Dec 22, 2016 - âWe talked in class about how giving to charity has become a ... many, or even any, toys, and may not r
Giving Programs
Ripples of Kindness Longfellow Elementary first graders have been working to share kindness since school began in August as part of their schoolwide “100KindLions” project – they are actively looking for daily opportunities to be the reason another person smiles. That includes ways to show kindness during the holiday season, too. “We talked in class about how giving to charity has become a holiday tradition,” said Longfellow teacher Regan Teslaw. “Our discussions turned to how there are kids in Fargo that don’t have many, or even any, toys, and may not receive presents for the holidays either.” So, when her students recently achieved a class goal and earned a show-and-tell party, Teslaw’s students decided to hold a “show-and-tell toy-to-donate” event. They each selected a toy from home, brought it to school to show their classmates, and wrote a note about their toy to be passed along with their donation to other kids in need. Then they had one last play time with their beloved toys. “The notes were so kind, and they really took this idea to a level I never expected,” shared Teslaw. The toys will be donated to other students within the District. The first graders at Longfellow aren’t the only ones learning important lessons about kindness and the rewards of giving during the holiday season. Many of the other 22 schools within the Fargo School District hold some sort of giving program with their students and/or staff members. Some focus on giving to students in need within their own building, while others focus on helping community members. Recipients range from students and families in need of food or warm clothing, to members of our community who are homeless, to military service men and women. Donations run the gamut from purchasing gift cards to local businesses and restaurants, collecting pocket coins in red kettles, to bringing in warm gloves, hats, socks, and boots. Students who bring in a donation for Bennett Elementary School’s warm clothing drive to benefit other Bennett families get a public acknowledgement of their action: donors put their first name on a paper ornament to be hung on a tree and garland in the school’s lobby area. The decorations add to the school’s visual holiday spirit. More than 150 items have been collected for students at the school. Continued… 1
By Lisa Farnham ©2016 Fargo Public Schools
Giving Programs, continued
The Fargo Public Schools Federal Credit Union (FPS FCU) has been holding an annual “giving tree” since 1997 for its members (most of whom are FPS employees and their families) to provide a gift for a student from across the District who would otherwise not receive a present during the holiday season. The students are recommended for participation in the FPS FCU Giving Tree program by their school counselor and remain anonymous to the giver. Gift requests from the students range from basic clothing and grooming supplies to modest toys, and are recorded on a paper ornament hung on the tree. This year, more than 130 students will receive a gift purchased and wrapped by FPSFCU members. “The response each year is overwhelming. It’s truly wonderful to see the generosity of our members to support these students in need,” said Jodi Harms, who has organized the Credit Union’s Giving Tree program for the past three years. “It just warms your heart to know these students will have a special gift to open this time of year.” Lincoln Elementary first graders have also made the connection that giving is equally as rewarding as getting a gift. “My students shared how they felt when they receive a gift, and then how they felt when they give a gift,” said teacher Stephanie Baumgardner. “The feelings are very similar. As a class, we decided to give a gift to all the amazing teachers and staff that impact our learning every day.” The students decided to dip pretzels in chocolate for their gift. When they delivered the finished product to Lincoln staff members, they even sang a song about giving. Sometimes gifts aren’t about filling a need, but are about providing an unexpected reward. These acts of giving, when added up, create many ripples of kindness across our District. It is part of what makes up “Fargo nice” culture – we are surrounded by nice people, doing nice things for others, making Fargo a nice place to live and learn. #FPSfamily #FPSproud
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