Every Penny Counts in Rupert Classrooms

Photo Courtesy of Pottstown Schools

Nicole Valenti's third grade class at Rupert Elementary School.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown School District.

The students and staff at Rupert Elementary School understand the importance of helping others and the value of every penny counts.

They participated in The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Pennies for Patients fundraising campaign, to help patients with blood cancers and fund research for blood cancers. 

During three weeks in February students brought in pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and even dollars to school to help the L.L.S. mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, and myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. 

They can be very proud of themselves for raising $1,612.29. Three classes raised over $100 each and earned a bronze pennant for their class room. 

Molly Callaghan's class earned $100.66; Nicole Leh's class collected $109.16 and Susan Paravis's class collected $179.06. 

Nicole Valenti's class raised the most, $335.80 and earned a gold pennant, a $50 gift card from Office Depot for the class room, and a pizza party for her students. 

"I am very proud of our students and staff for caring for those in need," said Principal Matthew Moyer. "They are learning valuable life lessons and given us another reason to say Proud to be from Pottstown."

Pennies, Lattes, Java and Jazz in Pottstown Schools

Rupert Elementary Teacher Susan Paravis, right, and her Second Grade Class.

Blogger's Note: A few items from around the Pottstown School District:

Pennies for Patients

Rupert Elementary had another great year with our Pennies for Patient fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 

The winning class, which raised $249.93 in memory of Andy Paravis and in honor of Jack Williams, was Mrs. Paravis's 2nd grade class. 

They earned a silver pennant to hang in their classroom and a pizza party. 

Three other classrooms raised more than $100 each. 

James Strohecker's 1st grade raised $187.42, Diana Dotterer's 4th grade raised $178.76, and Jacinda Bartolucci's 5K class raised $114.04, and they each will receive a bronze pennant. 

Rupert Elementary also earned a $100 gift card.

Student Jazz at Sunnybrook

The U.S. Army Band Jazz Ambassadors

The Pottstown High School Jazz Band will open for the US Army Jazz Ambassadors on Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Sunnybrook Ballroom.

Admission is free.

The high school band will perform from 7:30 to 8 p.m. and the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors will start performing about 8:15 p.m.

This is part of the Berks Jazz Festival and more information can be found at their web site: http://www.berksjazzfest.com

De-Caffeinated Kids

Also at Rupert, the Java for Gents and Lattes for Ladies events attracted hundreds of parents who come in the early morning before school starts to spend some time reading to their children.

A good book for the students and some refreshments for the parents is a great way to start the day.

Here are some photos:

Every Penny Counts

Photo Courtesy of John Armato

Diana Dotterer's fourth grade class were the top fundraisers.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown School District

When it comes to fundraising, every penny truly counts. 

The students and staff at Rupert Elementary School recently proved that when they took part in the annual Leukemia and Lymphoma Society “Pennies for Patients” fundraising campaign. 

Because of their efforts and understanding the value of every penny, their initial goal of raising $500.00 was far exceeded as the grand total read $1,222.62.

Fourth grade students in Diana Dotterer’s class earned the honors of raising the highest grade
total with $189.70. 

They were recognized with a bronze pennant to display in their classroom and a pizza party. 

Three other classes were able to exceed the $100 donation mark and received bronze pennants.

They included Shannon Wagner’s first grade class, Mrs. Jacinda Bartolucci’s kindergarten students, and Susan Paravis’ second graders.

The total team effort of all students and staff at Rupert Elementary School earned them special recognition by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with a gift card to purchase needed school supplies from Becker School Supplies. 

The fundraising efforts were organized by Rupert nurses Melissa Scaltrito and Dawn Hankins.

 “We all feel very proud of ourselves because with every penny, nickel, dime, quarter and dollar that was donated we helped save lives of cancer patients.," said Rupert Principal Matt Moywer. "The efforts of our students and staff far exceeded my expectations and are a fantastic result and testament to the fact that we care about our fellow man and are willing to help ensure better lives for our neighbors.”

A Penny Saved May Be a Life Saved

Students in Pottstown Middle School's Sophisticated Ladies and Distinguished Gentlemen's Club collected change and raised more than $1,000 to fight leukemia and lymphoma.

Blogger's Note: Once again, John Armato provides information about positive things happening in Pottstown schools.

Students at Pottstown Middle School are helping to prove that every penny can make a difference in the fight against Leukemia. 

 During the month of March, the students of the Sophisticated Ladies and Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club, with the assistance of sponsors Terry Niemann and Leslie Smoyer, conducted a school-wide campaign to collect change from their fellow students. 

During the three week period, pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters were counted and at the end of the month the students of Pottstown Middle School had raised $1,055.40 which was donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Principal Gail Cooper said, “I am so proud of this group of students who inspired the entire school to participate in a drive and the results of their efforts not only will help cure a terrible disease but has also reinforced the lifelong lesson of paying it forward.”

Sophisticated Ladies and Distinguished Gentlemen in the club are provided the opportunities to build positive healthy relationships with peers/mentors and discuss hot topics that are focused on adolescent development. 

These students engage in leadership activities at school, in the district as well as citizenship service projects in the community. 

Members of the club include: Jeremy Adams, Giovany Arroyo, Ashley Daniels, Giuliano Deleo, Brenda Dempsey, James Diamond, Syncere Dyches, Xaria Fatal, Madison Jordan, Kyle Taylor and Anthony Wiggins.

The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. 

One interesting thing the students learned was that the survival rates have doubled, tripled, and even quadrupled for blood cancer patients because of the fundraising efforts of donors to the Pennies for Patients program. Club members were excited that they were able to help families in need.