Preschool/Lower School Unity Day ‘Weaves’ Together Students in Service
For more than three decades, Unity Day has been an annual celebration in the Lower School and Preschool, bringing together students and faculty in service learning and friendship. And, of course, in traditions — like the chorus of “Weave” that Preschool and Lower School students alike belted out in their respective Unity Day assemblies on Friday.
“Weave, weave, weave us together,
Weave us together in unity and love.
Weave, weave, weave us together,
Weave us together, together in love.”
Indeed, Unity Day is a time for coming together as a school community in love — in support of our broader Durham community and beyond.
Preschool
At the Preschool, students began the day with an assembly during which science teacher Dr. Theresa Shebalin read the book The Big Umbrella, which focuses on kindness and inclusion. Shebalin and the students talked about how Durham Academy is similar to the umbrella in the book, in that everyone is welcome at our school.
After debuting their classroom cheers and joining their voices for “Weave,” students spent time creating representations of their class mascots (Frogs, Sunshines, Koalas, Pandas, Owls and Bumblebees), all of which were then placed on a bulletin board in the Preschool wing, under a big, red umbrella. Quite the sunny menagerie.
While Friday’s inclement weather prevented Preschoolers from making the trek to the Solista retirement center (formerly Emerald Pond) to visit with residents — as had been planned — the visit is being rescheduled for later in the year.
Lower School
The Lower School also kicked off Unity Day festivities with an assembly, during which students and faculty united in displays of school spirit — like Durham Academy cheers, led by Lower School Director Carolyn Ronco, and an enthusiastic attempt at “the wave.”
Guardian ad Litem Support
At the assembly, students also learned about this fall’s Lower School service project: a drive to collect items for Durham County’s Guardian ad Litem program. This program pairs community volunteers with children who have active abuse or neglect court cases. As a representative of the program explained to Lower Schoolers, Guardian ad Litems are not allowed to purchase anything for the children they serve, but they can use donated items to engage with children on their visits or to gift to the children on birthdays or special occasions.
Needed items include books, card games, compact board games and gift cards for stores that sell arts and crafts supplies. A more detailed wish list was shared via Lower Schoolers’ Friday folders. The drive will run through Oct. 11 in the Preschool/Lower School lobby.
Grade-Level Service Learning
Much of the day following the assembly was dedicated to grade-level service learning projects:
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First graders learned about the Ronald McDonald House of the Triangle, a longtime DA first grade partner. On Friday, students made pop tab collectors and a rainbow handprint poster to show their love for RMH families and volunteers. First graders also continued their longstanding tradition of creating a green-and-white paper chain and a large banner with self-portraits in the shape of the word UNITY — both of which will hang near the first grade pod.
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Second graders focused their efforts on the Animal Protection Society of Durham. Students made treats and toys for animals, and they also created "Adopt Me" posters (featuring hand-drawn portraits of the animals) that will be displayed around the city.
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Third graders made craft items that will be sold at their Pollinator Gift Shop. This fundraiser, which supports biodiversity, is set for later this fall.
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Fourth graders assembled sandwiches for individuals served by Urban Ministries of Durham and Durham Rescue Mission. Students also decorated lunch bags and bagged rice and beans for UMD.