August 27, 2025
For their Term Project trip, a group of BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Grade 8 students traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana, for a week of service, cultural exploration, and community building. Led by Subject Expert English Teacher Mr. Woodruff and Subject Expert Physics Teacher Mr. Schindler, students dedicated their time to supporting organizations that continue to aid communities affected by natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, with a focus on disaster relief and prevention.
The trip combined hard work, team spirit, and plenty of sweat thanks to Louisiana’s famous summer humidity. Most of all, it highlighted the extraordinary way our students step up when given the opportunity to serve.
Service in Action
The first project of the trip focused on water reclamation. Students prepped large 50-gallon drums that would later be used as rain barrels in community gardens. What began as a simple task quickly became a leadership opportunity, with students teaching one another the process and working together like seasoned pros.
At Hotel Hope, a shelter for women and children, students rolled up their sleeves to clean, weed, and organize. They worked not only for completion but also with a sense of ownership, ensuring that the space looked and felt welcoming for families in need.
Perhaps the most striking demonstration of teamwork came at Second Harvest, one of the largest food banks in the region. While adult volunteers boxed food, our students were given the task of building the boxes themselves. In just a few hours, they assembled an astounding 1,800 boxes, so many that even forklifts struggled to keep up with their pace.
The trip came full circle at a community garden run by Common Relief, where students learned about the importance of wetlands to New Orleans. Under the hot sun, they watered plants, cared for the land, and were thrilled to see the very rain barrels they had prepared on day one now in use, quietly helping conserve water.
More Than Service
Beyond the scheduled projects, students also found time to explore New Orleans through its music, food, and unique culture. Yet it was the service work that left the deepest impression. As Mr. Woodruff reflected, “Our students were thoughtful, hardworking, generous, and absurdly productive. You would have been proud.”
The experience is all the more meaningful because our BISV students, still awaiting the start of high school, embraced service with such dedication.
A Trip to Remember
This service trip was more than just volunteering. It was a chance for students to connect with one another, learn about resilience, and see firsthand how small acts of service can create lasting change. From rain barrels to box building, their contributions supported organizations that continue to strengthen New Orleans communities through disaster relief and prevention efforts.
We are proud of the way our students embraced the challenge with sweat, smiles, and an unforgettable sense of teamwork.
BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.
