RCS Class of 2013 Gives Back

On Wednesday, September 12th, the ninth grade class, along with teachers Elizabeth Messinger, Ridley Sperling, Missy Swan, and Chris Perry, left Bedford and traveled to Shenorock, NY, for a two-day Habitat for Humanity project. Rippowam Cisqua School has had a longstanding relationship with Habitat for Humanity of Westchester, and this year, the students and teachers tackled two projects. At one work site, students helped organize material inside a house under construction, and also measured and installed plywood over exposed insulation to prevent animals from entering. Students at that site had the opportunity to meet the mother of the family who will be moving in once the work is complete.

The other work site was part of Habitat for Humanity's "A Brush With Kindness" program, which helps homeowners maintain the exterior of their homes and revitalize their neighborhoods.  Many of the residents who benefit from “Brushes with Kindness” have lived in their homes for decades, and raised their families there, but find it difficult to keep up with necessary improvements. For this project, the students removed brush, trimmed trees, cleaned off the roof, and removed debris from the gutters. The homeowner, who was helping to care for two sick relatives, was grateful for the assistance.

On Friday, the Class of 2013 gathered at Head of School Matthew Nespole's residence for a leadership retreat following the two days of community service. During the retreat, the students reflected on their experiences.  “A memorable moment for me was when [the homeowner] was telling us how grateful she was of our work," wrote one student.  "It was memorable because I know that we were helping someone who needed help.”

To read more about community service at RCS, please click here.