Crow students organize donation drive
When Tillie Burgin, Mission Arlington’s founder and executive director, visited students recently at Crow Leadership Academy to talk about the importance of community support and volunteerism, she didn’t know they would soon return her visit.
But just weeks later, Crow’s second graders showed up at Mission Arlington with food and clothing donations in hand. Inspired by Burgin’s visit, the students organized a donation drive with help from their school community – putting leadership and service into action.
Their visit to Mission Arlington was added to an already planned field trip to downtown Arlington focused on learning how local government works and how it serves the community. The day began at City Hall, where students explored the City Council Chamber, met Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, and asked thoughtful questions about city leadership.
“Spending time with the second graders from Crow Leadership Academy in our City Council Chamber was the perfect way to start the day,” Ross said. “Their thoughtful questions and excitement about how our city works reminded me how important it is for young people to learn about government early on. When we invest in civic education, we’re investing in the future of Arlington – and our future is in great hands.”
From City Hall, the students headed next door to the downtown library, where they learned about the many services available to the community, including English language classes, the Makerspace, and story time programs. Members of the Crow Garden Club also contributed seed packets collected from the school garden to the library’s seed library and selected new seeds to plant back at school this spring.
It was a fun day, full of experiential learning.
“Visiting City Hall, meeting with Mayor Ross, and touring the library and Mission Arlington allowed our students to learn by experience, apply their classroom knowledge in the real world, and reflect on ways they can take action to make the community a better place for all,” said Jen Ruby, Crow’s International Baccalaureate coordinator. “Nothing beats the connection between what we are learning in class and real-world experiences.”
Apply to Attend Crow by Jan. 12
Leadership isn’t just part of Crow’s name – it’s infused in the curriculum. Students develop leadership skills and a strong sense of community involvement in every grade level at one of the area’s few International Baccalaureate elementary schools. Learn more about Crow Leadership Academy and apply today. Applications are due Jan. 12, 2026.