It has been said the mind can produce answers and ideas while the heart yields goodness and love. At Mayfield Junior School, we seek to bring these things together for every one of our students.

Service and giving are a part of Mayfield Junior School’s fabric; they are essential to our identity and an expression of our faith in action. Whether it is bringing food or gifts to families in need during the holidays, creating awareness for shelter animals, or promoting conservation through recycling initiatives, this commitment to outreach and service provides students with multiple opportunities to empathize, take action, and develop a sense of global responsibility.

Kindergarten Service Learning

Every spring, the kindergarteners devote themselves to serving our local animal shelter. After a visit to the Pasadena Humane Society, they learn what they can do to help lost animals in the community. Their natural empathy quickly turns into action. Students make cat beds, cat toys, and bake dozens of dog biscuits in the shapes of bones, fire hydrants, and hearts. They also write cheerful heart-shaped messages to hang on the shelter’s cages like, “You are loved!” Prayers are given for all the animals to find forever homes. The kindergartners are so eager to help the lost and homeless animals. It’s a beautiful thing to see their little hands helping the little paws of Pasadena. Through purposeful curriculum integration and opportunities for real-life experiences, the importance of service is encouraged in both hearts and minds.

Eighth Grade Serves at St. Francis Center

Once a week throughout the school year, a small group of eighth graders visit the St. Francis Center in Los Angeles. The students (and parent/staff volunteer drivers) arrive very early in the morning to help organize and serve breakfast at the Center. For many of the eighth graders this hour or so of time spent at the St. Francis Center is golden. Words of gratitude, smiles and a deep feeling of community are shared. Small efforts, huge reward.

Eaton Fire Collaborative Service Project: 4th Grade

This spring, the fourth grade spent a morning helping the Eaton Fire Collaborative unpack and sort donated items for individuals and families in recovery from the Eaton Fire. This service project was especially meaningful as several members of the class were directly affected by the devastating fire. The hands-on work and connection provided by their Collaborative volunteer guide enriched the experience.