SRE NHN Grant purchases washer & dryer
Using challenges and problems found in the real world, Benndale Elementary teacher Jennifer Finley promotes project-based learning in her 5th and 6th grade classroom in the form of a Giving Closet. “One in five students don’t have access to clean clothing making them more likely to miss school,” Finley explains. “It’s important for students to have clean clothes, shoes that fit, and their hygiene needs met.” A $1,649 Neighbors Helping Neighbors Grant was used to purchase a washer and dryer.
The Giving Closet not only supplies students’ basic needs, but it’s also an instructional tool that allows the students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a solution to benefit their school community. “Project-based learning unleashes contagious, creative energy among students and the community,” Finley adds.