Holiday generosity alive in District 41
This holiday season I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of the communities we serve. There are countless examples of the selflessness of the people who make up our staff, parents, students and community members.
This is incredibly important as we know that it takes much more than classroom teaching and learning to support student success. As they say, it takes a village. When families in need are provided with the basics and communities help one another, it directly impacts students.
When students are hungry, stressed or have a low self-esteem, their basic needs are not being met and they therefore cannot focus on learning.
The perfect example of this generosity took place at Hadley Junior High School earlier this month. The Hadley health office and one of our teachers made a connection with the LensCrafters in Wheaton. They had learned that LensCrafters is affiliated with a charitable program called OneSight. Together, these organizations provide free vision care and eye wear to students.
Hadley staff took 20 students to LensCrafters and they spent an entire morning vision testing. All 20 students left LensCrafters that day wearing glasses. It was truly the gift of vision.
It is this type of support from teachers and staff, who seek opportunities for our students, that makes a difference in the lives of students.
The 20 students who received glasses are now able to better participate in class and fully engage in learning. The opportunity was more of an event than a doctor's visit for the students. In addition to the testing, students were treated to a meal.
It is these types of stories that make me realize how very fortunate we are to have such a giving and supportive staff and community.
Across the district, our schools and offices come together every holiday season to provide for families in need within our district boundaries.
This year, the District 41 PTA Holiday Sharing Program and our partners St. Petronille Church CCW, Village Green Baptist Church, and Westline Church served 195 families. It is incredible to think about each family receiving gift certificates for groceries, gift certificates for household items, as well as toys and books for the children.
We have such amazingly generous people in our district community. This additional support no doubt makes a positive difference in the lives of families and the children who are learning in our classrooms everyday.
This holiday season I say thank you to the members of our communities who provide additional support to the families we serve now and throughout the year. I wish you all a very happy and healthy new year.
• Paul Gordon is superintendent of Glen Ellyn Elementary District 41. His column appears monthly during the school year in Neighbor.