Young
students can be described as smart, talented, artistic, or athletic. Students in
the Puyallup School District can also be described as generous, caring, thoughtful,
and kind.
Students at
Mountain View Elementary are a prime example. The students are a generation of
young people who are choosing to make a positive difference in the lives of
others and their community.
“Mountain View is a
community that gives. Mountain View Elementary students have always taken pride
in supporting local facilities in their hometown of Edgewood. It is also a
community of parents, students, and staff that believe in giving back locally.”
Paraeducator Nancy Kreuger
Across the
street from Mountain View Elementary, a new neighbor has arrived, Ashley House.
Ashley House is a non-profit agency whose purpose is to serve children and
young adults with special healthcare needs and their families. Ashley House is
dedicated to helping families build new lives together with their medically
fragile children. They provide high quality, cost-effective healthcare in
home-like settings to children as an alternative to hospitalization.
In February,
several Mountain View students sat down with a representative from Ashley House
to learn more about their new neighbor. During their visit, the students
learned about the care Ashley House provides and learned the kids living there like
the same things they do: movies, books, games, music, and toys. By March, the students
had organized a “supply drive” for the residents of Ashley House.
“In my four years at Mountain View
Elementary, I am continually amazed at the generosity of our kids and families.
Each food drive and March Gladness project produces great results.”
Principal of Mt. View Elementary Brian Curtis
The students
worked hard at promoting the drive and getting families involved. Students,
families, and staff brought in a variety of items for their new neighbors. Once
all the items were gathered and boxed, the students loaded up a truck, and along
with Principal Brian Curtis and Paraeducator Nancy Kreuger, delivered the items
to Ashley House in person.
“The trip to Ashley
House was an amazing experience. They treat each other like family. I hope
there will be Ashley Houses all over the world for the kids and young adults
like the ones at the Ashley House in Edgewood.”
Shaun Sanoy, fourth grader at Mountain View Elementary
The students
and families of the Edgewood community extend their kindness throughout the
year. Every Thursday volunteers provide a free meal to families, individuals,
and seniors at the Mountain View Community Center. This is a volunteer driven
and funded program that serves 100-125 individuals weekly.
Recently, students
from Mountain View Elementary joined Mr. Curtis at the center to help serve
meals. After the meals were served, the students paired up and sat at different
tables to visit with the community members.
Spreading
their kindness, the young students at Mountain View Elementary are making a
positive impact in the community and the Puyallup School District.
To learn how you can make a difference at Ashley House or Mountain View Community
Center, visit their websites.
www.ashleyhousekids.com
www.mtviewcommunitycenter.org
Photos courtesy of Nancy Kreuger
Anne Martin
Martiam@puyallup.k12.wa.us