Making birthdays a little happier
Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn fourth graders participate in 'Project Jack'
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The H-M-S fourth grade class poses with their birthday kits prior to donating them to Upper Des Moines Opportunity in Primghar.
Fourth graders at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary spread some love recently with a donation to Upper Des Moines Opportunity (UMDO).
The students put together birthday kits containing goodies like candy, cake, frosting, cake pans, banners, plates, party hats, glow sticks and other items as part of a Project Jack grant obtained by the school. Fourth grade teacher Kim Dokter said the project came at the perfect time, as the class was in the middle of completing the "Civic Virtues and Democratic Principles Impacting Change, Continuity and Conflict" unit in social studies.
"They have learned that being an active participant as a citizen is part of our responsibility," she said. "With this project, they fulfilled their responsibility."
In addition to spreading some love, the contributions also allowed students to learn about budgeting and comparing prices.
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H-M-S fourth graders pack birthday kits as part of 'Project Jack.
Dokter was informed about the Project Jack grant by elementary Principal Ashley Benz. It only applies to children in fourth grade, which is why only one class level participated at H-M-S.
The grant is named after Jack Lindaman, who died at the age of 6 in February 2010 due to complications from spinal muscular atrophy. The Realtor Foundation of Iowa created a fund to help students across Iowa to participate in Project Jack. With grant contributions, Lindaman's memory and loving spirit live on through the good deeds of children.
H-M-S received $250 to use on the birthday kit donations to UMDO. Dokter said her students' hearts were big when they compiled the kits, even adding their own contributions from home.
"Some of the kids brought in sticker sheets and like-new books for a little 'goodie' to be part of the kit," Dokter said. "I have been blessed with students that were raised with such caring hearts."
