We Are Family

Jenna Micko, English

Walther Christian Academy

$2,000

Middle school is always often a difficult time for children to socially navigate. Peer support, approval, and the feeling of belonging are very important to this age group. This is why Ms. Micko's wish is to implement a Big Brother/Big Sister program at Walther Christian Academy to build upon the close knit community that already exists. The Big Brother/Big Sister program pairs sixth through ninth grade students with an upper class student mentor. The peer mentor supports his/her younger mentee by helping him/her navigate those confusing middle school or new high school moments. In addition to creating time and space for weekly student check-ins, Ms. Micko plans on extending the peer interactions to activities outside of school, such as bowling, nature hikes, fishing, team building exercises, volunteering, attending plays, or even live sports events.

Ms. Micko adds, "I want our families and students to know that academics are important, but so is the social and emotional growth of each student. I want this to be a yearly club so if we receive the award of the dream money, it could help establish the club for the first year, and in the future, we can get funding through other means such as fundraising. I would love to start this at orientation. We have so many amazing 11th and 12th graders who can share their experience at Walther, and they can help with mentoring new students in a way that only peers can."

Social/Emotional Learning and Sensory Materials

Amber Roberts, Assistant Director

Concordia Place on Whipple

$1,042

Social emotional learning is one of the most important aspects of development in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Social/emotional development allows children to better participate in educational activities, play, and have interactions with their peers and caregivers. It can be difficult for young children to learn to regulate their emotions and express them safely. This is why Ms. Roberts is asking for materials that will assist children in learning more about their emotions and how to have healthy interactions with their peers and caregivers.

According to Ms. Roberts, "Play is the best way to introduce new concepts to children and facilitate learning. These interactive toys and stories are a great way for educators to assist children in identifying concepts such as confidence, how to be helpful, and what their emotions mean. "

Granting this dream will provide Concordia Place on Whipple with materials that will aid in this learning and help teachers have more success with classroom management.