Oxhead Road Fifth Graders Demonstrate Community Service with the Citizenship Project

Fifth graders at Oxhead Road Elementary School demonstrated the true meaning of citizenship and community service through their work with the Citizenship Project. As part of the school’s Character Education Program, students worked together to create beautiful hand-painted artwork to brighten the lives of the residents at Sunrise Nursing Facility in Setauket.

Under the guidance of Ms. Heather Fitzgerald, the character education teacher, and Ms. Michelle Heinz library teaching assistant, the students crafted unique and colorful paintings to be gifted to the elderly residents as holiday presents. The project was designed not only to cultivate creativity and artistic expression but also to instill the values of empathy, kindness, and generosity.

“The goal of this project was to help our students understand the importance of giving back to the community and to spread love and positivity beyond the walls of Oxhead Elementary,” said Ms. Fitzgerald. “It has been an enriching experience for the children to see how their small acts of kindness can make a big impact.”

The students’ hard work and dedication were evident in each piece of art; the smiles on the faces of the Sunrise Nursing Facility residents confirmed the success of the initiative. The heartfelt gesture allowed the students to directly connect with the senior community and make their holiday season brighter.

“This project not only allowed our students to express themselves artistically, but it also taught them valuable lessons about empathy and compassion for others,” said Ms. Heinz. “We are so proud of their efforts and the positive impact they’ve made.”

The Citizenship Project was a resounding success, touching the lives of many and fostering a strong sense of community and kindness. Oxhead Road 5th graders proved that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting and meaningful effect.