The Willow School to celebrate MLK Day with “Heart and Soul Week” Activities at all campuses

The Willow School to Celebrate Martin Luther King Day with “Heart and Soul Week” Activities at Campuses January 16-19

Heart and Soul Week annually honors MLK, focusing on change-making, peace and love of self and others

NEW ORLEANS, LA – In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, The Willow School will celebrate with activities at its campuses. Willow celebrates Heart and Soul Week each year to honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Students will spend the week focusing on change-making, peace and love of self and others. See select activities at each campus below:

The Willow Lower School (K-4th) Heart and Soul Recess Centers Activities

WHAT:    Students will participate in the annual Heart and Soul Centers, with multiple stations set up for students to explore together. The entire campus rotates through parent-led stations that bring home messages of kindness, respect, and being a change-maker. In addition, a different change-maker will be highlighted during Morning Meeting each day that week and a school-wide art piece will be created depicting an intentional focus on “Joyful Community.”

WHEN:    Wed., Thurs. & Fri, Jan. 17-19, during recess at various times throughout the day

                Please call Janine Murray at 504-862-5110, ext. 303 if you would like to cover.

WHERE:    Willow Lower School at the Everett Williams Campus

                   7315 Willow Street, New Orleans, LA 70118

The Willow Middle School (5-7th) Food Drive , Heart and Soul Recess Centers and Draw-a-Thon

WHAT:    During Heart and Soul Week, Willow Middle will collect nonperishable food items to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank to help families in need throughout South Louisiana.  The goal is to collect 750 pounds of food.   The focus is on community with the message that “we are greater together.” During Morning Meeting, middle school will share quotes from Dr. King and highlight his achievements throughout the week.  Students are encouraged to use MLK Day as a “day on” (not a “day off from school”).  Students are encouraged to focus on community service on MLK Day.

Middle school will also participate in Heart and Soul recess centers, focusing on community building.  The centers will be parent-led stations that foster community relationships and working together. There will be a Draw-a-Thon in which students will create community artwork based on  two prompts: “Draw or write how to change the world” or “Draw or write how peace looks to you.”

WHEN:    Food drive and morning meeting: Ongoing January 16-19 

               Draw-a-Thon and Heart and Soul Recess Centers: January 17, throughout the day

                Contact Heather Harper at (504) 289-0499 if you would like to cover.

WHERE:    Willow Middle School at the Marsalis Campus 

                 5625 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115

The Willow High School (8-12th) Open Mic and Acts of Kindness 

WHAT:    During Heart and Soul Week, Willow High will feature an “Open Mic” for students and staff. Small advisory groups, consisting of students of varying grade levels, also will plan small acts of kindness during their meeting blocks.

WHEN:    Open Mic: Friday, January 19, 1pm 

               Advisory acts of kindness planning: Friday, January 19

                Contact Heather Harper at (504) 289-0499 if you would like to cover.

WHERE:    Willow High School at the Elijah Brimmer Campus 

                 5624 Freret Street, New Orleans, LA 70115