"Bringing Gather to Life: A Day of Inspiration, Connection, and Community for Ninth Graders"

Last Friday, our 9th grade students participated in a series of meaningful activities pertaining to the book Gather by Ken Cadow. To kick off the afternoon, the author Ken Cadow visited and spoke to our students, sharing insights into his writing process and the inspiration behind Gather through a student-led panel discussion. After the discussion, students participated in two activities of their choice that centered around the themes of nature, connection, and giving back to the community that showed up in the book.

Activities included crafting and donating pet items, baking dog treats for shelter fundraising, organizing a pet food drive, volunteering in the school greenhouse, and enjoying nature hikes and basketball games to balance responsibilities with personal joy. Students also designed laser-printed ornaments and connected with a therapy dog, emphasizing themes of care and meaningful connection.

Students display blanket they made to donate to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society

Students made blankets and cushions to donate to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society

Two Students making dog treats to bake for shelter fundraising.