Belhaven School Helps Others Cozy Up with Kindness
By Tammy Thornton
Belhaven Middle School students know that when you are blessed, it’s time to step up and help others. Over 31 seventh grade students volunteered during their lunch breaks to assist in making blankets for those in need. Jennifer Parmelee headed up the project, and was so proud of the students that volunteered their time. Mrs. Parmelee, who teaches sixth and seventh grade math at Belhaven School, began the project with a grant she wrote to the Linwood Education Foundation for funds to purchase the material for the project she named, “Cozy Up With Kindness.” Parmelee was named Belhaven’s Staffulty of the Month in October, for her efforts inside and outside of the classroom.
Students helped make 73 blankets that will be distributed to: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for foster children; Noogieland, a program dedicated to children affected by cancer; and the Veterans Home in Vineland.
Ten blankets were presented to Lori Stranges, Noogieland Program Director, at an assembly held at the school on Friday, November 30th. Jennifer Bernardini, a fifth grade English language arts teacher, is active in coordinating donations for Noogieland and was nominated Belhaven Teacher of the Year in November, 2017. At the assembly, she displayed a banner made by seventh grade Belhaven students with their handprints and inspiring quotes. This will hang at Noogieland at Gilda’s Club of South Jersey. Ms. Stranges said she was, “blown away by what the staff is teaching the students about generosity, compassion, and sense of community.”
In addition to these projects, students also made ribbons promoting breast cancer awareness. These will be sold and proceeds will go to Noogieland. During this day of service, fifth to eighth grade students made cards for area nursing homes, soldiers, and veterans homes.
They also made holiday-themed treats for Noogieland’s holiday party. Students wrapped up their day of community service by raking leaves around the school.
Thank you to our teachers for encouraging students to see themselves as an active part of a community that helps others. And thank you to students who happily volunteer their time to benefit those in need.
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
