Barnesville Students 'Walk Strong' to Support Homeless

Every Halloween, before the costume parades, parties, and trick-or-treating, Barnesville students participate in a walk-a-thon to support the homeless population in our area.

Staff at Barnesville organize the annual “Walk Strong” event to support the Frederick Rescue Mission, located in Frederick County. The Rescue Mission seeks to help overcome poverty, homelessness and chemical dependency, addressing the issues that are vital to the healthy future of those in need.

In addition to raising more than $2,600 for the Rescue Mission this year, the Barnesville School community donated personal health and hygiene items, and students helped to assemble 150 personal health kits that included towels, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, nail clippers, and water. Additionally, 25 bags of clothing were also donated for Rescue Mission clients.

Prior to the walk this year, Middle School students attended a short informational presentation about homelessness. Students then walked in their cross-grade Buddy Groups around the perimeter of Barnesville’s campus, assembled health kits, and sorted clothing donations.
Character-building activities—such as a monthly focus on value words, community service programs, and "buddy" interactions—are part of Barnesville’s character education curriculum. “Service” was the value word for the month of October.

A photo album can be viewed on Facebook.

Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences is an independent private school in Montgomery County, Maryland offering innovative preschool through 8th grade programs. Cross-curricular teaching encourages students to explore how subjects relate to one another, helping them to make connections that spark inquiry and deepen understanding. Small classes enable skilled teachers to engage each child in an academically challenging environment. Our 30-acre campus is our extended classroom, and we integrate nature into everyday learning. Barnesville is certified as a Maryland Green School by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education, demonstrating achievement in curriculum and instruction, community partnerships, and best management practices.