Kid Power

We are on a mission, a mission to make a difference.  We have joined the UNICEF Kid Power team.  By joining this team, we have joined a movement to get active, save lives, and help UNICEF end global malnutrition. Every step we take wearing our bands, we help unlock lifesaving food packets for children in need around the world.  Here is a quick video introduction to this exciting movement that we get to be a part of:

We have been working for about 4 weeks now.  This week 5 students completed their first mission and moved onto their second.  As a class, we have released 85 life-saving RUTF food packets. Our first movement goal is 100 packets.  The students have been doing a lot of math with the bands. They figured out that in this first mission, 2500 steps gets them a powerpoint.  It takes 10 powerpoints to release an RUTF packet.  Everyday we record our steps and powerpoints in our math journal.  The students have also been looking for patterns in their data.  On the days we have a lower step count, like on early out Wednesdays, the students have been finding ways to get more steps in.  For instance, standing up and jogging after completing part of an assignment or running a few extra laps at recess.

The bands have been great for academics with meaningful math applications and helping the students learn about the different parts of the world where our RUTF packets are going. However, the most powerful piece is the empowerment.  Kids helping kids.  So incredible!  I overheard a recess conversation, one of the third graders said, "This is important work, probably the most important thing I have ever done."  These students are empowered in their mission.  They are really encouraging each other in class, celebrating each other's accomplishments, and are so proud of their work for UNICEF. I couldn't be more proud. Just look at their comments to each other on SeeSaw.

Thank you so much to Mr. and Mrs. Wardell and the Billings Education Foundation.  Last year, I wrote a grant called "Fit for Philanthropy" and the Wardell's generously funded the idea.  The Wardell's are amazing proponents of children and education.  I am so honored to have been touched by their generosity and friendship.  I can't wait until they get to visit and see these amazing students moving to make a difference.