Templeton Middle School (TMS) Student Council members visit 4K students at Rogers Street Academy in Milwaukee to deliver new winter clothes, books and toys. The December 12 visit was the culmination of a classroom adoption project which involved collecting donations, wrapping gifts and spending time with the 4K students.
“It was a very special experience,” shares Templeton Middle School Student Council Member Madeline Ernst, who says she is grateful to have been part of the experience. “I really enjoyed seeing the looks on their faces when they opened their gifts and realized they could keep them! Omari was so excited when he got his new boots and exclaimed to everyone, ‘my boots, my boots, my new boots!’”
“Our student council members work tirelessly to bring this event to life, supported by the generosity of our community,” explains Templeton Middle School Teacher and Student Council Advisor Dr. Mary Caucutt. “From organizing lists and gifts to wrapping presents, our TMS students build responsibility and organizational skills, and true leaders begin to emerge,” adds Caucutt.
This is the fourth year TMS Student Council has collected items for Rogers Street Academy. This year, a total of thirty-five 4K students received individual gift boxes complete with boots, coats, snow pants, hats, gloves and toys. In addition, each child also received books thanks to Templeton Middle School Library and Technology Literacy Coach Anita Paque, who helped to select age-appropriate reading materials. Rogers Street Academy teachers also received classroom supplies.
“One thing that I loved about the Rogers Street Academy trip was watching the kids light up when they received their gifts,” says Templeton Middle School Student Council Member Claire Miller. “I think it is important to help our community as much as possible and this is one of the ways we as a school can do that.”
Templeton Middle School Teacher Megan Karabon says she is so grateful to have been part of the special day. “Seeing the pure joy and sparkle on the faces of the children is exactly what the holiday season is all about,” exclaims Karabon. “The whole experience was magic and a reminder of how exciting this time of year is through the eyes of a child. This is a core memory day for sure!”
“The moment that matters most is seeing the joy of our 4K students as they open their gifts,” describes Caucutt. “The smiling, the hugging – all of it reminds our council members of the real difference they can make and that is the true meaning of being a leader: making a positive impact on others.”