Gifts cement bond of neighboring schools [Towson]

Kicking off the new year with extra kindness, four West Towson Elementary School students visited the neighboring Ridge Ruxton School on Jan. 4, bearing special gifts.

Mia Davis, her twin sister, Sabine Davis, and classmates Sofia Gahagan and Ruhi Shanbhag, all fourth-graders at West Towson, spent time over the winter break handcrafting colorful friendship bracelets and flower-themed wreaths for Alisa Rogers' students and classroom at Ridge Ruxton.

West Towson and Ridge Ruxton share the same Charles Street location. The two schools join for celebrations such as World Peace Day, holiday caroling, and assemblies. "Sharing a campus provides both schools with wonderful opportunities to bring our students together," said West Towson principal Susan Hershfeld. "Both schools work together to plan collaborative activities. These events enrich the lives of all involved."

Towson University education intern Rachel Love was challenged with making a difference in the school community. She focused on ways West Towson and Ridge Ruxton students could build even closer relationships. Love collaborated with West Towson teacher Susan Kerrigan to plan opportunities for meaningful interactions between the students. West Towson students willingly gave up recess time to visit Rogers' class at Ridge Ruxton to read stories, assist with crafts, and lead computer activities.

Mia Davis was a regular participant in these visits, so when students were asked to consider extracurricular community kindness projects, she knew right away that she wanted to do something nice for her campus neighbors. She recruited her sister, Sabine, and friends Sofia and Ruhi, and the group devoted hours of their holiday break to the project. They worked together to create the gifts, and were able to deliver them upon their return to school.

The Ridge Ruxton students were delighted as they selected their favorite bracelets, which serve as a cherished reminder of the special bond with their friends next door.