HOWELL – Last month, 5th grade students at Memorial Elementary School worked together to organize a plan to help families in need within their own community.
Memorial School is a grades 3 to 5 school, part of the Howell Township School District. As a part of the school’s commitment to community service, a grade level builds a community service project each trimester and runs it on their own. Principal Ray Gredder said this is part of Memorial’s character education program, P.A.W.S (Positive Actions Will Shine).
During this winter season, the 5th graders made the decision to start a holding a gift card drive. With help from the school, 12 families in need were identified.
Students created posters, promoted the gift card drive by visiting classrooms, and made morning announcements. They also collected and counted all the money.
“As their teachers, we were so proud of how hard the students worked to spread the word about their project and how dedicated they were to the cause,” 5th grade teacher Michele Casler said. “The students would return from collecting with big smiles and were very happy when we surpassed our school goals. It was all about helping our Bulldog community and we couldn’t have been more grateful for everyone’s generosity.”
Benchmarks were made for students to feel motivated are reach their fundraising goals. Initially, their goal was to raise $300 with benchmarks at $100 (schoolwide pajama day), $200 (schoolwide No Homework Day) and $300 (Schoolwide Dance Party). However, they have reached far past their goal, collecting $1,000. Due to their hard work, the school hosted all three rewards the week of January 3, Principal Gredder said.
“It was fun working together to give back to our community,” student Lia Isaacs said.
Student Georgiana Diamandids said, “I loved helping those in need!”
“I liked the feeling of knowing I helped brighten our community for the holidays,” student Peyton Palmieri said.
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