A yearly tradition at Verda James, each grade level identifies a stewardship project of their choosing and comes up with ways in which they can give back to families and non-profit agencies in our community!
This tremendous annual project is a highly-anticipated and joyous tradition for students, staff, and school families. Each year the students excitedly discuss different organizations in our community, the importance of giving back to others, and identify which non-profit agency they would like to focus on for the year. With the support of staff and school families, students graciously collected items for Seton House, Salvation Army Giving Tree, Humane Society, Mimi’s House, NCSD Homeless Students, and Wyoming Food for Thought.
Verda James stewardship projects started under the leadership of former school Principal Mr. Ellbogen, with the guiding purpose of finding opportunities to give back to the community, explained Principal Frazier. “Each year, the projects have grown. All through the year, the Verda James community works together to create a wonderful educational experience. At this time of year, everyone comes together to spread kindness to our Casper community. The goal of giving back continues, and the synergy created with everyone working together truly represents the purpose of the stewardship projects.”
We had the privilege of visiting with some students as they reflected on what the stewardship projects and giving means to them…
2nd grader Pasleigh shared, “It is important to help others so that they can have a fun Christmas just like me!”
2nd grader Alex shared, “I like shopping for toys for children who don’t get a lot of toys because it’s important to be generous and kind.”
4th grader Paisley shared, “It made me feel good to donate to the Humane Society because I like when animals get helped, and I want to save all the animals that don’t have homes.”
4th grader Trenton shared, “Donating is really good because giving back to the community is important.”
5th grader Parker shared, “It is important to donate to people who don’t have as much as I do because some people have nothing to support themselves or no one to help them, so if we don’t help, who will? And if you are kind to someone, maybe someday they might be kind to you.”
5th grader Danica shared, “It is important to donate because some people don’t have a family or homes, and Mimi’s house takes them in. If we give them these things, it helps them out, and they can also have the magic of Santa Claus.”
Verda James Elementary is committed to empowering all learners to excel academically and socially on life’s journey!
Great work, Vikings!