Over the last several weeks, the School has received an outpouring of support from those eager to provide comfort and relief for Windward community members affected by the recent wildfires. Recently, the Potomac School, a K-12 independent school in McLean, Virginia, came together with Windward’s own Service Learning program for a collaborative effort in support of displaced community members.
Two student groups - the Potomac Service Learning Club and the Good Guys Club - joined together with Windward to write and illustrate personalized cards and notes of encouragement in support of Project:Camp, a program that provides essential emotional support to children affected by natural disasters. In the wake of the wildfires, Project:Camp has opened several pop-up camps around the Los Angeles area to help support children who have been displaced. These heartfelt cards and notes will provide a sense of comfort and solidarity to the young campers, reminding them they are not alone during such a challenging time.
Connected by Sarah Beck, Windward’s next Head of School and current Assistant Head of School for Academics at Potomac, the event introduced students to a larger world of service, one that extends beyond their traditional community boundaries. It also allowed students from both schools to directly advocate for the causes important to them. Potomac students made their own service plan, working in concert with Windward’s ongoing outreach, and gave helpful suggestions on the type of messaging that families would find most comforting. The result was a powerful display of solidarity, showcasing the importance of service and the way that community efforts can transcend boundaries, whether local or national.
Windward would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the Potomac School, the Potomac Service Learning Club, and the Good Guys Club for their generous spirit and support. In times like these, we are reminded of the power of community and how small acts of service can have a profound impact. The partnership between Windward and Potomac serves as a shining example of how young people can make a tangible difference, fostering empathy and compassion when those need it most.