Around CampusBush News
Ninth Grade Students Get Involved During Community In-Service Day
There’s no greater reward than giving back to your community and lending a hand to those in need. On Thursday, October 9, Ninth Grade students at The Bush School experienced the joys of volunteering by participating in various community service projects, such as feeding unhoused community members, restoring refugee resettlement spaces, and prepping the land for native plants to thrive. Organized by Upper School History Faculty Susanne Eckert and Assistant Upper School Director Sara Fischer, this Community In-Service Day encouraged students to expand their awareness of the world and offer support to local organizations and efforts.
“Each Ninth Grade advisory went to a different location throughout the city,” shared Upper School History faculty Chase de Saint-Félix. “We attended an event hosted by Books for Prisoners, a nonprofit that works to provide free books to incarcerated individuals. Students opened handwritten letters from people currently in prison, which talked a bit about their lives and interests, and then listed some books and genres that the inmates are interested in.”
Students browsed the shelves of books donated to the organization, selecting two to four books that matched each person’s request, and then mailed them off to the readers.
“It was a very powerful and moving experience to witness, as many kids started to see the humanity and lives of the people behind the letters in real time. It was just a lovely day,” Chase said.
Another group of Ninth Grade students, led by Upper School English Faculty Mia Manzulli, worked on the Harrison-Ridge Greenbelt Trail as part of a reforestation project led by Green Seattle Partnership. This non-profit organization has worked with Bush students for over ten years, during which they planted saplings that have since evolved into trees.
“There’s so much greenery and trees in Seattle that it’s important to keep forests alive so there’s a balance between the city and nature that grows around it,” said Upper School student Calla H. '29.
Participating in this enriching environmental project taught students about the importance of maintaining green spaces and long-lasting connections.
Upper School Biology and Chemistry Faculty Issa Kim led a group to volunteer at Community Lunch, a nonprofit that serves over 200 meals a week and provides survival services to people experiencing homelessness, hardships, or low income in the Capitol Hill area. Students supported the organization by preparing lunch, chopping vegetables, slicing bread, and assisting in the kitchen.
“This opportunity offered such a meaningful way for students to bond with one another and contribute something positive to their city, especially to a neighborhood so close to school,” shared Issa.
In addition to growing plants, sending books, and serving meals, student volunteers also worked cohesively to clean and restore homes for incoming refugee families. They collaborated in teams, raking leaves, beautifying the backyards, staging furniture, and washing laundry to provide the arriving inhabitants with the utmost comfort. Ben Pryde ’12, a Bush alum, oversaw the Refugee Restoration project and assisted families in simplifying their arrival process.
“Because the refugee families are new here, trying to get settled into the community, we know they could use a little help,” said Upper School student Zakaria S.-S. ’29. “That’s why I think it’s important to give back and lend a hand.”
Community In-Service Day was full of smiles, teamwork, and courage, as students explored new opportunities to connect with the surrounding Seattle neighborhoods and contribute to environmental, social, and ethical causes essential to a foundational and thriving community. Through these unforgettable projects, they forged relationships with neighboring residents sure to last a lifetime.
The Bush School is an independent day school located in Seattle, WA enrolling 745 students in grades K–12. The mission of The Bush School is to spark in students of diverse backgrounds and talents a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their communities
3400 East Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98112 (206) 322-7978
The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admissions, or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. In addition, The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment on the basis of age or marital status