By DIANE R. CHODAN
OBSERVER Staff Writer
BROCTON - While the lesson won't be found in a textbook, students at the Brocton Elementary School are learning an important life lesson: they can make a difference in their community.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan
Tim Shields’ class poses near the mitten tree. From left: Chance West, Courtney Sanders, Caleb Sprague, Morgan Warlikowski, Landyn Lewellyn, Dominic Seavy, Donald Bloss, Nathyn Rodriguez. Back: Teacher Tim Shields.
"These kids want to do something for others," Elementary Principal Sandra Olson said. "Everyone has participated, including those who have challenging situations themselves."
Three decorated Christmas trees in their building offer opportunities to experience the joy of giving.
Beautiful Christmas smiles and wonderful manners were evident as children posed around the trees and near the truck that delivered extra staples from an anonymous business for the donation to the Portland Food Pantry.
The tree in Olson's office is the food tree. Underneath it, students have placed food items that will be donated to the Portland Food Pantry. Students from Stephanie Aniszewski's third- grade students: Mackenzie Abbey, Robert Blakemore, Andrew Boland, Micaya Burns, Elizabeth Burridge, Anne Campbell, Emily Coleman, Damion Dalton, Maxwell Doner, Nicholas Dotson, Mason Guthrie, Mark Haase II, Conner Huels, Ryan Laurito, Jordon Paff, Lauren Przybycian, Angeline Rexford, Lorin Rizzo, Savannah Steckman, Grace Sunday, Connor Utegg, Jena Vacanti, posed with their teacher and principal.
A tree near the entrance to the elementary school is the animal tree. The items near this tree were pet supplies and even included an animal's sleeping basket. These things will go to Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue in Westfield and Lakeshore Humane Society in Dunkirk. Ashley Zambotti's class posed with Barb Knopp, speech and hearing teacher. Students are: Nicholas Santiago, Austin Spears, Alex Daniels, Tannon Harper, Francis Warlikowski, Faith Kneer and Staci Abers.
The mitten and hat tree is located in the outer office. A colorful variety of mittens, gloves, and hats adorn its branches. The items from this tree stay in the school. During the coming months, the teachers and staff will give the items to the students who are in need of warm items to bundle up against the cold. Students from Tim Shield's class, Chance West, Courtney Sanders, Caleb Sprague, Morgan Warlikowski, Landyn Lewellyn, Dominic Seavy, Donald Bloss, Nathyn Rodriguez, happily showed their Christmas spirit around that tree.
Barbara Bromsted's second-grade class bundled up to go outside to meet the truck containing donations from the anonymous business donor. Students Rachel Giambra, Jacob Frost, Abbigail Miller, Nikki Head, Brandon Shepard, Porter Walters, Naida Almestica, Olivia Logsdon, Jack Whitaker, Kadence Moon-VanGiesen, Bianca Walker, Neveah Krauter posed with Jim Shutt who made the delivery and Bromsted and Olson.
"The students are so excited about giving," Second-grade teacher Dawn Bates said.
Trina Miller, who works in the elementary office, agreed.
"They come in with smiles," she said.
Donations can be made until Dec. 19.
Send comments on this story to dchodan@observertoday.com
