My 4th Grade Classroom
Donation protected
Last week, we celebrated Halloween in the classroom. The kids were ecstatic to dress up in their costumes, stomp around school in the parade, and eat pizza and watch movies in the afternoon.
In order to pay for the party, teachers asked parents to donate $3 so they could order food and other treats for the kiddos.
The kids had a great time and we all left around 4PM, crossing our fingers that the students didn't come back to school the next morning on a sugar-high.
When we returned on Tuesday morning, I asked a couple students why they weren't there. It was unusual that so many kids wouldn't come to a day of fun at school.
Every one of their responses was the same.
"My mom didn't have the three dollars so she didn't want to send me to school."
When I asked the staff about it, they explained to me that this wasn't unusual. 87% of our student population qualify for the free/reduced lunch program. And many parents sit their kids out of events that cost money (e.g. classroom parties, field trips, etc.) A lot of them are either 1) struggling to make ends meet or 2) uninvolved in their child's life.
Because of this, my students don't get to enjoy these small little events that truly MAKE these years so memorable.
I never want my kids to feel that they have to miss out on these special experiences because of financial reasons. Whether it be a Halloween party or a trip to the zoo, my kids deserve to be at school, each and every day, and not feel forced to stay home because they can't afford to participate in an activity.
That is why I am fundraising for the 4th grade class. Will you consider donating $3 to support one of our students for our Thanksgiving party this month?
In order to pay for the party, teachers asked parents to donate $3 so they could order food and other treats for the kiddos.
The kids had a great time and we all left around 4PM, crossing our fingers that the students didn't come back to school the next morning on a sugar-high.
When we returned on Tuesday morning, I asked a couple students why they weren't there. It was unusual that so many kids wouldn't come to a day of fun at school.
Every one of their responses was the same.
"My mom didn't have the three dollars so she didn't want to send me to school."
When I asked the staff about it, they explained to me that this wasn't unusual. 87% of our student population qualify for the free/reduced lunch program. And many parents sit their kids out of events that cost money (e.g. classroom parties, field trips, etc.) A lot of them are either 1) struggling to make ends meet or 2) uninvolved in their child's life.
Because of this, my students don't get to enjoy these small little events that truly MAKE these years so memorable.
I never want my kids to feel that they have to miss out on these special experiences because of financial reasons. Whether it be a Halloween party or a trip to the zoo, my kids deserve to be at school, each and every day, and not feel forced to stay home because they can't afford to participate in an activity.
That is why I am fundraising for the 4th grade class. Will you consider donating $3 to support one of our students for our Thanksgiving party this month?
Organizer
Divya Budhraja Mathur
Organizer
Harrogate, TN