Written by: Toril Sanford - School Counselor at Heart River Elementary
This year has presented unforeseen challenges to communities across the world. Like so many other communities, Dickinson is filled with strong people who come together in times of need. Dickinson Public Schools' 10 Days of Giving event is the perfect example. All of our district schools have joined in, as well as the Dickinson Area Public Library, Simnioniw Family Chiropractic, Gate City Bank, Consolidated, Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Dickinson Public Schools Foundation.
Traditionally, each school has held its own charitable events, but in light of the new hardships this year, the district school social workers and school counselors wanted to create an event responsive to those needs. A district-wide event allowed the community to become involved easily and promoted an inclusive attitude. It has also been a great way to let people know about the DPS Pantry and Closet. The pantry and closet are coordinated by the school social workers and are available to all families with a student in the Dickinson Public School District. Open hours are Tuesdays from 2:00–4:30 p.m.
Here at Heart River Elementary, we have been able to incorporate the Positivity Project (P2). P2 promotes 24 universal character traits and the Other People Matter mindset; the lessons work towards strengthening those traits and that mindset in our school community. It has been so easy for our staff members to incorporate the 10 Days of Giving in these conversations. In Mrs. Koffler's class, she said, "[Through P2] they have learned some great new skills about being a good citizen in our world… Many of the students were excited to give and to help others that do not have as much as they do." Now, more than ever, it is essential for kids to understand how to be a strong community member.
The classes were also able to color posters tying P2 to the event. Mrs. Bishop shared that in her special education class, "We talk about how people help us when we are hurt… and they help us when we are sad by helping us to be happy. While we were coloring [the poster], we talked about how we can help people by giving them things they need… how friends are kind to us and how we can be kind to others because we are helping them with things they need."
The kids truly connect with these concepts and get so excited by the positive impact we are having in the community. Chloe Tuhy, a 5th grade student, shared, “It makes me super happy to help families on Christmas. It also makes me realize how lucky I am to have the things I do.” Throughout the weeks of December 7th to the 18th, we raised a total of 1,619 food items, 848 other items, and $150. These other items range from clothing to hygiene products to household cleaning supplies. All of them are essential needs for our district families. We greatly appreciate all of our families and our community members as they give so much of themselves, whether it is time, money, items, or their character strengths. Our kids see that example, and by seeing it, they know that they are essential too.
Thank you for being a light in the darkness and a hope to our kids.