CCSD21 students support hurricane relief efforts

Fourth graders from Kilmer Elementary School sprang to action to support students in Houston following the devastation left behind in Hurricane Harvey's wake. Together the school raised more than $1,357 in September.

After seeing news coverage of Hurricane Harvey and learning about natural disasters, Kilmer students were motivated to raise money for students in Houston. The fourth graders devised a plan to raise money, including making posters and flyers, creating a video, and promoting the fundraiser to the school community. They extended their learning by creating emergency preparedness plans for their families after researching the effects of natural disasters on humans and analyzing nonfiction text.

"We saw our school motto, "Be the Change," come to life as our students took the lead in identifying a plan to help others," said Matthew Lombardo, Principal at Kilmer Elementary School. "I'm so proud of the positive impact our students are having on the world, and of our teachers for embracing this student-driven effort and guiding them in this authentic learning project."

Inspired by the leadership of her older classmates, Sofia, a kindergarten student at Kilmer, coordinated a bake sale with her family. Together they raised $110 to benefit the Kilmer fundraiser.

Other CCSD21 schools also participated in hurricane relief efforts. Longfellow Elementary School students are collecting items to donate, like clothing, school supplies, and cleaning supplies. Students at Riley Elementary School coordinated a car wash. Through the car wash and other fundraising efforts, Riley students raised $1371 to benefit three adopted classrooms in Texas.