In order to pay for the party, teachers asked parents to donate $3 so they could order food and other treats for the kiddos.
The kids had a great time and we all left around 4PM, crossing our fingers that the students didn’t come back to school the next morning on a sugar-high.
When we returned on Tuesday morning, I asked a couple students why they weren’t there. It was unusual that so many kids wouldn’t come to a day of fun at school.
Every one of their responses was the same.
“My mom didn’t have the three dollars so she didn’t want to send me to school.”
When I asked the staff about it, they explained to me that this wasn’t unusual. 87% of our student population qualify for the free/reduced lunch program. And many parents sit their kids out of events that cost money (e.g. classroom parties, field trips, etc.) A lot of them are either 1) struggling to make ends meet or 2) uninvolved in their child’s life.
Because of this, my students don’t get to enjoy these small little events that truly MAKE these years so memorable.
I never want my kids to feel that they have to miss out on these special experiences because of financial reasons. Whether it be a Halloween party or a trip to the zoo, my kids deserve to be at school, each and every day, and not feel forced to stay home because they can’t afford to participate in an activity.
That is why I am fundraising for my 4th grade class on GoFundMe. Will you consider donating $3 to support one of our students for the Thanksgiving party this month?
Question of the Day:
- What is one of the most memorable parties/field trips you had as an elementary school kid?
That is amazing! A good reminder because at our school we give $22 at the beginning of the year to cover all the parties and teacher gifts. I’m in charge of collecting the money, and I haven’t heard back from some parents. The PTA policy is to remind once and if they don’t give, it’s ok. I’m happy to give their share because I’m lucky that I can
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That’s a great way to look at it. I think it’s hard for people who CAN to realize some people can’t. So it’s fortunate that there’s a member like you in the PTA who can empathize with parents who can’t make the donation! <3
you’re amazing and you know i love everything you do and about! donating now! 🙂 xo
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Thank you so much for your donation <3 You're so unbelievably sweet. A more detailed e-mail with all my thanks and gratitude is coming your way soon!! 🙂
This is so great of you to do! I hope it will help a lot of kids be able to enjoy all their school experiences.
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I know a number of teachers that wind up going out of pocket for things frequently. It’s great you’re trying to make sure all can be included.
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Every time there is a field trip I sponsor a child because some of them can get expensive and I don’t want kids missing out on all the cool things they do all year round.
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This is such a good cause! When I have a job and start making money again I would be happy to donate!
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I don’t have a lot of money, but I know how hard it is to be a teacher and that the expectation is your kids either get to have an activity or they don’t. Reading this really made me sad. (As an aside, great move making a blog post about it so others could learn about it). I will definitely donate tonight and PLEASE update to let us know if you meet your goal. My fingers are crossed for you and all the sweet kids!!!
Danielle | FollowMyGut.com <3
Yeah, I think that’s the toughest part about explaining this to people. Their natural response is, “Well, why do you continue having these things if the parents can’t afford them?” But I think that is everything that’s wrong with our education system in general. Our students at poor, rural, low-income schools are not getting the same experiences as kids in wealthier school districts. We shouldn’t be denying them opportunities and experiences. We should be finding ways to provide them with the same experiences – even if it takes a little creativity on the staff’s end.
Thanks for your sweet comment <3
What a great cause! My mom is a teacher and sees similar things.
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One of my most memorable trips is going to see the Lion King on Broadway in the 5th grade. My mom and my friend’s parents came along so it was awesome!
One of my most memorable trip is going to see the planetaruim with my school friends. The memory is still so vivid.
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This is a really sweet idea of you. These small things are ways in which you can show the children that there is always a way.
It’s so great of you to start the GoFundMe for the kids! They will appreciate it.
This is such a great idea and cause! I like the point of anything counts, no matter how small the donation.
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Wow
This actually made me a bit sad.
This is such a worthy cause, thank you for being so thoughtful for the kids 🙂
I can’t remember anything like this when i was in school i think its so lovely especially as it sounds like they wouldnt be getting anything like it at home.
