Franklin Students Grow Giving Tree

From Pottstown School District Director of Community Relations John J. Armato:

Students at grew a Giving Tree for the holiday season. 

The fruits of that tree included dozens of mittens, gloves, winter hats, and several hundred pounds of canned goods which were donated to the local Salvation Army. 

The school-wide project was initiated by West Chester University student teachers Tracey Pinelli and Stephanie Fallahee.

Second graders in Mrs. Cynthia Kuklinski and Ms. Joyce Cimaglia classes are studying heroes in our community. 

After reading the Shel Silverstein story “The Giving Tree,” students discussed ways they could give and receive gifts. 

After completing a writing activity about giving and how it made them feel, students brainstormed gifts that could be given that did not have to be purchased. 

Their list included things like:  smiles, hugs, singing, and being nice.  Each idea was written on a paper leaf which was then used to decorate a tree in the lobby of the school.

Representatives of the Salvation Army were invited to the school where all second graders took part in a presentation of the collected items. 

Mrs. Kuklinski noted, “The students gained a valuable foundation to build their future endeavors in community service and recognized that heroes in our community come in all sizes.”