Nuchtern Nurtures a Culture of Service at St John’s

At the heart of St. John's School, a commitment to community service beats strongly. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with our new Upper School Service Learning Coordinator, Claire Nuchtern, who happens to be a St. John's alum, Class of 2011. The passion in her voice was palpable as she shared insights into her journey and the transformative role community service plays in the development of St. John's students.

Nuchtern’s journey to the Community Service Department was deeply rooted in her own experiences as a student at St. John's. Graduating in 2011, she was actively involved in various service projects, such as initiating "Slammin’ Sandwiches," a project aimed at helping feed the homeless in Houston that still thrives till this day. Additionally, she was involved in initiatives such as fundraising efforts in the wake of the tragic 2010 earthquake in Haiti. After spending seven years teaching math, her commitment to fostering community engagement led her back to St. John's, succeeding Ms. Barr.

In the short time Nuchtern has been in her role, she has made a strong impact by introducing fresh perspectives and initiatives. For example, the new "Alumni in Service" program helps bring back inspiring St. John's alumni pursuing careers in service to inspire and guide current students. Addressing the significance of community service in student development, Nuchtern highlighted its role in offering a broader perspective on Houston while cultivating leadership. By stepping outside of their daily routine, students get to engage with the local community, gaining valuable insights and developing essential skills through participation in service projects.

Class 9 students dedicate a morning serving at Houston Food Bank where they packaged over 14,000 meals contributing to our local community. (Photo: Claire Nuchtern).

The Community Service Department at St. John's is bustling with a variety of ongoing projects, including volunteer initiatives with lower school kids such as 'Books and Breakfast' and 'Math and Munchies.' There are also opportunities to work with organizations like Ronald McDonald House, the Beacon, and Etoile Academy, where students are able to actively contribute to the betterment of their community. 

It is no secret that the success of the Community Service Department relies heavily on student involvement. With encouragement and support, students actively participate, bring forth their ideas, and engage in existing projects. The open-door policy welcomes students to connect, contributing to the vibrant culture of community service at St. John's. Nuchtern has brought in many in-person volunteer opportunities for students to participate directly in the community. 

SJS CommServe department develops a deep commitment to nurturing a culture of service, where students not only give back to their community but also find avenues for personal growth and leadership development.

The current projects available at the school help students make a positive impact on both their peers and the broader community.  It also inspires students to create their own projects based on their passion. SJS students are sure to learn lifelong lessons from these valuable experiences.