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Community Strength on Display in Washoe Schools
WCSD
Students and Staff Work to Provide Relief to Caughlin Fire Victims
Reno, NV (Dec. 12, 2011) - Nearly a month after the flames have been extinguished from the November 18 fire that broke out in Caughlin Ranch, the devastation felt by the community continues to smolder. Students from across the District are showing their support with fundraisers for the fire victims, thank you cards and even a 'thank you' assembly for first responders at one elementary school. Examples of some of the outpouring generosity include:
- Reno High School was used as an evacuation center for residents who had to leave their homes during the fire. Long after the last families had left the gym, staff members and students from Reno High were still working to support the people impacted by the fire. The Reno High Leadership students organized a 'Miracle Minute' fundraiser in which an envelope was passed to each classroom for students to donate pocket change to support the cause. The result for Reno High was a staggering $1,559.82 raised to help families involved in the Caughlin Fire.
- At Spanish Springs Elementary School, three fifth grade boys took it upon themselves to lend a hand to their neighbors on the other side of town. Ethan Waldren, Alex Sevcsik and James Ruiz approached their Principal, Primm Walters, with an idea to sell t-shirts and Santa-grams to raise money to support efforts of the Red Cross in the Caughlin Fire. Walters explains, "I told them they needed to write me up a proposal explaining all the details on the fundraiser. They had a proposal on my desk the very next day! We designed a t-shirt in 30 minutes and found someone to print them for a reasonable price. The students have been selling the shirts adorned with the phrase 'I may only be one person, IMAGINE what a whole community can do!' So far, the caring trio of boys has raised more than $300."
- McQueen High students also rolled up their sleeves to give the Caughlin Fire victims a boost. Students from Allison Moore's Lancer Leadership took to the kitchen, baking cookies for a lunchtime bake sale. Next, these compassionate young adults toured their school collecting donations from staff and students. By the end of the campaign the students had raised more than $300 for the Red Cross.
- Huffaker Elementary School is located in one area impacted by the Caughlin Fire. The staff at Huffaker had originally planned a special assembly that day to honor students who showed exceptional compassion. That assembly has been rescheduled for Dec. 13 and those students will now be honored along with first responders who worked near the school and in surrounding neighborhoods. Principal Susan Novelli said, "Nearly 90 percent of our students were affected in some way. When a student has to adapt to rapid change in their life, school can become a consistent and comforting place. That is why all of us at Huffaker have so much to be thankful for."
Editor's note:
What: Thank You Assembly for Caughlin Fire First Responders
When: Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Huffaker Elementary School, 980 Wheatland Road, Reno
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About Washoe County School District: The Washoe County School District includes the Reno/Sparks metropolitan area, Incline Village, Gerlach, Empire and Wadsworth, Nevada. The District provides each of its 63,000 students with a superior education in a safe and challenging environment and is committed to graduate every child career and college ready. For more information visit: www.washoecountyschools.org. Follow us on Twitter at WCSDTweet.
Washoe County School District
425 East Ninth Street
Reno, NV 89512
