Community Service: volunteer, share, grow

Milton is a very busy place, with a competitive academic program and a number of extracurricular activities. Something is always going on; however, more than 150 students voluntarily make time in their busy schedules to participate in community service.

The Milton Academy Community Service Program offers students, faculty and staff weekly service commitments at a broad range of sites. Volunteers get involved in the community, and learn by doing something they really enjoy. Service experiences include tutoring in nearby elementary schools, assisting at local preschool programs, and working with the elderly and in shelters with women and children.

An eleven-member student board, representing Classes I—IV, runs the Upper School program and is assisted by faculty coordinator, Andrea Geyling. The board organizes special events, networks with other schools’ community service leaders, and works with student clubs to coordinate community service learning projects. The middle school program also meets weekly during activities period to plan various service opportunities.

The Community Service conference on MiltOnline is a great way to find out what the Community Service Board is planning, to discuss issues concerning service, and to request the help of volunteers at upcoming events. The Community Service Web page is a great source of information about the program and the many organizations Milton serves.

Students can sign up for regular service commitments at the annual "Community Service Shop-around," scheduled for September 12 during all lunch periods (as well as informally throughout the school year).

The Board works to have as many placements completed as possible by mid-October, based on matching student and driver availability and agency needs. That’s where the time and energy of parents, faculty and staff come in! We could never get over 150 students to and from their service sites each week without assistance. Many drivers have found those 10-20 minute drives a wonderful opportunity to interact with students, be energized by their enthusiasm, and help them process their experiences. If you are interested in driving students during the day, after school, or on weekends for a semester or all year, we’d be most grateful. Please contact Andrea Geyling at 898-2320.