Rex Reeves and Matthew Bergner came early to school on Thursday to participate in the before school North Mianus School Gives Back project. Feb 8, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
On Thursday morning at North Mianus School, about 30 kids turned out for an optional before-school program called “North Mianus School Gives Back.”
“As part of the school’s safe school climate initiative, we’ve bridged the committee with the PTA,” said grade 3 teacher Elaina Weaver, who had a chance to see her own daughter in action decorating a card and gift bag that would later be filled with candy and sent to Kids in Crisis.
“This was the brainchild of the PTA presidents Kara Mendelsohn and Adelia Piazza,” Ms. Weaver said.
The project was but one in a series that has included making Christmas ornaments that the children brought to Nathaniel Witherell. While there they decorated a Christmas tree and stayed to sing Jingle Bells to the residents. The children have also made sandwiches for homeless people in Stamford.
“I like doing this because I know it’s going to make the kids feel happy,” said Ava Mendelsohn, a second grader. “My grandpa goes to the train station in Stamford and delivers food. So then we made ham and cheese sandwiches and decorated the bags. They also had Dunkin Donuts gift cards in them.”
Calvin, Colm, Luke, Graham and Brian, in grades 3-5. Feb 8, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
As the children drew hearts, rainbows, and happy wishes to the children who would eventually receive their gifts, their kindness toward one another was equally notable.
Kids from all grades worked together, laughed and chatted, which is unique in an elementary school where students are grouped throughout the day by homeroom and grade level.
During the session the kids watched a short video by Kid President on how to change the world.
The message was fitting: “A title doesn’t make you more important,” Kid President said. “The world is changed by ordinary people.”
Gwen, Aquinnah and Ellery in grades 3 and 5 worked together to decorate bags for kids at Kids in Crisis. Feb 8, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Beatrice and Tommy decorated bags for kids at Kids in Crisis. Feb 8, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Second graders Ava and Natalie decorated bags for kids at Kids in Crisis. Feb 8, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Courtney and Albert decorated bags for kids at Kids in Crisis. Feb 8, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Meghan, Norah and Lily decorated bags for kids at Kids in Crisis. Feb 8, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Annabelle and Lily decorated bags for kids at Kids in Crisis. Feb 8, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Reese and Allie decorated bags for kids at Kids in Crisis. Feb 8, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Caroline and Ale decorated bags for kids at Kids in Crisis. Feb 8, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Elaina Weaver and her daughter, Hannah, a 4th grader at North Mianus School. Feb 8, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Anabelle and Maeve ready to fill bags with candy and notes. The bags will be delivered to Kids in Crisis. Feb 8, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager