Every year, Tilton students come together for a special day dedicated to giving back to the local community.
Students from each grade venture into Tilton and the surrounding towns to volunteer their time and effort at local organizations and private residences.
Hear from Mrs. Caldwell — longtime member of the Tilton community and coordinator of Community Service Day — as she shares why this tradition holds such deep meaning for students on the Hill.
Tilton School Community Service DayWho are the people we are helping by volunteering and how were they chosen?
Mrs. Caldwell: We help local service organizations (ie. schools, community centers, senior homes, parks and recreation venues, etc.), as well as local senior residents and families. Some organizations have been long term partners with Tilton School, such as the New Hampshire Veterans Home, the Pines Community Center, and the Tilton Senior Center.
We also had a new project this year with Mill City Park, recommended to us through Franklin Parks and Recreation. This trail maintenance project has opened up a new opportunity for partnership and collaboration. Biology teacher, Zach Frament, plans to bring his students back to this project in the spring to learn more about invasive species.
Why is it important for us to volunteer for the community outside of our school?
Mrs. Caldwell: It is important for the students to get off campus and learn about the local community, specifically what the needs, interests, and concerns are of certain populations. It’s also good for them to be aware of what are some of the services and resources available, and realizing that by sharing their time, talents, and energy with our service partners, those services and resources can be enhanced, go further, reach more people, and improve the quality of life of others. The overall hope is that participation in service now, as teenagers, will plant the seed for a lifetime commitment of service to others in the future.
What lessons/values do the students learn by contributing on this day?
Mrs. Caldwell: These projects help students learn that doing their part can make a difference. Cleaning up leaves so that a senior citizen can enjoy their yard, having a conversation with a veteran who might not get a lot of visitors, and preparing a hot meal for someone who is experiencing food insecurity, are all examples of small actions students can do to make a difference. The students also learn the value of collaboration, as some of the projects would feel overwhelming if they had to do them on their own, but together they can accomplish things more thoroughly and efficiently. They also learn practical skills such as painting, carpentry, landscaping, food preparation, as well as develop their conversational/interpersonal skills and creative problem solving skills.
What ways can kids volunteer/get involved in our surrounding community during the rest of the school year?
Mrs. Caldwell: We have weekly service opportunities through the afternoon program, specifically visiting with veterans at the NH Veterans Home, preparing meals for the Bread and Roses Soup Kitchen, and running games and activities with kids at the Franklin after-school program. There are also seasonal projects that come up where an advisory group or team will step up to assist. Several students will propose individual service efforts through ILE’s (Individual/Extra-Curricular Learning Experiences) and/or through their Legacy Projects.
What is your favorite thing about Community Service Day?
Mrs. Caldwell: I love hearing the stories from the students and faculty when they come back from their projects, talking about how many leaves they bagged up, how they accomplished a difficult task, who they talked with, how they made someone smile, how someone made them smile, what they learned about the local community and what life advice they received. The most exciting part is when a student asks ,”How can I get more involved?” I also love it when people share photos from their projects and when our service partners share a note of thanks. While Community Service Day is just one brief moment in time, the people and organizations impacted remember the thoughtful service provided by Tilton School students and faculty for a long time going forward.