Dawson students take pride in participating in projects that benefit the community. By contributing time and effort, the students learn good work ethic, a sense of relating to the community, and, most importantly, the good feelings and pride that occur when one gives of oneself. Dawson's mission is to prepare our students to be hard-working, well-rounded, caring, responsible, critical thinking individuals.
Kindergarten classes collect gently used clothes, toys, and books for the Catholic Charities Preschool. They also make bibs for the infants in the center.

In collaboration with Sunlake Terrace Assisted Living, Dawson First Graders “adopt” grandfriends with whom to share experiences and establish friendships.

Second Graders participate in the Insight Program where they learn to get to know and assist visually impaired people.

Students in Fifth Grade have established two recycling projects. They collect used cell phones which are refurbished for use in South American countries where land lines are not available. Proceeds from this program and a toner cartridge recycling project benefit the Dawson Scholarship Fund.

Sixth Graders are involved with people with disabilities. They assist with the Special Olympics and with the Annual Disability Fair.

Seventh Graders hold bake sales to help the Heaven Can Wait Pet Sanctuary.

Eighth Graders serve lunch at the Catholic Charities soup kitchen in the fall.

The school community also participates in an annual gingerbread event, proceeds from which go to a building fund at two schools in Haiti.

The school also works with United Blood Services.