Students in sixth through eighth grade can participate in a wide variety of community services activities. Through both grade-level projects and school-wide events, students become involved in activities that improve the world around them. They are also encouraged to take the extra step of participating in the Community Service Honors program, where they can earn honors designation for completing 25 hours of service or a Presidential Service Award for 50 hours of service.  It’s a committed group; last year nearly 20 percent of the Middle School was on the Community Service Honors roster and 10 percent received Presidential Awards.

In both 6th and 7th grade, students are invited to begin exploring different service activities within a small group. Groups of two to four students visit a non-profit agency of their choosing and perform 5 or more hours of service. Each student is required to submit an individual reflection paper about their experiences.

Eighth graders participate in service-learning projects that concern the environment. As part of the science curriculum, students learn about native plants and become stewards of the Buckley Nature Trail, working to maintain and further develop it. They also develop mini-lessons to teach the elementary students about the trail and its environs.