December 21, 2005
Students give holiday gifts from the heart
Central Grade School Montessori classes provide Christmas presents for adopted family
By
Herald staff writer
Students in Kristin Larrea's pre-kindergarten class can take pride in their effort to brighten the holidays of a local family. The students, along with their kindergarten classmates in the Montessori program at Central Grade School adopted a family, collecting gifts for their Christmas celebration.
"The response has been tremendous," said Larrea who came up with the idea after her father suggested their family cut down on the number of Christmas gifts they exchange this year - instead giving donations to the American Red Cross.
"He said we aren't going to have a mountain of gifts this year and that got me thinking," said Larrea, who was overwhelmed by her students response when she suggested they adopt a family.
"We talked about a sad story about a family that needed clothes and food and what we could do to turn it into a happy story," Larrea said.
Once a family was selected, with the help of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, presents for each family member started pouring into her classroom.
"We have been talking about how providing for others makes you feel good. Building character at this age is so important," said Larrea, who noted she was moved to tears when one of her students brought in boots because she wanted the little girl to have new boots.
"This has been such a hands on learning experience about providing for others through grace and courtesy. Because of the response we are able to provide for more than one family," said Larrea, who plans to make this an annual tradition in her classroom.
Rebecca McGarry-Costello, parent of five-year-old Paige and four-year-old Hope who are students in the program, thinks that is a great idea.
"I think it is a wonderful thing to do. Everyone wants to help, but they don't always know how to go about it. That is what is great about this," McGarry-Costello said.