Councilman David A. Salvatore (Ward 14) hosted a “Day of Service” at Robert F. Kennedy Elementary School today with 150 students from Providence College. These students worked alongside teachers to help prepare their classroom for the upcoming school year. This event is part of the College’s Urban Action Summer Program from incoming first-year students.
“I am very grateful for Providence College and their student’s commitment to helping improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” stated Councilman David A. Salvatore. “This annual event has become an integral part in readying Kennedy Elementary for the new school year. It helps ensure that the students at Kennedy have a clean school and that it is ready for them and their teachers on day one. It is also a great way for students, especially aspiring teachers, to work alongside some of our best educators. PC’s Urban Action is a great program, and one that I am happy to support.”
Urban Action is a five-day program for incoming first-year students at Providence College. It is designed to increase students’ understanding of urban issues while also introducing them to the Providence community. Students spend three days volunteering at local sites in the city of Providence, and one day volunteering on campus helping fellow classmates move in.
Providence College’s Campus Minister, Pamela Tremblay stated, “Before syllabi are given out, books are purchased, and even before the majority of students descend upon campus, Providence College welcomes 250 students early as a way to connect them with the college’s mission to promote ‘the common good, the human flourishing of each member of the campus community, and service of neighbors near and far.’ Participating in park clean-ups, spending time with the elderly, preparing food at soup kitchens or assisting local schools in preparing for the year, these students join the Friar Family and the larger Providence community by beginning their year in service to others. We are grateful for our community partners and city leaders, whose willingness to host students and share their commitment to the city make this pre-orientation service so successful.”
Principal Amy Burns of Robert F. Kennedy Elementary stated, “Every year, teachers at Robert F. Kennedy Elementary look forward to the influx of Providence College students, who have truly adopted our school for their day of service. From painting walls to working with teachers to set up their classrooms, our Providence College ‘helpers’ provide invaluable assistance in getting the school ready for our kids.”
For more information about Providence College Urban Action, or Providence College visit www.providence.edu.