Student Service & Leadership

Built into the curriculum is the expectation that each class will plan and perform at least one major service project each year. Some projects are annual, some involve the entire school, others may be part of the students’ weekly routine. All projects are intended to provide an opportunity for students to act on the Christian values they learn about every day.

Some of the projects students worked on this year include:

• Adopt-a-Family – Making the Christmas season brighter for 5 families in St. Matthew’s community.
• Rice Bowls – A family activity during Lent that ends with a collection for the Catholic Relief Society.
• Visiting Elders- 3rd grade students visit the Cerenity Care Center (formerly Wilder) each week to join in activities that benefit both the elders and students.
• Food Drive – Over 1,000 items were collected by our 8th grade class during their annual food drive to fill the shelves of Neighborhood House, a local social service agency.
• Cards for Children – 1st grade students spend time each year making get well cards for children at St. Paul Children’s Hospital.
• Toiletry Collection – 5th grade students collect toiletries and package them to be given to guests at the Parish Loaves and Fishes program.

Students also have many opportunities to develop their leadership skills:

• Grade level Buddies – 4th and 5th grade students are paired with Kindergarten and 1st grader to serve as friends and mentors during church services and other activities.
• Student Council – Middle School students elect Student Council members who, among other duties, are responsible for raising funds for school improvement and recreation activities.
• School Patrols – 5th grade students serve as school patrol, helping other students walk to and from school each day. The Patrol Captains attend a full week of training at the American Legion camp.
• Youth In Government – the 8th grade class attends the 4 day Model Assembly of the Minnesota Youth in Government program. Students have the opportunity to interact and find their place among 1400 other students.