After seeing Hurricane Harvey’s devastating effects on fellow Texans, Wayside: Eden Park Academy scholars and staff quickly sprang into action to raise money for families in Houston who lost everything.
Eden Park Academy’s newly formed Kindness Crew raised over $1,200 by collecting change, selling pickles and pretzels, and accepting donations from parents.
The money was donated to the Houston Mayor’s Office of New American and Immigrant Communities. Their hurricane relief efforts specifically aid immigrants who may be ineligible for other forms of government assistance.
“We chose this group because we wanted to help people who may not have otherwise been able to get it,” Mary Strange, IB Coordinator and one of the leaders, said. “As Waysiders and IB scholars, it’s important for us to be caring and productive, which is one of our 5 Ps. Actively helping our community is a great way to demonstrate these qualities.”
The Kindness Crew was implemented this school year, as a replacement for Student Council. Led by Wayside: Eden Park teachers Ms. Childers (Music), Ms. Pena (Spanish), Ms. Strange (IB Coordinator) and Mr. Gulley (P.E.), the team aims to show scholars how to be kind and caring, through both direct and indirect actions.
As part of the IB Learner Profile, caring students show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.