in giving back throughout the year, in addition to an all-school Day of Service event, which has included collecting and sorting donations for those in need, and helping provide over 10 thousand meals for the hungry in just a single day.
Through partnerships with local charities and non-profit organizations like Cradles to Crayons, Blessings in a Backpack, Rise Against Hunger, Meals on Wheels, and Wellspring Services in Hull, students gain a new perspective and understanding of those living in poverty or with food insecurity. In conjunction with lessons in the classroom, students are then able to apply their experiences and examine questions about the causes of world hunger, food insecurity, poverty, and ways to provide aid.
The Foley Prize
Every spring, a member of the Grade 7 class is chosen as the recipient of the Edward R. Foley Citizenship prize. This award is given to the student who has best exhibited the principles of respect and kindness toward others, and is inspired to create positive change. Through presentations and fund-raising activities through their Grade 8 year, the recipient educates our student community about a particular cause and develops initiatives for all constituencies to support throughout the school year. Past recipients have chosen topics like Alzheimer’s Disease and supporting Native communities in-need.
No matter how old you are, you are never too young to make a difference.
Student Council
Introduced in Grade 4, our Middle and Upper School students are able to assist and lead school service projects and activities like car washes and pizza sale fundraisers, and organizing the Halloween parade and the Talent Show.
Their active involvement with these meaningful initiatives helps create a sense of ownership as students share passions, develop interests, and can act as the voice of the student body.
