Community Service & Student Leadership
“Integrity isn’t made up of DNA (or a GPA) but of learned beliefs, capacities, attitudes, and skills that create a moral compass that children use to help them know what’s right, care about what’s right, and do what’s right.” –Michele Borba, Ed.D., Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kinds Struggle and Others Shine
Because James River is dedicated to building strength of character in our students, it is imperative that all James River students learn to lead lives of integrity and empathy. Under the direction of Casey Eccles, Community Service Coordinator, students from kindergarten through eighth grade participate in service learning on and off campus, culminating in the eighth-grade course, Public Speaking, where students research non-profits and give presentations on areas of need within the Lynchburg community.
Some examples of recent service projects are:
- Students make cards and decorations for Meals on Wheels.
- At different times of the year, students collect clothing and/or toys/stuffed animals for donation to charitable organizations.
- One of the school community's biggest projects every year is the Thankful Hearts Canned Food Drive. Each November, students, parents, faculty, and staff collect more than 10,000 cans of food for local emergency food pantries and kitchens.
- Fourth-grade students serve on the safety patrol at morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up during the carpool periods for younger students, assisting the younger children in and out of cars.
- Older students serve as Cardinal Buddies for younger students. This school-wide program features one "Buddy" event each month.
- Older students serve as peer mentors and informal tutors to younger students.
- Eighth-grade students raise and lower the flags of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia each day.
Through our community service program, we have partnered with local non-profits to support the Lynchburg area, including the Lynchburg Humane Society, Friends of Campbell County, Jubilee Center, Lynchburg Grows, and more.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
We know that children who have the opportunity to grow their leadership skills and impact their community will grow in self-confidence, developing a positive sense of identity. Research suggests that self-confident students have better academic performance, are more resilient, have a greater sense of well-being, and are just plain happier. (Borba, 2021)
We know that children who have the opportunity to grow their leadership skills and impact their community will grow in self-confidence, developing a positive sense of identity. Research suggests that self-confident students have better academic performance, are more resilient, have a greater sense of well-being, and are just plain happier. (Borba, 2021)
At James River, we strive to offer students the opportunity to strengthen their leadership "muscles" in formal and informal ways. In addition to public speaking presentations, here are a few examples of formal leadership for our students who are at the top of their respective divisions–fourth and eighth grade.
4th-Grade Safety Patrol
Our oldest Lower School students assume the critical responsibility of assisting with morning carpool. As part of the Safety Patrol, they greet families, assist younger Cardinals with their belongings, and ensure everyone gets safely into the building. This role fosters leadership, responsibility, and a spirit of service among our 4th graders.
Our oldest Lower School students assume the critical responsibility of assisting with morning carpool. As part of the Safety Patrol, they greet families, assist younger Cardinals with their belongings, and ensure everyone gets safely into the building. This role fosters leadership, responsibility, and a spirit of service among our 4th graders.
4th-Grade Cardinal Buddies
Each 4th grader is paired with a younger Cardinal Buddy in kindergarten, creating a special cross-grade connection. Through shared activities and mentoring moments, our older students build friendships, model positive behavior, and help younger students feel supported and included.
8th-Grade Leadership Council
The Leadership Council offers our 8th graders an opportunity to shape school culture and practice authentic leadership. Students collaborate on school-wide initiatives, organize events, and serve as a voice for their peers. They also advise the Head of School, providing valuable insight into student life and community well-being.
Buddy Reading
Our 8th graders volunteer for weekly reading sessions with our youngest Cardinals in kindergarten and first grade. These one-on-one moments not only foster a love of reading but also build meaningful relationships between older and younger students, strengthening our sense of community.
Flag Patrol
Serving on the Flag Patrol is both an honor and a responsibility for our 8th graders. Each day, students perform the patriotic duty of raising and lowering the flags of the United States and the state of Virginia. Through this tradition, they learn respect, discipline, and the importance of ceremony.
Admissions Ambassadors
Select 8th graders serve as Admissions Ambassadors, representing our school to prospective families. They guide visitors on campus tours, answer questions from a student’s perspective, and share what makes our community unique. This leadership role helps students develop confidence, effective communication skills, and a sense of pride in their school.
