{"id":586,"date":"2026-10-06T21:51:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T21:51:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/les.school\/annual-report-2526\/?page_id=586"},"modified":"2026-11-03T23:37:00","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T23:37:00","slug":"leadership-through-service","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/les.school\/annual-report-2526\/leadership-through-service\/","title":{"rendered":"Leadership Through Service"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Leadership Through Service<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
\"Joanne<\/div>

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.\"<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

by Joanne Vaisman, Coordinator of Community Life & Literacy<\/div>
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\"Service<\/span><\/div>\n\n
\"Structure<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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LEADERSHIP<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Empathy<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Responsibility<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

These experiences help students understand that leadership isn't simply about being in charge. It's about noticing, caring, taking responsibility, and taking action.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\"6th<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n

(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.\"<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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making a difference together<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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During the 2025\u20132026 school year, in addition to the grade-level initiatives, the entire school community came together to work on several meaningful projects, including:<\/p>\n

Gently-Used Costume Drive for LA Family Housing<\/strong> : 4th grade students collected\u00a0 new and gently-used costumes to help provide families who are transitioning out of homelessness with opportunities for a fun Halloween experience.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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costumes<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Candy Drive for SOVA<\/strong> : 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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PIECES OF CANDY<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Veterans' Day Bags for Meals on Wheels<\/strong> : Students assembled special bags to show appreciation for veterans. Soup, crackers, and a note of gratitude were delivered through Meals on Wheels.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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SOUP & CRACKERS<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\"Veterans<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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New Friends Homeless Shelter<\/strong> : 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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