On September 22, Father John V. Doyle School students gathered in the gym to present a Christian Service Fair.  Eighth grade students created displays depicting their service activities which they then presented to the younger grades.  Students in the middle school are required to perform a minimum of ten service hours per school year, although most go well above that number!  Students in grade 6 are just beginning to explore the many opportunities available.  

 

Our eighth grade students have been involved in a wide variety of service!  Over the past few years, they have volunteered at school events such as the Car Show and the Celebrate Life Baby Shower.  Saints John & Paul Parish also offers a number of ways for young people to offer their time and talent.  Many of our students are Altar Servers and all of our classrooms participate in decorating lunch bags for the parish "Our Daily Bread" program.  

 

Many of our students go out into the community to seek ways to help others.  Some get involved with the Coventry Food Bank or local animal shelters.  Others find ways to raise funds for charities.  One of our boys asked for pledges for his 2-mile run and then donated the proceeds to the Boston Children's Hospital.  He said even though he is not interested in a career in the medical field, he cares about kids who are sick and wants to help the families who may not be able to afford treatment.  Another student became active with RIPIN - the Rhode Island Parent Information Network - because he "has a personal connection."  He appreciates the agency's community outreach program which offers help to families with special education and healthcare needs.

 

Organized service activities such as Earth Day clean-ups lead students to become environmentally aware.  Other students forge their own way, like the student who baked cookies and wrote out cards, and then delivered them room to room at a local health care facility.  

 

We are proud of each and every one of our students for all the good work they are doing!