Chandler students are encouraged to look beyond the classroom as a learning opportunity. In doing community service, children are able to understand how they can impact someone’s life and learn from people in their community. Our community projects are often done in tandem with Middle School students, although there are projects that are specific to each classroom in the Lower School. Several organizations with whom we have worked are: Friends-In-Deed, Children’s Hospital, Pasadena Senior Center and The Tree People.

MISSION

A Chandler education seeks to develop a commitment to community. We realize that, as much is given to us, much is expected of us. Community Service opportunities help students at our school build character and demonstrate one of our core values: good citizenship. By being of service to the community, children are able to understand how they can impact someone’s life and learn from those around them.

Throughout the year a number of community service activities are planned for the entire school as well as separate divisions. At the beginning of the school year, lower school classroom teachers receive a list of 12-15 organizations in the Pasadena area that welcome elementary age children to work with them. To make the experience more meaningful, the children learn about the organization before visiting and routinely write about their visits after they complete their service. In the past, children have made donations and decorated planters for the garden at The Ronald McDonald House, helped plant a kitchen garden for Union Station Family Center, raised money for Guide Dogs of America and collected toys for Haven House. Lower School families join together in the fall and spring to sponsor a K-5 community service event that takes place after school.

In the Middle School, the Student Leadership Council organizes opportunities for students to participate in community outreach activities throughout the year. These include trick–or–treating for UNICEF, donations of canned food to Friends-In-Deed, and holiday parties for local Head Start children. In addition the elective program offers service options, helping at the local Head Start program, making quilts for the local hospital neonatal unit, and building a playhouse for a local children’s program.