In a spirited display of community collaboration, Woodcrest Elementary School joined forces with volunteers from Diamond Hill and the reading program 2nd & 7 to enhance educational experiences for its students. Over 70 volunteers took part in a day of service, which included assembling care packages for the homeless, establishing a sensory room, and installing a Free Little Library, as per details shared on the school's website.
The partnership looks to promote early literacy, support social and emotional learning, and instill a sense of community responsibility among the students. Principal Yolanda Cooper elaborated on the importance of such initiatives, telling the school's communications team, "This shows that the community is investing in our future leaders. It has given them an opportunity to enhance their reading and math skills and to understand how to give back to the community." These efforts align with Diamond Hill's commitment to community engagement and 2nd & 7's mission to foster literacy.
Jeri Hensley, a third-grade teacher at Woodcrest, expressed enthusiasm for the project. "For [students] to see it's not just my family or my teachers, but the whole community cares about how I'm learning, what I'm learning, what I'm using to learn, and also what's happening in my school," stated by Woodcrest Elementary School, Hensley said in a statement obtained by the school's communications team. Diamond Hill Volunteers were reported to lead literacy activities and teach financial literacy sessions to the fourth and fifth graders.
The Free Little Library, situated along the community walking path, open to students and the public alike, was stocked with books donated by Second and Seven. "We feel excited every single day that we can give a child a book and see what that means to that kid," Amy Hoying, executive director of 2nd & 7, told the school's news team. Acknowledging the challenges youngsters and their families face, Hoying highlighted the non-profit's 25-year commitment to literacy. In addition, volunteers spiced up the school playground with new math-focused games and revamped the school store to ensure students have access to personal essentials with dignity.
Rebecca Sheehan, talent acquisition and community engagement manager at Diamond Hill, described the company's participation as an honor that positively and immediately impacted the students. Cooper added to the sentiment, "The impact is they are seeing an extension of what we instill in them. [Students see] that they are valued, important, intelligent, and Woodcrest stars." The company announced this on its website.
