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Byrd students donate blankets to pediatric patients

On Tuesday, Sept. 15, students at Admiral Byrd Elementary School, Elk Grove Village, took perhaps one of the simplest creative forms one can imagine - a dot - and created something extraordinary.

In celebration of International Dot Day, first-graders at Byrd not only expressed the creativity of students in CCSD59, but also their compassion.

International Dot Day began Sept. 15, 2009, in honor of the publication anniversary of a book called "The Dot." The book, written by Peter H. Reynolds, tells the story of a caring teacher who dares a resistant student to "make her mark," which begins with a simple dot on a piece of paper.

The student, Vashti, sets off on a journey of learning about herself, and the story ends with her inspiring others.

Since 2009, International Dot Day has quickly caught on and is now a day to celebrate creativity, self-expression, bravery, connection, art, sharing and, quite simply, dots.

Reynolds himself suggests drawing with dots, looking for dots in everyday life, playing a new instrument, creating something new or reconnecting the dots with an old friend.

Dot Day was brought to Byrd by first-grade teacher Sara Magnafichi, who was inspired by the book and wanted her class to participate. Another first-grade class, taught by Rebecca Zigman, quickly jumped on board.

To celebrate the spirit of the event, students made no-sew, dot-themed blankets for children hospitalized at Alexian Brothers Women and Children's Hospital in Hoffman Estates. Copies of "The Dot," boxes of crayons and drawing pads were donated to go along with each blanket.

"The students wanted children in the hospital to know that other children are thinking about them, and to encourage them to be brave," said Mary Ellen Esser, Admiral Byrd's principal.

On Thursday, Sept. 16, Magnafichi and Zigman delivered the blankets and other donations to the Alexian Brothers Child Life Team.

Magnafichi added that students feel great compassion for the hospitalized children.

"Everyone has been sick before, and many students have visited hospitals for various reasons," she said. "What's better than a comfy blanket, a good book and new crayons to color with to assist in helping others feel better, be brave and make their mark?"

First-grader Kaylee R., who helped make blankets, agreed. When asked what children receiving the donations would say about them, Kaylee responded, "They would say it's amazing! And some may think, 'I don't like this blanket.' But only some."

To close the circle of events, students entered a Twitter competition that asked what three words best describe what Dot Day is all about. Students from Byrd won the competition, and the class will receive a signed copy of another Peter Reynolds book, "Ish," as the winning prize.

Their three words? Mindset, strength and bravery.

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First-grader Jacob Meiners and volunteer helper Sharon Dean work together on a no-sew blanket at Admiral Byrd Elementary School. The blankets were created on International Dot Day and donated to the pediatric unit of Alexian Brothers Women and Children's Hospital in Hoffman Estates. Courtesy of district 59
First-grade teacher Sara Magnafichi smiles at her student, Stella Diakatos, while working on a no-sew blanket at Admiral Byrd elementary school on International Dot Day. The blankets were donated to the pediatric unit of Alexian Brothers Women and Children's Hospital in Hoffman Estates. Courtesy of district 59
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