Empowering students with language-based learning differences
The Siena School Blog
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Welcome to Siena's blog, your source for helpful, cutting-edge resources tailored to teachers, parents, and other advocates in the learning differences community. We are dedicated to providing a wealth of curated knowledge spanning various topics, ranging from dyslexia advocacy and awareness to classroom teaching strategies, heritage month profiles, and social and emotional health.
MLK Day Volunteering and Service Opportunities
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on Monday January 20th this year. This important holiday provides students and their families with a great chance to give back to their local community on a national day of service.
Below are some options for students to volunteer time in the DC metropolitan area—either for the MLK holiday weekend or at other times this year.
Volunteer Opportunities in the DC Area
- See Volunteer Fairfax’s MLK Jr. Week of Service 2025 or Montgomery County’s MLK Day of Service & Volunteer Fair for opportunities offered by the county.
- Montgomery County parks has information about park cleanups in the area. In addition, Josiah Henson Museum and Park in Bethesda is holding a special Family Day event on Monday, January 20th, between 10:00am and 4:00pm. Learn more here.
- Girls on the Run Montgomery County and Northern Virginia have opportunities for junior coaches, race volunteers, and more. Fill out the interest form on their website.
- Animal lovers could look into shelters and similar organizations such as Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County, Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center, and Humane Rescue Alliance. The Montgomery County Humane Society has opportunities for group service projects to collect donations for animals, and Homeward Trails Animal Rescue in Virginia has a program for youth volunteers. (Note: Animal rescue organizations usually require parent or guardian accompaniment for volunteers under 18. See their websites for specifics.)
- Food accessibility organizations such as DC Capital Area Food Bank, Shepherd’s Table, Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, Manna Food Center, and Nourish Now always need volunteers to sort, pack, and distribute food to those experiencing food insecurity.
Additional Resources for Families
- Small Things Matter (serving families in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, and Rockville, MD)
- Fairfax Youth & Family Volunteering
- Teen Volunteer Opportunities | Fairfax County Libraries
- Montgomery County Volunteer Center
- Volunteer Opportunities in Washington, DC | TeenLife
The Siena School proudly serves students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in grades 3-12 on campuses in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Oakton, Virginia.