News

For the fourth year in a row, North Shore Country Day middle schoolers stepped out of their regular routines and into communities across Chicagoland for Community Engagement Week — a hands-on, experiential program that blends service, storytelling and deep learning across lines of difference. 

Sixth and seventh graders joined one of six themed groups—Community Storytelling, Environment, Intentional Game Design, Mental Health and Sports, Music and Arts Access, and Our Food, Our Community—while eighth graders explored Chicago’s rich history and cultural complexity. The week featured daily excursions, guest speakers, hands-on service and a culminating showcase where students shared what they learned with families and peers. Throughout the week, students focused on three shared goals: to be brave, curious and grateful.

“Being brave might look different for each group but we expect everyone to step outside their comfort zone and interact with people they don't normally interact with and try things they haven't done before,” explained Assistant Head of Middle School Rachel Sun. “We hope everyone will be curious, engaging fully in the learning experiences, listening actively, asking questions, wondering and considering how their new learnings can connect to their lives. And we hope everyone experiences some gratitude for the group leaders who worked for months to coordinate these opportunities and for the people and organizations who offered their time and resources to support our collective learning experiences.” 

Students reflected on what stuck with them — from hands-on work with habitat restoration to conversations about food access. Here’s what a few of them had to say:

“I used to think service was boring, but now I think it’s fun!” — Sophie S. ’31, Our Food, Our Community

“Our game raises awareness about climate change and its effects on the planet. This experience changed the way I think about service by helping me understand some of the ways I can contribute to helping the earth.” — Joaquin V. ’30, Intentional Game Design

“Don’t be afraid to try something new — it might take you to amazing places. And don’t be afraid to get dirty. Seeing the piping plovers was a wonderful experience. They were so small and adorable!” — Maris L. ’31, Environment

“Our trip to Lamb’s Farm really stood out because it showed me how adults with disabilities still can do everything we can do.” — Ivy D. ’30, Our Food, Our Community

“I liked getting to meet the people at Saint Benedict’s and hearing their stories. It made me realize that older people are interesting and they can be really funny.” — Vivian B. ’30, Community Storytelling

“Bubbly Creek has been cleaned up and turned into a nice river space after being a dirty, polluted place. It made me think that when a lot of people help with service, it can turn into something nice, and it makes me want to pick up trash in my community.” — Hudson D. ’29, Eighth Grade Group #3

“It was really magical to be outdoors and enjoying the beach and wildlife while also spotting the endangered piping plovers. Overall, I thought that this week has been wonderful, from the bus rides to the outdoor lunches — most everything about this week has been a blast. Thanks to Mr. Kubacki and Ms. Walsh for putting in hours of planning and effort to make this week possible for us.” — Elizabeth S. ’30, Environment