In times of adversity, the Guilderland Central School District has demonstrated its unity and resilience. With the recent events in Ukraine, many students have been motivated to help, especially fifth-grader Alyssa Jantzen of Westmere Elementary.
Alyssa was inspired while watching an episode of “Nightly News for Kids” for a homework assignment from her social studies teacher Mrs. Deso. During the broadcast, Alyssa was struck by a photo of a little Ukrainian girl and knew immediately she wanted to find a way to help her and other children affected by the war in Ukraine.
With the help of her teachers and fellow students, Alyssa worked to organize a drive of items that were needed in Ukraine. During recess and lunch times, Alyssa collaborated with her classmates to create a flier, as well as a commercial for the Westmere Elementary news to help spread the message throughout the school community.
Thanks to the work of Alyssa and her fellow fifth-grade students, over 1,300 goods were collected to help the people of Ukraine. The donated items will be brought to a Ukrainian organization in Watervliet that Alyssa’s parents helped coordinate.