By

Nicole Osmundson,   Robert Frost Elementary School

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Community Involvement

Robert Frost/Challenge Center Fuel Up to Play 60 program, led by 4th and 5th grade Wellness Council students, challenged students to bring in coins to fill up pint containers, then 1/2 gallon milk containers and finally gallon containers in order to raise money for the local food pantry specifically for milk purchases. After investigating, the students learned that milk is one of the most requested yet least donated items. Students formulated a plan to go to each classroom and explain the challenge, drop off collection milk cartons, make posters to hang around the school, make overhead morning announcements and finally deliver the check for $2348.76 to the food pantry. It was an amazing success!!!!! We had the 2 local TV stations and the local newspaper in attendance for the presentation of the check. Three winning classrooms tied for collecting the most amount of coins (1/2 gallon full and 1/4 gallon full) and received a catered breakfast from a local grocery store. The food pantry will be able to purchase at least 780 1/2 gallons of milk which will serve 780 families, almost 1 family for every student at our school.

How did you accomplish your goals?

Planning and clear directions were completed by the students wellness council. As program advisors, we sent out clear and concise communication to teachers but the students made individual classroom visits explaining the program, along with posters around the school and daily overhead announcements. We also incentivized the school with a free choice gym day and catered breakfast.