High Road Baltimore County Students Build Community Connections at Oak Crest

Students from High Road School of Baltimore County are building community connections with residents at Oak Crest Senior Living Community through a new volunteer partnership.

The collaboration began when Transition Coordinator Thomas Kane contacted Oak Crest to explore volunteer opportunities for High Road students. Several students in grades 10 through 12 are participating in the visits, giving them an opportunity to spend time in the community while developing skills they can carry into adulthood.

Building Relationships Through Service

During their first visit, students joined residents for bingo, helped them move between tables and chairs, served ice cream and cookies, and spent time talking and laughing with them.

“The students came back with smiles from ear to ear and talked about the experience for the rest of the day,” Kane said. “Getting our students out into the community is a major goal for us. They enjoyed the experience so much that we already have a waiting list for upcoming visits.”

Through the twice-monthly volunteer opportunities, students will continue practicing communication and adapting to new situations while learning the responsibility that comes with serving others.

For 12th-grade student Sal L., the first visit made an immediate impression.

“It was one of the best community service experiences I’ve ever had,” Sal said.

Creating More Opportunities for Community Connections

Oak Crest residents and staff were equally enthusiastic about the visit. With two visits planned each month, the partnership will give more High Road students an opportunity to volunteer while developing confidence and experience interacting with people outside of school.

The ongoing visits also give students meaningful opportunities to build relationships across generations and apply social and communication skills in real-world settings.

High Road School of Baltimore County provides individualized instruction in small, structured classrooms designed to support students’ academic, social, and behavioral growth. Through specialized services and opportunities to build skills beyond the classroom, the school helps students gain greater confidence and independence as they prepare for life after high school.