Cultivating Compassion
A
s the school year winds down, Golden Lions across
the district are tackling testing everywhere you
look…students with sharpened pencils fill in
PSSA circles in silenced classrooms, high schoolers
with heads bowed over a Keystone Exam booklet
determine the function of x, sleepy scholars trudge in
on a Saturday morning for SAT’s.
Greensburg Salem students excel in academics throughout
the year, balancing homework, athletics, jobs, and extracurricular
activities. Despite congested schedules and making school a top
priority, many students are finding time to make a positive impact
through another avenue- community service.
Research has shown that youth benefit both academically and
emotionally through volunteering their time. Being involved in
community service projects helps develop real-world skills for
success such as leadership, time management, communication,
collaboration, and problem solving. Students develop empathy,
interact with people from vastly different backgrounds, and
discover first-hand how their contribution impacts their school,
community, and the world around them.
Greensburg Salem supports these personal endeavors and
even has a Community Service course for high school juniors and
seniors designed to permit students to volunteer their time for
local organizations daily during school hours. Enrolled students
have volunteered at the Westmoreland County Food Bank,
Redstone Highlands, Habitat for Humanity, Excela Health, Animal
Friends, as well as local schools and other nonprofits.
Read on to see the many ways our littlest Lions all the way up
to our upcoming Golden graduates are contributing to causes
they value…
GSMS Interact Club Unveils “Caring Clawset”
G
reensburg Salem Middle
School added a new club
to its roster this year,
and the group hit the ground
running! The GSMS Interact
Club, a service oriented group
led by teachers Sarah Frederick
and Shawna Burger, has been
working hard on a project they
care deeply about- The Caring
Clawset.
The Caring Clawset is a place
for students to go when they
need an item to help them get
through the day. Students can
discreetly go to the Clawset and
take the item they need without
feeling embarrassed or ashamed
of needing it. The Clawset is
located in the school’s library,
and students can take a pass
from their teachers to go and
use it during set hours. Teachers
monitor the area to maintain
student confidentiality.
The group brainstormed ways to help students right in
their own building. It was important to them to create a “safe,
judgement-free space” for students to have access to essential
items they may need but don’t feel comfortable asking for, such as
deodorant or a toothbrush, and maybe even clean clothes.
“Every day we are trying to meet the academic needs of
students, but many students have basic needs that are not being
met, said Mrs. Burger. “If we can help address even a few of those
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GREENSBURG SALEM
basic needs, it can make a big
difference in the classroom.”
“Over the years, we’ve
noticed that some of our
students frequently struggle
with accessing basic
necessities. These items
may include deodorant,
toothbrushes, clean clothes,
or shampoo. Some of our
students may even have
access to those items at
home, but find a need for
them during a tough school
day,” shared Mrs. Frederick.
“We want to help those kids.
Brighten their day a little
in hopes that it might be
reflected in the classroom. We
want our students to feel safe
and comfortable at school,
and part of that has to do with
having their physical hygiene
needs met.”
The Caring Clawset,
complete with dressing room, is stocked with an array of clothing
and hygiene supplies thanks to funding and donations from
Barnhart Funeral Home, the Rotary Club of Greensburg, Sharky’s
Café, RSVP Greensburg, and private donors.
Please contact Mrs. Shawna Burger at shawna.burger@gslions.
net or Mrs. Sarah Frederick at [email protected] for
donations. Phone inquiries can be directed to Melissa O’Brien at
724-832-2907.