Day of Gratitude: Shelter Island students give back — Teachers organize special community projects

Spring break may have ended on Monday, April 21, for Shelter Island School students, but the real highlight came the following day. On Tuesday, April 22, the entire student body stepped out of the classroom — not for a field trip, but to give back to the community through the school’s inaugural Day of Gratitude.

This new school-wide service initiative, designed by the administration and inspired by Shelter Island’s strategic planning process, brought together all 193 students and the entire staff. From Pre-K to 12th grade, each student selected a community service project that reflected their own appreciation for the island they call home. The goal? To foster gratitude by giving back — and to build a tradition that the school hopes will continue for years to come.

The day began with a whole-school assembly in the auditorium, setting the tone for what was to come. Then, students fanned out across the Island to begin their service work. For one day, traditional grade divisions and class schedules were set aside, replaced by teamwork, shared purpose, and school-wide unity.

Giving Back, Grade by Grade

• Pre-K and Kindergarten: The youngest students stayed close to home, beautifying their own playground and schoolyard. They also created a colorful “Gratitude Tree” to decorate the school lobby.

• Grades 1–3: Armed with sidewalk chalk, these students headed into town to create cheerful gratitude art outside first responder buildings and local government offices.

• Grades 4–5: These students rolled up their sleeves to wash first responder vehicles, showing appreciation for those who protect and serve the community.

• Secondary School Students (Grades 6–12):
  The older students were split into four volunteer groups, each tackling a different need:

  1. Veterans & Memorial Support: One team helped with yardwork at the home of WWII veteran George Strom and respectfully removed worn flags from veterans’ graves at the Presbyterian Church cemetery.

  2. Camp Quinipet Cleanup: A second group helped prepare the grounds for summer by cleaning up outdoor areas and assembling rocking chairs for campers.

  3. Senior Center Visit: A musical performance, games, and a shared breakfast made for a memorable morning with local seniors.

  4. Roadside Cleanup & Food Drive: Another team picked up litter along Route 114 and then hosted a food drive at the IGA, collecting over 140 items for the local food pantry.

A School United

The entire school came back together for a sunny outdoor lunch — grilled chicken sandwiches and good company — a moment of togetherness that highlighted the perks of attending a small, tight-knit school.

After lunch, students gathered in the auditorium for an inspiring talk from Kevin Erikson, Coordinator for Disabled Services with the New York Yankees. Born with cerebral palsy, Erikson shared how support from teachers, friends, and coaches helped him pursue adaptive athletics and ultimately land a career in professional sports. His message of perseverance and gratitude struck a powerful chord with students and staff alike.

To close the day, students wrote letters of gratitude — personal notes to friends, family members, teachers, or classmates. It was a meaningful end to a day dedicated to service, reflection, and appreciation.

A New Tradition in the Making

Athletic Director and event coordinator Todd Gulluscio reflected on the success of the day:

“The idea came out of our strategic planning process. Once we mapped it out, our teachers stepped up immediately — over 15 volunteered to lead projects. Students chose what mattered to them, and that made the whole experience more personal and impactful.”

He added:

“Seeing every student, from Pre-K to seniors, out in the community, working side by side, was really special. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We’d love to see this become an annual tradition — something Shelter Island students can look forward to every year.”

If the first Day of Gratitude is any indication, that tradition is already off to a strong start.