November was a month filled with gratitude, connection, and community spirit at Academics West. As we moved into the season of giving, our students and staff embraced opportunities to support others, celebrate together, and strengthen the relationships that make AW such a special place.
Heroes Council Food Drive: Giving Back to Our Neighbors
In the week leading up to Thanksgiving, our Heroes Council organized a school-wide Food Drive to support the West Side Campaign Against Hunger, an Upper West Side nonprofit dedicated to providing nutritious food to families across New York City. From November 17–21, students and families donated non-perishable items such as canned vegetables, dried fruit, peanut butter, pasta, and low-sodium canned goods. The front desk became a hub of generosity as the AW community rallied together to contribute. Thanks to these thoughtful donations, we were able to support an organization that directly serves our neighbors and strengthens the broader NYC community.
Mentorship Bingo: Celebrating Together Through Play
Our Mentorship Program also brought students together for a festive Thanksgiving-themed game of bingo. At the request of our Mentorship Leaders, each mentorship room received bingo cards, chips, and a special jar of prizes for the winners. Mentors and mentees paired up to share cards, collaborate, and cheer each other on through each round. Bingo became a joyful way for students to connect, laugh, and celebrate the holiday season together.
Thanksgiving Brunch & Classroom Moments of Gratitude
Throughout the month, classrooms across AW took time to reflect on gratitude, what it means, how it feels, and the ways we can express it to others. Students created gratitude projects, shared appreciation for their peers, and enjoyed small celebrations leading up to Thanksgiving. Our Lower School students enjoyed a classroom-based Thanksgiving Brunch, where they gathered with their teachers to share food, reflect on gratitude, and celebrate the season together. Meanwhile, our administrative team surprised staff with a Thanksgiving breakfast to show their appreciation for the dedication and care our faculty and clinicians bring to the AW community each day. Both moments added warmth and connection to an already gratitude-filled month.
A Season of Thanks
Gratitude truly filled the halls of Academics West this November, from supporting community members through our Food Drive to celebrating friendship, mentorship, and togetherness. The month was a meaningful reminder of the power of connection. We are grateful for our students, families, faculty, and staff who make the AW community so vibrant.
Happy Thanksgiving from our AW family to yours. 🦃🍁🧡
