Springer is changing an annual tradition that takes place just before the holidays.  For years, classrooms participated in a Ginger Bread house making party.  While it was often fun for our students, there were some issues that arose annually.   Things like food-related allergies, an immense number of volunteer hours to ensure a safe environment, the sugar "intake" and other issues have given us an opportunity to re-examine this yearly tradition.

Ginger Bread House building, for many of our classrooms, has been part of the classroom parties that are traditionally thrown the days before Winter break.  Indeed, it is good to celebrate as a classroom community the successes of the first half of the year.  But, isn’t there a way to still celebrate and find a new tradition that brings the whole community together and gives back to our community as a whole?  Isn’t there a new tradition out there that captures the season and aligns more with academic relevance?  We think there is.

The Leadership Team (consisting of a teacher from each grade level) and I have come up with an idea.  We brainstormed what we liked about Ginger Bread houses (construction, time together, class celebration) and crafted those elements into something called, “Springer Gives Back”.

“Springer Gives Back” is a way for our students to come together, collaborate, and produce something to give back to the community.  The idea is that classroom buddies will partner up and produce a product that will then be given to those in need or those who could use a “lift” in December.   For example, two classrooms, working together (older students helping younger students) may produce lap blankets which would then be given to a nearby assisted living center.  Another class pairing could write letters to troops overseas, thanking them for their service.  

The themes of community, collaboration, giving back to those in need, and celebration would be imbedded in “Springer Gives Back”.   It’s important to note that class room parties would still be thrown; “Springer Gives Back” would not replace those celebrations of accomplishment- only add to it.

On Tuesday, December 17^th, starting at 10:30am, Springer would go into “workshop” mode.  Buddy classes would meet together and produce their products, with the help of teachers and parent volunteers in a workshop style activity.

Then, all the products would be brought to the multi to be put on display.  The staff would then “tour” our students on Wednesday, December 18^th through the multi so they can get a sense of their accomplishments and what they are giving back.  The products would then be disseminated, with the help of parent volunteers, starting on Wednesday afternoon, December 17th through Friday, December 20th.

Each classroom buddy group will be given a workshop production task.  Some rooms will decorate holiday wreaths.  Some will produce lap blankets.   Some will decorate picture frames.  Others will make scarves.   Other groups will write supportive letters to troops overseas.    

We are currently identifying organizations that can use these products.  Places like shelters, hospitals, and assisted living facilities are being contacted to let them know that we would like to donate these products.

Parent volunteers will be needed for the following: to acquire the needed materials (I'm envisioning trips to Michael's and Joanne's House of Fabrics), material preparation for the workshop days (cutting material, organizing decorations for the workshop), helping out during the workshops, and delivering the products to the organizations.   If you are interested in volunteering for any of these important duties, in what will surely be a rewarding experience for our students, please contact me wspenader@lasdschools.org

Thanks for being such a supportive community

Wade Spenader- Principal

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