Lakeside School

Relationships are foundational to so much of what we do at Lakeside, and our service learning program is, of course, no exception. This year, as we’ve moved to a partnership-based model of service learning in which Lakeside cultivates ongoing partnerships with local nonprofits, opportunities for relationship-building have only increased. In meeting with students and getting feedback on the program, I’ve heard many students express excitement for doing service learning with their peers and building camaraderie with one another while engaging with the wider community of which we’re a part.

This spring, by student request, we’re excited to offer a pilot series of after-school trips designed to reduce transportation barriers and increase access to service learning experiences with peers across all Upper School grade levels. Our first trip — to the University District Food Bank — happened the first week of April and was a wonderful success. With every grade level represented in our group, we had a meaningful time getting to know one another while connecting with community members outside of Lakeside and engaging with the University District Food Bank’s important work of providing food to our neighbors. There will be three more trips before the end of the school year; students interested in upcoming trips can email info@lakesideschool.site for more information. 

With the light rail set to expand to Lynnwood in August, our campus will soon be more accessible to and from a wide range of locations north and south — and consequently, even more opportunities for service learning and community connection will be opened to us. We look forward to expanding our after-school service learning opportunities next year and hope every student will consider participating! When the members of our school community come together to serve, connect with, and learn from members of our local community, we’ll make strides toward becoming even more rooted in relationships and care for one another, both within and outside of our school. I’m grateful to be on this journey with you!

Aly Counsell-Torres is Lakeside’s service learning coordinator. You can reach her at 206-440-2940 or info@lakesideschool.site.