District 200 Schools Celebrate Make a Difference Day

Wiesbrook Elementary School students have planted seeds for the future.

Nearly 30 students, their parents and school PTA President Suzanne Anderson gathered Thursday at St. James Farm for Make a Difference Day. There, the students collected native seeds from one area of the forest preserve to be replanted at later time in the appropriate re-population areas.

Anderson was thrilled at the turnout and thankful for all of those involved.

"We decided on this activity because usually with events where we are making a difference, the students only get to bring something in to school. This is a much more hands-on way for the students to help and it is nice for the students to get excited about doing this physical activity."

At the beginning of the event, Wayne Zaininger, manager of St. James Farm, explained to the children what each seed looked like and assigned each student one specific seed that they were to collect. The children then grabbed buckets and were allowed into the brush to retrieve their assignments.

After the children collected some seeds Deborah Brooks, volunteer recruitment specialist, helped the children to find different seeds as well.

"It's nice to see the energy and excitement coming from these kids," said Brooks.

Although each grade of the school is specifically partnered with one agency for volunteer activities throughout the year, this particular event was open to all grade levels.

Jefferson Preschool celebrated the day by collecting goods for the DuPage County Animal Care and Control Shelter.

For the past several weeks the children and families of the preschool have collected more than 90 pounds of food, 25 toys, 20 leases and collars and much more.

On Friday, the students met in an assembly with their teachers to present the gifts to the Shelter.

Dina Zaccaria and Kristie Lecaros of the DuPage County Animal Care and Control Shelter introduced themselves to the children as well as the dog they had brought with them.

Zaccaria then read the students a book about the importance of pet safety. After the story Zaccaria had pictures reminding the students of pet safety.

"Never touch a dog that is eating," said Zaccaria. "Never pet a momma dog that is taking care of her babies. Never touch a dog that you don't know."

Special education teacher, Mary Davis, and speech pathologist, Amy Kahle, both PTA co-chairs, worked alongside Judith Zapf, Jefferson PTA President, to make the event happen.

"We are very proud of everything the children and families have contributed," said Zapf. "These ladies did a fabulous job of creating a program that preschoolers got excited about. Their volunteer efforts have not gone unnoticed."

Wheaton Mayor Mike Gresk joined the assembly as the gifts were presented to the shelter. He encouraged the students and thanked them for their efforts as well.

Today, Hawthorne Elementary is holding a pancake breakfast from 8:00-10:30. The suggested donation for the breakfast is $3. Additionally, the students are collecting used coats and canned goods for the People's Resource Center.

Also, Sandburg Elementary is taking the day to beautify their school. From 9:00-12:00PM families of the school will be tending to the school gardens, planting rose bushes and more. Additionally, the school is collecting holiday cards for soldiers overseas.

Other schools in District 200, including Emerson Elementary, Whittier Elementary, Lincoln Elementary and others, are decorating stockings and collecting items to fill them with.