Leadership Through Service
At Los Encinos School, we believe leadership begins with understanding that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Our Leadership Through Service program gives students meaningful, age-appropriate opportunities to develop leadership skills while learning the values of empathy, responsibility, compassion, and a spirit of giving."
LEADERSHIP
Through hands-on service projects, students learn to identify needs in their community, work collaboratively, take initiative, and make a meaningful difference. Our partnerships with local organizations and nonprofits help students see that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
Empathy
From collecting needed supplies to rolling up their sleeves and working together on service projects, students experience the many ways they can contribute to the greater good. Each project is thoughtfully designed to meet students where they are developmentally while encouraging them to become thoughtful, responsible, and engaged citizens.
Responsibility
These experiences help students understand that leadership isn't simply about being in charge. It's about noticing, caring, taking responsibility, and taking action.
(above) The 6th grade Class of 2026 present their "TED Talks" to a group of visiting parents. Working in small groups, they researched and wrote persuasive speeches that communicated the issue, described the hurdles to a solution, and presented an action item to move things forward. The hot topics they chose were titled, "Ocean Pollution," "Elderly Justice," "Animal Welfare," "Inequality in Youth Sports," and "Food Insecurity."
making a difference together
During the 2025–2026 school year, in addition to the grade-level initiatives, the entire school community came together to work on several meaningful projects, including:
Gently-Used Costume Drive for LA Family Housing : 4th grade students collected new and gently-used costumes to help provide families who are transitioning out of homelessness with opportunities for a fun Halloween experience.
costumes
Candy Drive for SOVA : Students gathered candy and treats to support SOVA's work providing food and other essential services to individuals and families in need. In the adjacent photo, bags filled with Halloween candy are being delivered to Felice Resnick, the SOVA Volunteer Coordinator, as a treat for SOVA clients.
PIECES OF CANDY
Veterans' Day Bags for Meals on Wheels : Students assembled special bags to show appreciation for veterans. Soup, crackers, and a note of gratitude were delivered through Meals on Wheels.
SOUP & CRACKERS
New Friends Homeless Shelter : First-graders met with Pastor April and determined that socks, blankets, and sleeping bags were most needed this holiday season. They appealed to each grade to make donations for three days in November.
Holiday Workshops for LA Family Housing : Students participated in hands-on holiday activities designed to bring joy and connection to families supported by LA Family Housing.
After representatives from LAFH discussed their services with the class, focusing on 'wants' versus 'needs,' they advised us on gifts that would best support their families. This year, once again, they've requested board games for various ages. Games connect generations while providing an activity that facilitates friendships.
BOARD GAMES
Jesse Gabriel's Day of Service, or “Meatball Madness” for Hope the Mission : Families came together to volunteer for a day of service, preparing meatballs to benefit Hope the Mission and its work supporting people experiencing homelessness. The organizers calculated that we contributed to making nearly 200,000 meatballs that day!
meatballs
At LES, we want every student to discover that they have the ability to make a difference -- and that true leadership is rooted in service to others.
pairs of shoes
food items
dog toys
pairs of shoes
Non-Perishable Food Items
handmade dog toys
(above) In 2026, three students took the initiative to launch their own Community Engagement projects, rallying the entire school to donate gently used shoes, non-perishable food items, and handmade chew toys for a nearby dog rescue organization. Supporting students who identify a need, take action, and inspire others to join them is a great source of pride.