On Thursday, September 11—The Day of Caring—Waverly-Shell Rock elementary students, families, and staff came together in an inspiring act of kindness, donating more than 800 boxes of cereal to local food banks.
“Our students were so excited about this project, which allowed them to work together to reach a goal and make a real impact in their own community,” shared Tonya Poppe, North Ridge school counselor. Mary Foy, school counselor at Prairie West and Shell Rock, added, “It was a meaningful way to show kindness and compassion to families facing hunger.”
Both counselors emphasized how this project was a powerful way to give back to the community—especially on a day that holds deep national significance, marking 24 years since the events of September 11, 2001.
The cereal collection was also an opportunity to teach and practice Leader in Me Habit 4: Think Win-Win. When we Think Win-Win, we recognize that everyone benefits. People feel good when they share their resources, and others feel supported knowing their community cares—everyone wins.
To celebrate this success, Prairie West Elementary hosted an all-school assembly, where students and staff learned more about Habit 4 and what it means to care for one another as a school community. The celebration concluded with a domino train of cereal boxes through the school—a visual reminder of how one act of giving can lead to another.
Thank you to every student, family member, and staff member who donated and helped make this event both meaningful and fun. Your ongoing generosity and support continue to inspire - and show what it truly means to be part of a school community where everyone belongs!