Simsbury High School Students Meet Goal With Third Annual Toy Drive

Simsbury High School (SHS) students sponsored their third annual Toy Drive & Stuff-a-Cruiser Event, which began on December 3 and culminated in the loading of over 250 toys into Simsbury Police cruisers on December 17.

The idea was conceived by engineering teacher David Saloniaʼs “SHS Connect” class two years ago during a community service brainstorming session. Salonia said, “We were asked by Assistant Principal Ken Pera to develop a community service project. The kids put their heads together and then voted for the best idea. The Toy Drive was the overwhelming winner.”

The SHS Toy Drive is conducted with Simsbury Police, through their annual Stuff-a-Cruiser event. Donated toys are transported by Simsbury Police to the Hartford Salvation Army for final distribution to children in the Hartford area. This year’s total of more than 250 exceeded last year’s total of over 150 toys collected. Students promoted the event by making posters, posting fliers, and airing announcements. In addition, students in Daniel Warner’s Digital Video Production class produced a special Trojan News video spot. Finally, a huge, red box was placed in the main lobby to collect donations.

“The box at the entrance of the school provided a convenient collection point and daily reminder for everyone to bring in a new, unwrapped toy. SHS Connect classes and other school organization members, including the National Business Honor Society have partnered in this event. It’s a fun and meaningful event during this holiday season,” Salonia said.

As an added incentive, the top donating homerooms—students in the National Business Honor Society and in the homerooms of teachers Lisa Abel, Deborah Manning, Kailee Donovan, and Judith Trout—were invited to stuff the cruiser alongside the Simsbury Police. The grand prize was a pizza party for the highest donating homeroom, or SHS Connect class.

SHS Connect is the name of the SHS homeroom period. Students in grades 9, 10, and 11 are required to participate in SHS Connect, which meets twice weekly. During this time, students learn to apply the “Trojan Code” principles of Respect, Honor, and Responsibility to all of their behaviors, both inside and outside of school. In addition, students learn “SMART” goal setting, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork—21st century skills that can be applied to all facets of their lives. Most importantly, students learn how to give back to their community.

Salonia expressed thanks to all teachers, students, parents, and staff members who contributed to this overwhelmingly successful community outreach. He commented, “The SHS Toy Drive and Stuff-a-Cruiser Events are fine examples of what students can do to make our corner of the world a better place.”

Photo courtesy of Simsbury High School