Browning strives to inspire Boys find purpose in new social impact partnerships

Browning boys are reaching far beyond 62nd Street to work on service projects that allow them to contribute meaningfully to the world while increasing school spirit.

A new partnership with Grassroots Grocery, which fills community fridges with fresh produce to fight food insecurity, is one example of this. At the opening of a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Upper East Side’s firstever refrigerator last fall with several classmates and faculty, Jonathan M. ’23 noted, “The atmosphere was filled with pride, appreciation, and hope. The feelings of the crowd as they clapped and cheered for the initiative were contagious. Having worked in many food pantries, we know this service work is a difficult thing to accomplish, but it is a worthwhile challenge in the long run.”

The mission of Grassroots Grocery resonated with boys at an assembly in October that was devoted to service and how Browning’s core values can help our boys find purpose in their lives. Grassroots Grocery’s founder, Daniel Zaruder, said that individuals can uphold the dignity of all people when helping others. “It’s a two-way street after all, as the provider could someday be the one in need,” he said.

Daniel’s Music Foundation, which specializes in music and disability awareness programs, has partnered with Browning to cultivate an understanding in our boys that talent comes in all shapes and forms. “They’re learning how to have empathy rather than sympathy,” Naledi Semela, Director of Equitable Practices and Social Impact, said, “In studying topics such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the progress that needs to be made for disabled people in everyday life, we hope that the boys will become the voice of inclusion and belonging as they go out into the world.”

Another partnership is with Riley’s Way, a nonprofit committed to fostering youth leadership. “We’re proud to be the first all-boys chapter, as we demonstrate to our boys that they can lead through kindness and empathy,” Mr. Semela said. Through our partnership with Riley’s Way, a cohort of Upper Schoolers offers additional support to nonprofits and promotes social impact opportunities at the School for other boys to consider. The club has most recently helped promote Grassroots Grocery efforts, student-led hurricane relief fundraisers, and food drives.

“Browning’s mission charges us with preparing the boys to contribute meaningfully to our world,” Mr. Semela said, “and we couldn’t be more proud of our boys for embracing these social impact activities with their whole selves.”

Speaker encourages community to find the magic in Middle School

In October, author and acclaimed educator Chris Balme spoke to Browning families and faculty about tapping into the positive potential of the middle school years.

Drawing on his experience as a middle school founder and principal, as well as on the latest neuroscience, Mr. Balme provided practical advice to reimagine early adolescence as something to celebrate, rather than something to endure.

Head of Middle School Ophelia Ma said, “In the inevitable moments when our middle schoolers say or do something we find exasperating, I hear faculty asking themselves and each other: What developmental need is this behavior trying to meet? Mr. Balme helped us find more empathy and joy in walking as companions alongside the boys.”

Chess Panthers celebrate love of the game with families

Family Chess Night, a wonderful celebration of the game of chess and the spirit of Browning, returned for the first time in three years last November. Many Lower Schoolers attended with their siblings, parents, and even grandparents for a night of friendly competition. “It’s always so rewarding for me to see how many of our boys truly love the game of chess and how they learn to excel in it,” Head of Lower School Eric Ogden says, “Coach Giorgi and his team are incredibly skillful at breaking down the strategy of chess for the boys while promoting gamesmanship, team spirit, and fun at the same time.”