People who appreciate recent beautification efforts around Quarryville might have a Solanco School District sixth-grader to thank.

A total of 200 students and 28 teachers from Solanco's two middle schools combined to spruce up the grounds of 14 locations.

"I think it's nice because we get to help out our community," said Omar Crawford, a Swift Middle School student who spread mulch at the Memorial Park flower beds. "Whenever people drive past, they will say, 'Wow. This is actually nice. These kids did good work. Everyone did nice work. Our community is great.' And I think it's good because whenever we help someone, we build respect, and we give everyone respect for letting us do this."

Swift Middle School social studies teacher Ben Miller spearheaded the first "6th Grade Community Day" on March 26.

In addition to Memorial Park, students volunteered at sites including the Southern End Community Association (SECA); Solanco Neighborhood Ministries; the Quarryville Library; and the district's elementary schools: Clermont, Providence, Quarryville, and Bart-Colerain.

"While they're doing this, they're learning some skills with the activities they're doing at various locations," said Miller. "Everything is hands-on. Everything is teamwork oriented. The biggest thing is volunteering and helping people within their community. A lot of these kids go to all of these parks. They play sports. The fair is here. They've all gone to one of those elementary schools. It's a chance to give back and help be connected. That's the whole point of volunteering. It helps you be more connected and helps you be more successful in your school career."

Community Day also provides students with the opportunity to spend time with pupils from the other middle school. "That's kind of the point, as well," said Miller. "I really wanted to make sure that we got both schools together because in three short years they'll be together at the high school. It's an opportunity to build relationships and help smooth the transition to high school."

Smith Middle School student Jacob Barnett enjoyed the chance to get to know some of his future high school classmates. "If you need help, you know who you can get help from and be able to help them," he said.

Smith student Asher Bridges said, "It's really great to help out our community and make things nicer. It's nice to appreciate your community, be respectful to others, and show kindness."

Miller first considered holding a Community Day a couple years ago. "The high school does a day of service, and I thought it would be really cool to do that with the sixth-graders," he said.

A graduate course on cooperative discipline motivated Miller to get the ball rolling. "The class talked about the benefits of volunteering and how it could help students with attendance and grades," he said.

Miller spoke to his colleagues and Paul Gladfelter, the principal of both Solanco middle schools. "Everyone was on board, and we've been working on it since November," he said.

The early returns are positive, and Miller is already mulling a second Community Day next spring. "That's the hope," he said. "We will see how everything goes. I think everyone feels like it's going well."