The students in Mrs. Maxfield’s fifth grade class wanted to spread some holiday cheer to young children who might otherwise not receive any. They decided to “adopt” a first grade class at IPS school number 55. Right away, they began to bring in gently-used clothing to share. They also brought in school supplies and games. Yet they wanted each child in the class to have their own Christmas present to unwrap.
So, the fifth-graders organized a candy sale to raise money. They earned enough to buy each first grader a stuffed teddy bear, pair of socks, addition/subtraction flash cards, hand cream for the girls, and silly putty and a Spiderman ball for the boys. Inside each individually wrapped gift was also a donated coloring book, toothbrush, and pencil grip. Each fifth-grader took a first-grader’s name and created a special card to put with the gift.
The true spirit of the season permeated the classroom as the students became impassioned with sharing with others and giving their time and energy to the little ones. Already, they have received a heart-felt thank-you from the first grade teacher. They look forward to receiving photos of the first graders opening their gifts.
And now the fifth-graders’ minds are moving on to next year………… “Maybe we can send Valentine’s Day cards to our first graders!”
