Gardner Manor introduces "Mini Marauders" leadership program for fifth-graders

At a Bay Shore Union Free School District work session, Gardner Manor educators introduced the Mini Marauders, a leadership program for fifth‑grade students that pairs student-led safety patrols with a kindness and volunteer program. The presenters said the initiative aims to give students leadership experience, encourage school- and community-focused volunteering, and build a pipeline of trained student leaders for middle school and beyond.

The program was described by two teachers, Ms. Jackson and Ms. Pate, who said students apply and are vetted by a staff sponsor; meetings are held twice a month before school so participation does not conflict with other activities. "The Mini Marauders is an initiative that is designed to empower fifth grade students at Gardner Manor," Ms. Jackson said, explaining that members participate in safety patrol, school spirit activities, volunteer work and community outreach.

School leaders emphasized the safety patrol as an early focus: students wear badges and stop signs during short hallway posts before and after school, help at arrival and dismissal, and complete training and role‑playing on voice level and interaction. "Being on safety patrol means being responsible and dependable. We have to be on time, pay attention, and set a good example," one student who represents the safety patrol told the board.

A second pillar of the program is the Kindness Squad, which plans schoolwide theme days and mentors younger students. Presenters said Kindness Week in December included daily spirit themes and window displays of kind messages created by students. The program also tracks volunteer credits: students aim to earn 10 volunteer credits by June through activities such as assisting at school events, library help and preparing donation items; organizers said some students already exceed the goal.

Organizers reported community outreach results so far: Gardner Manor students collected "over a hundred" coats for donation to the Long Island Homeless Coalition and created cards for hospitalized children. To support future projects the program is fundraising: the Mini Marauders are running a Savers donation drive and plan a student-run car wash on May 10. "Hosting a car wash will help raise money for future kindness projects," a student said.

Presenters noted outside partners and training: the program is registered with AAA for the safety patrol component and students received leadership training from community officer Lisonbee. To sustain the program, staff said they have begun a fourth‑grade probation training so incoming students will be ready to assume roles in September.

Board members and attendees took photos and the board acknowledged the students and staff. Organizers said additional ideas are being explored for next year, including a Marauder Market (school store), a welcome week in September and fundraising for author visits.

The presentation closed with several student readings and brief remarks from program participants about leadership, responsibility and community service. The board did not take a formal vote on establishing the program during the session; the presentation served to inform the board and public about current activities and upcoming fundraising plans.