Our Lady of Guadalupe School works in partnership with each student’s family to create a nurturing environment in which students are challenged and supported to grow intellectually and spiritually, in service and leadership. Thus, our educational mission is deeply rooted in faith and community and it is within this context that OLG places a strong emphasis in service, rooted in faith and tied to Catholic social teachings.
Our school established a Service Stewardship Program in 2001. The goal was simple; to make giving back to the community a life long activity. From PreSchool through Eighth Grade, all classes have an age-appropriate activity, that goes from learning about the Child Life program at Seattle Children’s Hospital, to collecting books to learn or maintaining the Fauntleroy Creek watershed. This way, students learn about the underlying social or environmental issues, connect with local organizations, and reflect on their experiences. Typically, family members have opportunities to participate as well.
Current Class Stewardship Projects:
- Pre-School/Pre-Kindergarten: Children create arts and crafts, and provide books and program materials for the Child Life program at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
- Kindergarten: Children donate new teddy bears and stuffed animals to SW Youth and Family Services in West Seattle, and maintain the grounds of the school.
- Grade 1: Children create cards for our neighbors at Providence Mount St. Vincent.
- Grade 2: Students will be sponsoring two children associated with the Friends of the Orphanage Organization.
- Grade 3: Children offer support services to Westside Baby.
- Grade 4: Children work with the Veterans Administration and various support groups to support our veterans and active servicemen.
- Grade 5: Students assist with the “Over 65 Dinner”.
- Grade 6: Students, study, restore, and maintain the Fauntleroy Creek watershed and raising juvenile salmon in our fish tank for release into the creek.
- Grade 7: Students prepare 120 lunches a month for Angeline’s Day Center for Homeless Women.
- Grade 8: Students choose and complete a year-long individual project consisting of volunteering and extensive research on a social issue of their choosing. This project is completed with a formal paper, publishing finding on their website and a 15- 20 minute presentation. Learn more about one of OLG’s most enriching programs for our graduates, the Juan Diego Project.
Take a look at some pictures of our different classes taking part in some of their service projects!
You can also read more about Service at Our Lady of Guadalupe School.