From sharing poems to fundraising for much-needed technology, Milton District High School has been able to turn the pandemic into a special project that has involved connecting with local long-term care residents.
Since May 2020, MDHS students have been reaching out to, and fundraising for, long-term care residents around the region. Students have participated in a series of projects designed to assist residents during these uncertain times on a number of fronts.
Projects include:
- Students reaching out to residents of long-term care homes in local communities by writing and recording messages of support and encouragement, creating stories, poems, songs and artwork with a kindness theme.
- Organizing a campaign for the Willow Foundation (a registered charity that supports Halton Region long-term care facilities) to raise funds to provide much needed technology to help residents connect with the outside world during the pandemic. Funds went toward purchasing an Apple TV and two iPads.
- Through an online platform , students have been able to connect with residents of Allendale Long-Term Care Home in Milton by introducing themselves and talking about their strengths, weaknesses and how they stay motivated to be successful in school.
“Right from the beginning the project has truly been a school-wide initiative,” explains Allison Welbourn, teacher at MDHS, noting the project connects to planning and organization skills, communication skills (written and oral), media creation and the reflection skills in the Ontario curriculum. “Although it started as a Grade 10 project, it grew to include music students from all grades, as well as Grade 11 and 12 Specialist High Skills Major students, our Student Government, which includes representatives from all grade levels, and our Learning Strategies classes, which also includes students from all grade levels.
"We want students to understand how a simple and unselfish act of kindness can have a positive impact on others.”
This project has certainly resonated with students.
“I have learned that we have to interact more with people in long-term care homes because they have stories and life lessons they can share with us,” says Cody Pinder, a Grade 11 student. “There is value in this project because it’s a chance to connect with people in their home.”
Through this project, Alveena Khan, a Grade 9 student, says she learned just how important it is for people to connect in person.
“I learned a lot about the eldery's experiences, their opinions and their personal perspectives on certain things,” she says.
The Willow Foundation was grateful for the effort of the students..
“It takes a special kind of heart and mind to be able to create a better quality of life for others, and let me be the first, but certainly not the last, to say that you have it,” says Lynn Stapleford, Manager of The Willow Foundation.
Principal Rasa Baksys says she is proud of the school’s commitment to helping others.
“During these unprecedented and challenging times, I applaud the creativity and initiative of our staff and students,” she says. “Recognizing and meeting the needs of others empowers and engages youth as contributing citizens of our community. Our students know that they can and that they are making a difference. Through their actions, they are modeling our school values: Belong, Elevate, and Respect.”