Lower and Upper School students this week are joining efforts for St. Margaret’s All-School Service Learning Project, designing decorative tiles that will be shared with the residents as they launch their new youth center.

St. Margaret’s is partnering with Unidos South OC for its All-School Service Learning Project. Unidos South OC is a San Juan Capistrano–based nonprofit dedicated to cultivating a resident-led movement toward a thriving neighborhood. This year’s collaboration centers on one of the organization’s most pressing priorities: creating a dedicated gathering space for adolescent youth. In addition to Casa Unidos, which currently operates as both staff housing and a programming site, the nonprofit recently acquired a second property that will serve as a staff residence, programming hub and youth gathering space. Renovations are underway in close partnership with neighborhood residents to ensure the space reflects their needs and voices.

As part of St. Margaret’s contribution, students are participating in a collaborative tile-design project that will leave a lasting mark on the new youth center. Students were asked to reflect on the messages of welcome, belonging, and love for our neighbor, which they hope visitors will feel upon entering the space. Working in cross-divisional teams that pair Lower School and Upper School students, small groups are designing decorative tiles inspired by global traditions in which tiles express the story and spirit of a home. Students were asked to reflect on the message of welcome and belonging they hope visitors will feel upon entering the space. Once completed and sealed, the tiles will be installed as part of the renovation. 

As its five-month All-School Service Learning project comes to a close, St. Margaret’s is inviting families to celebrate the initiative’s impact while learning more about community engagement opportunities.

St. Margaret’s will host a family-friendly salsa-making gathering with community partner Unidos South OC on Wednesday, March 18, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event encourages parents and children to roll up their sleeves together to prepare fresh salsa while hearing directly from the Unidos South OC team about their work supporting families across South Orange County.

Families interested in attending are asked to complete an RSVP form in advance. The form also outlines additional ways members of the school community can participate in the All-School Service Learning project, even if they are unable to attend the March 18 event. Additional information about the All-School Service Learning Project is available through this link.

The All-School Service Learning Project will conclude at the All-School Spring Service on March 19. Check out these fun photos from the Lower and Upper School tile project!