Detroit Country Day School Students spread holiday cheer at Harms Elementary in Detroit

More than 200 Detroit Country Day School (DCDS) students, teachers, and volunteers visited Harms Elementary School in Detroit today to bring holiday cheer, games, warm gifts, and even an appearance by Santa and his elves through the adopt-a-school program.

Students filled the classrooms with festive activities such as cookie decorating, games, and craft projects. Santa and his elves made their jolly way through as well, handing out candy canes to the younger students. The DCDS community collected gently used books for Harms students to take home with them.

“It is a joy to see the spirit of generosity flourish at Detroit Country Day School every year through the adopt-a-school program,” said DCDS Headmaster Glen Shilling. “This is the third year that our students have worked with Harms Elementary School, and the twelfth year of our participation in the program. It is inspiring to see the excitement and thoughtfulness our students demonstrate when visiting the Detroit school and working with children who are less fortunate than they are.”

The December visit is a favorite in the yearlong program with Harms Elementary, which includes a variety of educational, cultural, and entertaining activities such as concerts by the DCDS student musicians, science experiments, read aloud visits during Reading Month, and a special field day. In previous years, the DCDS basketball and dance teams have hosted mini-workshops, and students from Harms have traveled to the Upper School campus for a live theater production.

“This program is very special because it provides our students with the opportunity to work with younger students and to be engaging and positive role models,” said Carol Keeler, organizer of the DCDS program. “It also provides our students with a very positive picture of Detroit and the good things that are happening at Harms Elementary, despite the limited resources, the age of the building and the challenges many of its students face.”

DCDS students will visit Harms Elementary next in February 2015 for a science experiment project created specially for the school’s second grade students.

Detroit Country Day School offers students from preschool through high school an exemplary education rooted in academic rigor and a commitment to the full development of each student’s potential. The school is an independent, coeducational, non-denominational, college preparatory school nationally recognized for excellence in academics, athletics and the fine and performing arts. Founded in 1914 by F. Alden Shaw, Detroit Country Day School today enrolls more than 1,500 students on four campuses located in Beverly Hills and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.dcds.edu.