Off-site Partner: The Green Between with Maggie Weis
Dates:
On Campus: January 16: Quick recap of last semester & introduction to our new project
Off Campus: January 30: (Pending confirmation with Maggie — January date confirmed so far)
This month, we’ll continue our partnership with The Green Between Garden, deepening our connection to the natural spaces right here in our neighborhood. Grounded in the theme of “Rooted in Community,” students will return to this familiar space to mulch, water, and care for the garden while learning about the impact of local stewardship.
We’ll be joined once again by Maggie Weis, a longtime SFS educator and current board member of the Portola Neighborhood Association. Maggie played an instrumental role in connecting SFS students to service-learning opportunities in the Portola and continues to inspire our ongoing commitment to caring for the spaces closest to home. 🌿
Registration for this schedule starts on 11/03/2025 and ends on 01/16/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 6 to 8.
Off-site Partner: Community Garden, Bayview
Dates:
On Campus: February 13: Quick recap of last summer’s work & introduction to our new project
Off Campus: February 27: Hands-on community garden project in the Bayview
This month, we’ll continue our journey of community care and transformation by returning to the Bayview Community Garden — a space that was once a dumpsite and is now a thriving, green sanctuary thanks to the dedication of local residents.
Maya Cowan had the privilege of working alongside Shane, a neighbor and filmmaker, and George from the Department of Public Works, to help restore and beautify this space. Together with Alfredo BP and 14 middle school students, they nurtured the garden planted by two neighbors years ago — a powerful example of how consistent care can turn something forgotten into something flourishing. 🌿
To learn more about the garden’s inspiring story, watch this short documentary by Shane:
🎥 From Dump Site to Garden – A Bayview Story
Registration for this schedule starts on 11/03/2025 and ends on 02/13/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 6 to 8.
Registration for this schedule starts on 11/03/2025 and ends on 01/16/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 6 to 8.
Registration for this schedule starts on 11/03/2025 and ends on 01/16/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 6 to 8.
Registration for this schedule starts on 11/03/2025 and ends on 01/16/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 6 to 8.
Impact Explorers: Where curiosity and compassion inspire real-world action
Impact Explorers is a middle school program designed to help students grow as thoughtful, engaged community members through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Each month, students focus on a specific environmental or community-centered theme. They research local organizations, learning about their missions, challenges, and the ways they serve our city.
Students then put their learning into action. They participate in on-site volunteer activities that directly support these organizations — from helping at local food banks, to contributing to environmental restoration work, assisting at animal adoption centers, or spending time in senior communities. These experiences allow students to see how their efforts can make a genuine difference.
Through Impact Explorers, students strengthen their research and critical-thinking skills, develop empathy and cultural awareness, and gain a deeper understanding of civic responsibility. They discover that creating positive change is not something reserved for adulthood — it’s something they can begin doing now.
Impact Explorers is now available as a month-by-month sign-up. If your student is unable to participate one month, they are welcome to join us during another — no long-term commitment required. This flexible structure allows families to choose the months that best fit their schedules and interests.
Our March–May service projects are still being finalized, and we will reach out with details as soon as they are confirmed.
We would be thrilled to have your student join us on this meaningful and engaging journey!
Please contact The San Francisco School if you have any questions.