Fill-a-Backpack & School Supply Drive
John Jay Cheerleaders would like to thank everyone who donated the hundreds of dollars worth of school supplies, such as backpacks, crayons, calculators, paper towels, scissors, binders, folders, markers, pens, pencils, rulers, paper, glue sticks and hand sanitizer. Students who could otherwise not afford such supplies will now have those items for their use at the beginning of the school year. Thank you for caring about the needs of others.
TOGETHER - WE DID IT! We have provided every student in Mrs. Montagler 3rd grade class a backpack filled with school supplies, extra school supplies to replenish the need during the school year and learning materials for the classroom. We did it all in less than three weeks.
The students will each have a backpack on a desk when they walk in the first day of school and pick what backpack and seat they would like. Mrs. Montalegre is expecting tears from both the students and the parents. Can't wait to see the photos and videos.
CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES AND PHOTOS FROM MRS. MONTALEGRE!
Hi everyone! As I sit and write this, I can’t help but wipe tears away from my eyes. On Thursday, August 8th, I met 18 of my 22 third graders. Each student walked into my classroom with smiles on their faces and ready for the school year to begin. As I told them how you, our gracious donors, donated ALL of their school supplies and they were able to go choose their OWN backpack and seat, I saw their smiles and excitement. Although all of my parents were so appreciative, two moms in particular will always be remembered as they stood speechless with tearful eyes. They were so thankful and expressed their gratefulness to each and every one of you.
James M. Marlowe Elementary is a title 1 school, many of my students come from low economic households and use hand-me-downs or borrowed clothes, toys, and school supplies. Many of my families spend their time worrying about feeding their children or paying their bills, which in result causes many students to come to school unprepared with the necessary school supplies. Having their school supplies stocked and given the opportunity to choose their own, has a HUGE effect on my students. Each of my students are now fully supplied without the worry of “do I have the right utensils” or apprehension of asking with the fear of being judged.
I don’t think you will ever understand the impact your generosity has on my third-grade scholars. Instead of spending the first hour of our first day of school sorting through old supplies and writing their names on old, borrowed materials, we were able to spend the first hour reading one of my favorite books, “first day jitters” and enjoying “jitter juice.” My scholars were so full of happiness and joy and the day went by so well.
I can’t express the gratitude and thankfulness I have for this fundraiser. I wish you all were able to see their impact you had on my students and their families but I promise to continue sharing your impact and our learning experiences!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carolanne Montalegre & her students!