Students at Sunnymead and Woods Road elementary schools pitched in to collect books and money for the students of James Monroe Elementary School in Edison. A fire destroyed that elementary school in late March.
Sunnymead students and families donated more than 15 large boxes of books in a two-week effort to support students in the nearby school district. The books were boxed by students and delivered to the Edison Township Board of Education.
Woods Road School donated more than $1,000 and collected more than 250 books. On Tuesday, May 6, students were rewarded for reaching the top goal. As promised by their principal, Jodi Howe, the students gathered on the side lawn to participate in a school-wide chicken dance. The dance was led by Ms. Howe while standing on the roof of the school wearing a chicken hat.
Both schools used the projects as part of their school’s character education program to reinforce the traits of "citizenship" and "caring."
"Sunnymead students and their families responded immediately and generously to the needs of students in a neighboring community," said Dr. Jenkins. "This project truly brought the abstract character traits of citizenship and caring to light for our students."
The Sunnymead project was also initiated by Julie West, a school guidance counselor.
