COMMUNITY SERVICE

Staten Island Academy is committed to caring for the wider community. Community service gives students the opportunity to work together as a team and to see that their actions can change lives and perceptions. Through community service students of all ages learn that one of the most valuable gifts is time in service to others.

Seniors are required to fulfill a service internship. Internships have included among others service at local hospitals, the Greenbelt Conservancy, Staten Island Zoo, Staten Island Botanical Gardens, offices of elected officials, and many not-for-profit community organizations.

Student volunteers serve within the school community as library assistants, tutors, homework helpers, and as Ambassadors who assist with admissions tours and events. Beginning in Middle School, all students assist with table cleanup at lunch.

The Student Organization for Service (SOS) organizes annual food drives and a Letter to Santa program benefiting children at a local public school. SOS volunteered to feed weary firefighters in the wake of September 11. Other past projects include clothing, cell phone, and baby food drives.

Lower and Middle School do their part for the community as well. In 2003, Lower School sponsored a Mini-Walk to Cure Diabetes to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation that raised over $5,000. Middle School raised funds for breast cancer research, and the American Heart Association among others. Students collected needed items for children in Sierra Leone and toiletries and candy for America's armed forces. Project Hospitality and other local organizations received food and funds from our generous community as well.