Community Service Day at Hausner: Learning Beyond Facts and Figures

As a parent, I’m always looking for ways to engage my children in mitzvot so they can learn the meaning of Tzedakah as they’re developing a moral compass. Two weeks ago, Hausner brought this idea to life with Community Service Day, a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on projects that showed the value of caring for others and making a difference.

8th graders and 3rd graders worked together on Thanksgiving placemats for the residents of the Moldaw Center. The 8th graders participate in a L’dor V’D’or program called Better Together, in which they are partnered with Moldaw residents for joint activities, fostering a meaningful connection between the students and the seniors. The placemats were later given to the residents for their Thanksgiving celebration.

4th graders partnered with 7th graders to create no-sew pet blankets for a local dog shelter. One 7th grader guided their partner by saying, “Measure 1 ½ inches,” assisting the 4th grader rather than taking charge himself.

2nd graders worked with 6th graders to make blankets for Freedom Paws, an organization that pairs first responders and veterans with service dogs. This collaboration helped foster a sense of accomplishment and empathy as they created something meaningful for those who serve our community.

1st graders shared their experience from a field trip to Animal Assisted Happiness, a local farm designed to bring joy and education to people with special needs. This was a powerful full-circle moment for their 6th-grade partners, who had visited the farm years earlier. Together, they painted rocks with uplifting messages to be placed around the farm, aiming to “help people not to feel alone” and “make people smile.”

The youngest students also participated in meaningful projects. The 5th graders worked separately with TK and Kindergarten students. TK students created nature collages, which will be sold online to raise money for the Youth Access to Nature Fund and Greening Schoolyards—organizations that help provide access to nature for children who don’t have the same opportunities. Kindergarteners worked on creating cards for veterans. The students, paired with 5th graders, drew pictures and wrote messages, collaborating to create heartfelt cards for those who have served.

These projects, simple yet impactful, gave students across all grades a sense of purpose and a tangible way to understand their role in the world. By pairing younger and older students, Community Service Day not only fostered empathy but also empowered the older kids to embrace leadership roles while serving as role models.

Kol HaKavod to Carol, Smita, Jody and all the staff and teachers who made this day possible. I can’t wait to see what out-of-the-box learning opportunities Hausner creates for our kids next!