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Awww this is not good and why these kids know about this money thing? Parents should have said something else in order to avoid it. This will really affect their mind that due to money they are not able to enjoy an important school event.
this is such a great cause!!!!! definitely going to donate + share!!!
Thank you so much <3 Any donation is greatly appreciated!
You are so kind and have a pure heart to your students.
My most memorable activity at school is also camping near the beach and parents who can’t contribute for a lil cash can bring a potluck instead. It turns out that every parenta bring potluck foods because they are worried that kids wouldn’t enjoy the foods they will buy.. hahaha and it was fun.
This is such a great thing you are doing! I will donate and share. Best of wishes to you and your lovely students. 🙂
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Thank you so much for your sweet comment and for passing the message along 🙂 I (and my kiddos!) really appreciate it <3
Good for you! No kids should have to miss the things that make school fun, you are amazing for starting the Go Fund me!
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The zoo. That was the best field trip. We also went on a three day trip to a camp one year which was exciting. I remember really missing home though after day two.
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Great cause, education is the most important thing for our children I commend you for what you are doing. Kids deserve the best.
What a great way to get the financial support you need for your students so those who can’t contribute don’t have to miss out.
I loved all my parties when I was in elementary school. It seemed like we had a party for everything and we all got to bring in a side dish or dessert, talk about the old days, lol. If we did have to bring cash for the parties, I remember that my parents left before us in the morning so if I didn’t ask for the money the night before I wouldn’t have it to scrounge through the change jar to get what I needed.
I now homeschool, but I remember how irritating the little monies required for fundraisers and other school events were. Sometimes they would simply fall on the wrong time of the month. I admire your love for your kids and that you are helping them with this fundraiser!
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Love you DIvya for doing this fund raiser. I got teary eyed reading about these young kids and their families. Would love to help and do whatever we can to make a difference in their lives specially for the upcoming Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays.
God Bless!!
Three dollars is a lot for some families, an entire meal even. What a great lesson on how we can help others who we may not even know need it!
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This is amazing! You are a great teacher for doing this. I know it must be hard for those kids and hope they get to participate.
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It is so sad and so true. We often forget how blessed we are even to have food on our table and we can be blind to the fact that many in the world (yes right here in America) don’t have this luxury. Good for you for making this happen for your students!
I like the option that our school gives families. On forms that come home parents that are able can contribute a couple extra dollars to help offset the cost for those who cannot contribute. Every little bit helps, our kids deserve to participate and make memories.
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Great idea to setup the gofundme account. $3 seems like such a small sum, but I know for some people that’s a lot of money. I hope your kids know how fortunate they are to have a caring teacher like you!
You are such a blessing to them. When I was a child, there were a lot of times I didn’t get to participate in school activities because of money. My dad was involved, but we struggle a lot financially.
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What a shame that some kids get to sit out such nice events because of financial constraints. Hope you raise enough money to support the kids
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I really didn’t have any parties as an elementary school kid. I do, however, remember a beautiful corsage my mother bought me for my ninth birthday.
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Last year I taught 1/2 day Kindergarten. My morning class was quite affluent, my afternoon not-so-much. I completely understand how hard this is. I hope they have a great Turkey-Day-Party!
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I will donate as soon as I get paid!
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You are such a beautiful soul, Divya. So much money is wasted on frivolous things. I love to pitch in too. Hope there are more people like you in this world.
Your students are so lucky to have a wonderful and caring teacher like you. Lots of love.
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That is a great idea! I love it. I know as a parent sometimes it hard to make enough money for everyone in the house is happy.
Good Teacher!
How I wish we all had caring teachers of your standard.
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Here in Uganda, we have online payment embargo; so may be I will have to contribute anytime once I secure my Equity Visa card!
Thanks for the work done.
God bless you!
I have to tip my hat to teachers who are REAL teachers. It’s a very difficult, and sometimes thankless job. How kind of you to go the extra mile to make sure all of the children in your class feel special. Keep up the great job.
Kids learn in so many ways and the gift of sharing and giving to others is an important lesson to learn. So little can go such a long way!
I can see how heart-breaking that would be. I wish you luck with you funding!