Clarendon Hills Middle School eighth graders took advantage of a day before winter break when their schoolmates in sixth and seventh grades were busy testing.
But instead of taking the day off, they used the time to help others.
While the school’s two younger grade levels spent a half day on Measure of Academic testing in December, the eighth graders spent their time on efforts to help both animal welfare and public safety in the area.
One project had students creating “no sew” blankets for dogs and cats waiting to be adopted at local animal shelters, a project aimed at providing comfortable bedding to help keep the animals warm and secure while in the shelters.
For the other project, the eighth graders focused on advocacy by writing letters to support the installation of Automated External Defibrillator systems at Prospect Park in Clarendon Hills. This effort was done in partnership with the Just One Mike’s charity, which works to raise awareness and funds for AED placement. By advocating for these life-saving devices, the students helped to increase public safety and preparedness within the community.
The motivation to begin using the available half day came relatively easy when the service projects started a year ago.
“When we realized each year we would have this half a day to fill, we wanted to use the time to complete something meaningful,” said Meghan Carey, a CHMS eighth grade Social Studies teacher who is one of the CHMS building team leaders, along with Lisa Albano and Ryan Cantrell.
“The completion of these two service initiatives highlights the eighth grade class’s dedication to making a positive impact, turning a regular school day into an opportunity for meaningful community involvement,” Carey said.
This year’s project to support the installation of Automated External Defibrillator systems at Prospect Park, was prompted by a charity that was formed after former CHMS student, Michael Brindley, died from cardiac arrest in 2016. His family created a charity that helps students get access to free EKG testing. They also work with parks and other public places to install Automated External Defibrillators.
“The parks in Clarendon Hills currently do not have any AEDs, so the students wrote letters advocating for the village to partner with JustOneMike to have them installed,” Carey said. “We wanted to do this project in honor of Michael.”
Making blankets for animal shelters was a perfect fit for the CHMS eighth graders, Carey said.
“Many of our students have pets of their own, and they all seem to care deeply for animals,” she said. “Donated blankets allows the shelters to send the blankets home with pets when they get adopted. Their scent on the blanket helps them transition to their new homes.”
The goal of having students participate in the service projects is simple, Carey said.
“We wanted the students to realize the value of giving back,” she said. “The theme of our social-emotional learning standards in November was Giving to Others. These projects were a perfect way for the students to put the lesson they learned into action.”
Eighth grader Radha Kaushal-Goel liked working with others to make blankets for dogs and cats, calling it a “very rewarding and collaborative activity.”
“I thought this was one of the best stations, as it left all of us feeling better, as we felt as if we had changed an animal’s life,” Radha said. “ I think everyone who participated got something out of it, whether it was a fun experience or the joy of creating something to help others.”
Another eighth grader, Olivia Shum, enjoyed writing letters to Village Hall in hopes of getting support for the AED system at Prospect Park.
“It made us feel like we could make decisions in the community and be heard,” Olivia said. “It also was rewarding to help the future community members and protect the future generation by advocating for the AED. I felt like I could make a change in the world.”
Carey said she and other CHMS teachers were very proud of the students’ efforts.
“They worked hard, and it showed in the quality of their letters and the blankets,” she said.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.