Find more celebration posts at Ruth’s blog.
This week the flu made its way through my students. I, thankfully, have remained healthy. Today, I want to celebrate my student Andrew and his initiatives. Before Christmas he became interested in the plight of orphaned elephants. We read a Scholastic Scope magazine article that pointed to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Preserve. Andrew wanted to raise funds to adopt an orphaned elephant at the preserve. The adoption fee is $50 a year. He decided to sell posters to classmates. I ordered Vista Print posters of a baby elephant picture from my trip to Tanzania, Africa.
Before the Christmas break, Andrew presented to his fourth grade classmates. He raised about $32. After Christmas break, he decided to present to third grade classes. He raised the remaining funds he needed. He crafted a letter to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Preserve explaining the project and selecting Malima as the baby elephant he wants to sponsor. This video broke our hearts. Andrew and I both already feel and love and affection for Malima.
Andrew is one of those rare kids who wants to inspire and make a difference. In January when preparing to choose our One Little Word, I read aloud the book Beautiful Hands. The production of this book has a heartwarming story. Kathryn Otoshi worked with Bret Baumgarten who was diagnosed with cancer to design this book from something he would say to his own children, “What will you do with your beautiful hands today?”
The artwork was created all with handprints and fingerprints, even a dog print from Bret’s dog.
“My hope that this story empowers love, creativity, compassion, and a
connection to you and yours, in the fulfilling and remarkable way it has for me”
~ Bret Baumgarten, 1970–2014
I think Bret would be proud to know what Andrew did with his inspiring words. Andrew wanted to read the book to his sister’s first grade class and do a hand printing activity with them. Some of Andrew’s gifted classmates helped him. I was impressed with how smoothly the whole activity went. I was not sure because we had to paint all the kids’ hands and help them print. Andrew had selected some Valentine quotes for the kids to copy into their hand painted cards. This creative service activity was a positive experience for all of us.
Reflections on the Teche 
This goodness in children gives me hope for a kinder world. What two special projects that I am sure will be the impetus for many more. What a blessing these students must be to all who surround them.
These actions to me are what learning is. The students, like Andrew, will remember and use their learning as they grow up and into adulthood, I’m sure. Beautiful and inspiring to read about Margaret. Kudos to Andrew!
How wonderful you enabled Andrew to fulfill his dream – beautiful hands at work!
Sounds like a really special experience for everyone, Margaret. And, go, Andrew! This is what learning is all about.
Your story brought tears to my eyes, what a wonderful, resourceful, kind spirit that young man has. Working with children has convinced me of the innate goodness of humanity. It is our job as adults to help nurture and support that goodness so that the harshness of life doesn’t diminish or damage it.
The book. The video. Your student. I am CRYING! Love and hope and beauty abounds in this post. Thank you for sharing!!! Certainly celebration worthy!
What beautiful work Andrew is doing. That elephant video… something to share with my students. Thank you!
What a beautiful spirit your student has! I am so inspired by him. He is doing amazing things with his beautiful hands.
The video brought tears to my eyes but what really touched my heartstrings was the love and kindness my son, Andrew, has shown from a young age and I hope he will always have that same compassion for years to come. Thank you Mrs Simon for inspiring him and guiding him to be a better person everyday.
What a sweet soul Andrew is. How he carried out his cause and rasied monies is admirable for such a young boy. Your story reminds me of the wisdom and empathy of Mattie Stepanek. Your share warms my heart! Thank you.
Margaret, this post was so inspiring. I love Kathryn’s “Beautiful Hands” book and what Andrew did as a service learning project. You are helping the children to understand the power of giving and empathy.
Andrew inspires me. I’m glad you shared his stories here. Thank you.
Ruth