AOS has a strong tradition in community service and outreach. Students from Early Childhood through Middle School are taught and encouraged to be aware of those who need assistance and care. In some ways people are touched face-to-face. In other ways they are touched heart-to-heart. In some ways there will be a smile and a “thank you”. In other ways the only response is the one that the students feel inside because they care. Although all participation is voluntary, students are eager to be a part of the generous “heart” of AOS.

Many school-wide opportunities for outreach and community service are offered through out the school year. Food and clothing drives are held. Toy collections and baskets of love are some of the ways students may participate. AOS Has A Heart Day, a school-wide community service day, is held each year on Valentine’s Day with different grade levels sponsoring different organizations. AOS outreach programs touch the young, the elderly, the disenfranchised, and the needy…and the AOS outreach program touches its students!

Students are afforded a variety of diverse, hands-on opportunities to be of service and to interact with organizations and educational institutions throughout the year. In addition to the activities during school in which all grades are involved, Middle School students may volunteer in activities outside school hours that improve the community and enhance the environment. The community service and outreach program is a major ingredient in our curriculum and overall school environment.

To see more information about current community service projects, click here.

“Service learning is a marvelously flexible strategy or tool for educators to better teach students about themselves and the world, while meeting existing goals and objectives.”
                                                      — Cathy Berger Kaye,
                                                          The Complete Guide to Service Learning