Country School Raises $1600 for Refugees

Even with fresh snow falling on a quiet Sunday morning, over 25 Country School community members participated–both virtually and in person on the streets of New Haven–in the Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS) Run for Refugees 5k race on February 13. The event, which is equal parts awareness raiser and the organization’s major fundraiser, raised over $90,000 to support refugee resettlement. The Country School, itself, raised $1,692 with donations coming from members all throughout the community.

Proudly wearing Country School’s blue and gold cross country uniform, the winner of the race was Country School Director of Community Engagement and History Teacher Will McDonough of Guilford, who ran the 5K course in 16 minutes and 35 seconds. Fifth Grader Laila Goodman of Old Lyme placed 2nd in the 12 and under girls division while Frusztajer brothers 6th Grader Keve and 4th Grader Tash of Guilford placed 2nd and 4th respectively in the 12 and under boys division.

The Country School mission calls upon students to work collaboratively and serve the common good, while one of the three major school rules asks them to take responsibility for themselves and their world. Developing global citizens is an essential goal of the school’s 11-year program, aimed at preparing graduates to lead in the global environment they will inhabit.

The Country School’s relationship with IRIS runs deep, as many alumni, faculty, and staff have volunteered or worked at the organization over the years. This fall, The Country School welcomed Chris George, IRIS executive director, for a talk about Afghan families and what community members can do to help in their resettlement in the wake of the Taliban takeover. He was introduced by 5th Grade students who had recently completed a study of refugees and read Alan Gratz’s book, Refugee. A 7th Grade member of the IDEA Student Alliance (IDEA stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Empathy, and Action) provided the closing remarks. The Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council partnered with The Country School on the talk.


This was the fourth year members of the Country School community have participated in the Run for Refugees and organized a fundraising team. The school has also held winter clothing drives to support IRIS families and invited IRIS clients to speak as part of the Country School Elmore Leadership program.

Our Global Citizenship work is grounded in the belief that when people with different backgrounds, talents, and experiences come together, new ideas and opportunities are born. We honor and harness the power of our differences, as we prepare students to take proactive roles as leaders and partners in our interconnected, multicultural world.

Founded in 1955, The Country School serves 225 students in PreSchool-Grade 8 on its 23-acre campus in Madison. The Country School honors students’ creativity, sense of wonder, and intellectual curiosity. The school’s integrated curriculum aligns rigorous academics with a commitment to character and leadership development. Learn more at https://www.thecountryschool.org.