Seattle Unity Church Supports “Planting the Seeds”, a Transformative Service Learning Experience for TOPS K-8 Students

TOPS K-8, a Seattle Public School, partnered with Seattle Unity Church, which generously provided overnight accommodations for students and chaperones during the annual “Planting the Seeds” program, a capstone experience for 8th-grade students held March 18-20. This three-day immersive experience provided 60 students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful service learning, reflection, and community-building while volunteering with 25 non-profit organizations across Seattle. Equipped only with paper maps and no electronic devices, students worked together to navigate the city by foot, bus, and light rail to serve local food banks, shelters, and housing agencies, including Aurora Commons, Beacon Food Forest, and Recovery Café.

Rooted in TOPS K-8’s commitment to social justice and compassionate citizenship, “Planting the Seeds” aims to be a transformative program designed to foster empathy, civic responsibility, and a deeper connection to the community. Thanks to the generosity of Seattle Unity Church, students enjoyed a welcoming overnight space for meals, rest, play and reflection, creating lasting memories and strengthening their dedication to social justice.

On behalf of the TOPS K-8 community, thank you to everyone at Seattle Unity Church for hosting our students and welcoming us with such warmth and generosity. We are extremely grateful for your support – this experience wouldn’t have been possible without you.

TOPS K-8 (The Option School at Seward) is a Seattle Public School with the following vision:
We are creating a school that empowers students to be active participants, leaders, learners, and contributors to social justice.
Learn more about “Planting the Seeds.”

Article, photos, permissions submitted by Kerry Quinn, TOPS K-8 Planting the Seeds Volunteer.  Thank you, Kerry!  We loved having you and TOPS K-8 students!