April 14, 2025 By Derby Academy
Derby Academy students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade participated in a comprehensive day of service last Friday, focusing on the theme “Starting with a Meal,” to address local and global food insecurity. The day was filled with meaningful learning and hands-on activities, designed to foster empathy and community engagement.
Students in grades 1-3 collaborated to pack meals for Father Bill’s, gaining firsthand understanding of housing insecurity. Pre-K and Kindergarten students created heartfelt cards with kind messages to accompany the meals, adding a personal touch to the donation.
Fourth through sixth graders engaged in an interactive workshop to learn about food deserts and food insecurity, followed by practical activities designed to deepen their understanding. Fourth graders also participated in a hands-on learning experience by planting over 100 vegetables, gaining insight into food production. Fifth graders visited the Hingham Fruit Center, managing a budget to purchase and donate essential items to Harbor Health, providing direct support to their local community.
The school’s 6th-8th grade students contributed to global hunger relief by packing an impressive 10,100 meals for Rise Against Hunger. Grades 7 and 8 participated in workshops and fishbowl discussions, connecting their personal identities and values to their community service engagements.
The day culminated in an all-school assembly, where students reflected on their learning and contributions, highlighting the impact of their collective efforts. “This day was a powerful demonstration of our students’ commitment to service and their understanding of the importance of addressing food insecurity,” said Head of School Colleen Ramsden “We are incredibly proud of their dedication and the positive impact they have made, both locally and globally.”
Derby extends its sincere gratitude to Ms. Patel for her outstanding coordination of this enriching educational experience.
