"SNOW Homework" gave students a night off and raised $200 for Morris County Habitat for Humanity

On January 28, 2015, as winter in New Jersey began to finally take hold, “SNOW Homework” was the theme at William Mason Elementary School in Montville, New Jersey. The Student Council fundraiser was designed to celebrate snow, bring some fun to the winter doldrums, and raise funds for the Morris County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Teachers and students came to school dressed in white and dreaming of snow. Fifth grade Student Council representatives sold hot chocolate for $1.00 to the student body, and throughout the day teachers incorporated snow into the curriculum. To commemorate the winter celebration, Principal David Melucci declared it a “SNOW Homework” day, which added to student excitement and participation.

“We are prepared for the storm of the century,” joked 5th grader, Alexandra Quinn.

“There was not really any snow,” added fifth grade student, Rebecca Wasserman. “But we still got hot chocolate.”

While the fundraiser had been scheduled since September, the event coincidentally fell on the day after winter storm Juno proved to be a Blizzard Bust for the garden state. All the talk of snow, as well as the frosty landscape just outside the school’s windows, added to the chilly thrill of the day.

“There is so much pressure on students today,” said Melucci about the “SNOW Homework” event. “Anything we can do to relieve some of the stress in students’ lives is a very good thing. A homework free night means more time with friends and family. Plus, today’s event raised money for a very good cause.”

The students raised $200 for the Morris County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, and learned the importance of the work Habitat for Humanity does in Morris County and throughout the nation. According to the organization’s website, “Morris County is one of New Jersey’s most affluent counties and yet, there are thousands of families living in inadequate or substandard housing because they can’t afford the area’s high prices…we are dedicated to building decent, affordable housing with low-income families. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.”

“Helping those in need of homes is particularly important in winter,” Melucci added.

After last winter’s unrelenting snowfall, Montville Township Public Schools increased the district calendar’s built-in snow days from four to seven. Since November three of the seven district days have been used, including one for winter storm Juno on January 27.

“I support the ‘SNOW Homework’ initiative,” said Superintendent Dr. Paul Fried. “There is no actual snow and there is plenty of hot chocolate; two things of which I am a fan.”

The William Mason Elementary School “SNOW Homework” fundraiser was organized by the school’s Student Council, and the council’s advisors, teachers Elizabeth Abruzzo and Scott Brennan.