Whitehall Elementary School Thanks J.P. Mascaro & Sons

Three years ago, the J.P. Mascaro & Sons “Respect Program” was introduced into area elementary schools and the company committed $1.5 million dollars to reminding children about the importance of respect for themselves, for others and for the environment.

The Respect Program is presented to about 50,000 students each year and a corollary to that program is the Respect Program Educational Grants that are awarded to area elementary schools for the development of new initiatives related to character education. This year, Whitehall Elementary School was a recipient of a Respect Program Educational Grant in the amount of $3882.

On Thursday, Feb. 24, representatives of Whitehall Principal Maryanne Hoskins and Ms. Joan Linton, guidance counselor, were presented with a grant check at Mascaro corporate headquarters in Audubon by Mascaro's Director of Education and Community Relations, Lindsay Mascaro, and Education Coordinator Nicole Hager.

"Each of these elementary schools submitted impressive grant applications and are deserving of the grants received," said Mascaro. "Our company and the Respect Program which I head are proud to be a part of innovative educational initiatives that benefit young children."

At Whitehall Elementary, the money will be used to purchase respect-themed books that address grade level needs. From the books, various lessons teaching respect will be developed and activities planned to reinforce the concept. As a culmination to the reading program, a game show assembly focusing on character traits and further emphasize respect will be scheduled. At the close of the program, students will be given a book for their very own home libraries.

The Respect Program and the Grant Program are a part of J.P. Mascaro & Sons continuing commitment to community and education. The Respect Program Education Grants are awarded twice a year. Information about the programs can be found on Mascaro’s website.