“Can we do this again?”
When one elementary school student asked that question at the end of the Poolesville Cluster’s Student Community Day, organizers knew the event had been a success. When told it may become an annual tradition, he quickly followed up: “What about next Friday?”
That enthusiasm captured the spirit of the first-ever K–12 Student Community Day, held last month at Poolesville High School. The event brought together about 140 elementary and middle school students and 50 to 60 high school student volunteers for an afternoon focused on connection, mentorship and belonging.
Students from Poolesville High School, John Poole Middle School, Monocacy Elementary and Poolesville Elementary participated in two activities after a welcome assembly. Activities, designed and led by the high school students, included athletics, drama, music, STEM demonstrations, arts and crafts and board games.
High school students embraced their roles as mentors, creating spaces where younger students felt welcomed, supported and excited to participate. Many said the experience was just as meaningful for them as it was for the younger students.
“It felt really good,” sophomore Alyson Ankrah shared, which was seconded by sophomore Zosia Mirowicz. “I even got little art crafts from the students that made me cry tears of joy.”
Freshman Andrew Corrales-Aguilar said: “It was important for us to volunteer because we got to provide the younger generation with the support to become comfortable being rising Falcons!”
For others, the experience was an opportunity to reflect on their own journeys and step into leadership roles.
“I saw myself in them,” said sophomore Alexa Balois.
“It’s important to be a positive role model and show them that growing up isn’t as scary as it might seem,” said sophomore Grace Chi. Freshman Prika Baner said: “It gave me a sense of responsibility and pride, knowing I was setting an example they might remember.”
As the afternoon progressed, connections quickly formed. What began as a room of shy students evolved into a community of new friendships by the second activity rotation, something sophomore Alyssa Robertson noticed right away.
The event was inspired by parent feedback about the challenges students can face when transitioning into a new school community. The goal was to strengthen the K–12 student community and support smoother transitions, especially into high school.
“This day was organized to reinforce the Poolesville student community,” said Poolesville High School Principal Mark Carothers. “We know transitions can be difficult, and opportunities like this help students build relationships that will support them in the future.”
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Student mentors also recognized the importance of helping younger peers feel comfortable and confident.
“I hope they learned that they can step outside their comfort zones and meet new people,” said junior Carson Hartke. Junior Kayley Porter added: “I hope this experience allowed them to become more aware of others around them and how far kindness can go.”
Other volunteers hope the experience will reshape how students view high school, replacing uncertainty with excitement.
“I don’t remember having an experience like this when I was younger,” said junior Nikhila Mathukumalli. “I hope these students see that high schoolers are welcoming, fun and approachable.” Freshman Nadia Shields added: “High-schoolers aren’t machines always focused on work. There are many fun activities waiting for them at PHS.”
By the end of the afternoon, what began as a room of new faces transformed into a community of connections, proof that intentional opportunities to bring students together can make a lasting impact.
“Overall, even though Poolesville is a small, close-knit community, for me, this was reinforcement that we still need to purposefully plan for students of all ages to build relationships, work together, and, perhaps most importantly, have fun,” said Carothers.
Read the original article at mcps