Intermediate House

An essential part of The Stanwich School's mission is to "promote awareness of and service to others." Instilling a commitment to volunteerism among the students and parents is an integral part of the school's educational goals. Since its inception, the school has proactively reached out to and established meaningful relationships with numerous organizations in Greenwich, Stamford, New York City and other neighboring communities. The school has also participated in national and even international service programs.

The purpose of the school's community service program is not just to engage students and families in acts of kindness and generosity, but to expand their awareness of the needs of others and demonstrate through action that their contributions are meaningful.

On a monthly basis, students in the Intermediate House engage in a community service project. Projects are designed to encourage these fourth, fifth and sixth graders to plan and carry out activities of their own design. An effort is made, as appropriate, to provide students with oportunities to interact with students from other schools so that they can appreciate on a personal level how much they have to learn from others. For example, Grade 5 students dramatized works of poetry under the tutelage of eighth graders from the St. Aloysius School in New York City. Another community service project involved Stanwich School Grade 4 students and fourth graders from The Children's Storefront School in Harlem joining together to clean a local camping ground. These activities are intended to teach students that people must work together to make the world a better place.

Community service projects culminate with a special assembly in which members of recipient organizations discuss their organization and how Stanwich School students have assisted them. Students and their families learn in concrete ways how their volunteerism has improved the lives of others.

Examples of Intermediate House community service activities:

Pancake breakfast to support HCI-Kenya
Car Wash and Bake Sale for America's Fund for Afghan Children
Thanksgiving Centerpieces of New Covenant House of Hospitality
Camp Simmons Clean-Up Day
Cookie Bake for The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich