Mendham Township Elementary School Supports Troops

Mendham Township, NEW JERSEY (October 15, 2019) – At Mendham Township Elementary School (MTES), young students from all grades are participating in handwriting thoughtful notes and drawing happy pictures to send to U.S. service personnel around the globe. This student effort is in support of “Operation Gratitude,” a national initiative that allows everyone, young and old, to show their appreciation for “Deployed Troops, Veterans, New Recruits, and First Responders.”

Under the guidance of MTES third-grade teacher, Ms. Cara Rubinaccio, students are engaged in creating their first mailing distribution. Ms. Rubinaccio joined MTES at the beginning of school year 2018-2019 and her enthusiasm and energy inspires all grade levels. Giving back to the community is an important initiative to Ms. Rubinaccio and she enjoys helping students create their own contributions. Throughout the school, young students are actively composing notes, creating cards, checking the spelling of words, drawing pictures, cutting, gluing, and sticking pictures, creating posters, making sure their writing is easy to read, etc.

MTES is also focused on growing the whole child. As part of the character program at MTES, students learn to be responsible and respectful people. The students develop their awareness of civic responsibility, which in turn creates strong leaders and citizens who want to make a difference. Operation Gratitude is a great example of how children can say “thank you” to those that serve our country. As Ms. Rubinaccio explains, “This is truly a multi-disciplinary effort. Besides applying their writing and grammar skills, these students are living a lesson as part of their social studies and immersing themselves in a civic activity of saying thank you!”

Ms. Rubinaccio and students plan to have their first shipment of letters ready to be mailed by November 1. Their goal is that the letters and drawings will be delivered by Thanksgiving. How’s that for taking time to make someone feel appreciated and sharing the spirit of Thanksgiving.