On Wednesday, the entire Middle School engaged in a full day exploration of diversity and service. In the morning, 206 students, 33 employees, and 35 parent volunteers connected with 18 organizations in the greater Portland community for various service learning projects. Together as one community, they cleaned and painted at The Dougy Center, cooked for and served lunch to over 90 people in transitional shelters, cleaned up litter in the North Park Blocks, and sewed and designed superhero capes for children fighting debilitating illness. See more service learning photos of students in action here.

Then in the afternoon, the Middle Schoolers went to see Hidden Figures, a movie based on the book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly. The movie is about a team of female African-American mathematicians who worked for NASA during the 1960s international space race. It is an inspiring true story of women who became leaders despite the racism and sexism of the time. Although the setting of the movie is the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, Dori King, Director of Community Partnerships, reminds us the work towards equality exists today: “So many historians say the 'Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s,' but civil rights movements continue in the United States today.”

As they shared in the daily lives of others and reflected on the movie, the students had many opportunities throughout the day to make connections. They learned about community and diversity, how they can effect change, and how to be an ally.