Our Wildwood, Volume 51

Persuasive Pals WISL AND 2ND GRADERS TEAM UP FOR ANIMAL ADVOCACY Cross-campus collaboration also makes its way into the classroom, thanks to a unique partnership between the Wildwood Institute for Social Leadership (WISL) and 2nd-grade students. Throughout the year, upper school WISL members worked with 2nd graders on their persuasive writing skills, merging the younger students’ interests in animals with WISL’s own animal welfare initiative. After visiting the Annenberg PetSpace together, WISL coached the younger students on using their observations to draft persuasive writing pieces on the animals up for adoption. To cap off the program, 2nd graders made their own trip to the middle and upper campus to present their final pieces, which the PetSpace can use to promote their animals for adoption!

program involved a personal commitment and dedication on their part as well, Taylor said. Even so, senior Kezie N.T. ‘24 wouldn’t trade the experience. “There were certainly days when I didn’t really feel up to it, but that all changed the moment I would set foot on the elementary campus,” Kezie said. “Just being here [at elementary] boosts my spirits, and I’ve loved getting to know the elementary campus more.” Like several of her classmates, Kezie came to Wildwood in upper school and thus, has spent limited time on the elementary campus. As graduation approaches, this fact is something that Taylor weighed carefully when developing the program. “We have a beautiful graduation ceremony on elementary’s Big Yard, and for many seniors that started in elementary, it marks a special homecoming as they leave Wildwood for the world beyond,” Taylor said. “I want all seniors to feel a similar connection—that this place is very much theirs as well.” It’s that connection which makes the program such a full-circle moment for “lifer” Max A.-S. ‘24. “Coming back to elementary and getting to see my 4th grade ‘siblings’ go through many of the same experiences that I did at their age is one of the highlights of my month,” Max said. “It’s really shown me the value of giving back to the places that formed me. It’s not only fun, but exceptionally gratifying.” W

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