Hurlbutt Class Fundraiser a Smashing Success

Janis Larrabee's second grade classroom raised $988 for Japan's children, far exceeding expectations. The proceeds will be donated through Save the Children.

"This totally surpassed our expectations and our goal to make $200," Larrabee told Patch. "You had to see the kids counting all the cash with grins from ear to ear."

Larrabee, a former Teacher of the Year, plans a community service event for her class on an annual basis.

"Every year around this time, I ask the children for suggestions for a project that will make a positive change on others or the environment," she said. Beneficiaries from years past include Soles for Souls and Nike's Reuse a Shoe program.

This year, after debating amongst themselves, the children "decided [to have] a gently used book sale" and donate the proceeds to Save the Children. 

"Thus, kids helping kids," Larrabee said.

The sale took place at Hurlbutt on Friday, April 8 from 10 to 11 by the front entrance to the school.

Most books cost just $1, although "some series sets and cd/book sets" were more.

"We [collected] books from our class resources," she added. "We [had] a great selection and they [looked] as good as new."

Larrabee gave the class a firm directive and divided the children into groups to illustrate teamwork and make the big initiative more easily manageable.

"They learn how to work together cooperatively on one goal while taking on different roles," she said. 

The children wrote persuasive letters to their parents, in addition to Larrabee and Hurlbutt principal Joanna Genovese, asking for permission to embark upon the project and to generate book donations.

Next, they were divided into committees.

"Some children [were] on the advertising committee and [made] posters, others [wrote] speeches to give to the student body during the lunch shifts," she said. "Some [were] in charge of sorting the books...and others [helped] to sell the books."

This year, the class called the initiative "The Beehive Book Company," a play on "Larrabee."

"These busy bees have really been hard at work on this project," she said. "I try to make the learning experience an authentic one."

"They realize that it takes everyone to accomplish the goal, which is to help make a positive change in a community that is in dire need," Larrabee said.