Streams raises $3,291 for Children’s Hospital
May 22, 2024
This year’s effort was coordinated by teachers Lauren Bogus, Jen Graceffo and Katie McIntyre. As part of the Children for Children learning experience, students participate in unique, hands-on lessons where they learn about the organization and the importance of taking action in the world around them.
Each year, the school selects a different charitable organization – the only prerequisite is that the organization must help children.
“We selected Children's Hospital because it is right here in our own city,” Mrs. Bogus said. “We have many children and families who are currently connected to the hospital. We wanted to have an opportunity to help those kids and many others.”
The teachers were blown away with how well the students connected to this year's organization and how much they took away from their lessons and the theme, Kindness Rocks!
“We had so many Streams students set up lemonade stands and do chores around their home for money that they then donated to Children's Hospital,” Mrs. Bogus said. “Our hope is always that our students will see that kids can take action and make a difference in the lives of others and the world around them. Being an IB-PYP school, our goal is to foster inquiry, encourage kids to take action in the world around them, and develop a lifelong love of learning. We are committed to nurturing students who are curious, compassionate, and open-minded global citizens.”
To raise the $3,291.08, students conducted a raffle during the school’s S.T.A.R. Night open house. Student-made raffle items included calendars, blankets, Japanese Taiko drums, notecards and paintings. Students and families also had the opportunity to win several teacher-experience raffles, including Snack & Paint with the kindergarten teachers; Popsicles on the Playground with the first-grade teachers; Mochi Making with the second-grade teachers; Pizza Party with the third-grade teachers; Pizza Party with the fourth-grade teachers; Tie Dye Party with the School Counselor; and a Pizza Party with the Principal.
All week long, students collected change during special Kindness Rocks themed days.
- Monday, May 6: Shine Like A Rockstar! Wear your sunglasses and bring in your PENNIES!
- Tuesday, May 7: Color Streams With Kindness! Wear your bright colors and bring in your NICKELS!
- Wednesday, May 8: Kindness Rocks! Wear your favorite kindness shirt or your rock'n-roll gear because nothing rocks more than kindness! Bring in your DIMES!
- Thursday, May 9: Rock Your USC Gear! Show your Panther pride and rock your favorite USC gear! Bring in your QUARTERS!
- Friday, May 10: Let’s Rock It Out! Get ready for a school wide dance party to celebrate how KINDNESS ROCKS! Bring in any coin or bill!
Families could also make donations directly to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh through the organization’s Just Giving page and/or could purchase a gift for a child in the oncology wing from the hospital’s gift registry.
With the slogan, “A Simple Act Can Make a Difference,” the Streams’ Children for Children community service initiative was first launched in the 2004-05 school year. The goal was simple: expose students to other children in the world who are in need, and show them how they can make a difference.
“For 20 years, Streams Elementary has focused on helping students see that simple acts of kindness can make a difference through the Children For Children event,” Mrs. Bogus said. “Our hope has always been that by exposing students to other children in their world and our community who are in need, we can teach them so much about the power of kindness.”
Since 2005, the Children for Children initiative has raised more than $100,000 to benefit local, regional, national and international organizations. Charities have included Connecting Children with Champions, UNICEF Tsunami Relief, Katrina School Fund, CORE Organ, Dominican Republic Outreach Program, Heifer International, National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple, Casey’s Clubhouse, Jameson’s Army, Grady’s All Stars, The Education Partnership, Global Links, Our Clubhouse, South Hills Interfaith Movement, Beverly’s Birthdays, Best Buddies, the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank, Canine Partners for Life and, this year, the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
