Iola Middle School students and faculty are doing what they can to improve their fellow students’ holiday experience this year.
“Within our own building there are many families,” for whom times are tough, IMS Principal Jack Stanley said.
For the past several years, teachers have been paired with students to provide ingredients for a full Thanksgiving meal for 15 families. The food includes a turkey, stuffing and all of the other traditional Thanksgiving amenities — including a fresh-baked pumpkin pie.
Regina Young, math lab teacher, has been working with her students to make the 15 pies for the students’ families. The math students have made all of the measurements and portioning for the pies.
Stanley said some meals will be delivered, families will pick up others. A letter was sent home with the students, saying that meals were available for those with a “real need” this year.
“Some of them do come to us and say, ‘We could really use some help this Thanksgiving,’” Stanley said. “This time of year is hard, it’s hard for the kids. I’m absolutely sure it’s hard for them (the families) to ask.”
For the meals, one teacher is assigned to 12 students for the meal. They do all of the shopping for the ingredients, and the meal will be ready to cook for families.
“What I certainly want the kids to learn is helping others is so important,” Stanley said. “It’s about what they give.”
IMS helps those in need – COMMUNITY SHARES THANKSGIVING SPIRIT
