During this holiday season, our local businesses, school staff, and members of the greater RCS community have come together with care and compassion for our students. From food donations to our backpack program, to the adoption of families in need, to gifts of warm hats, mittens, scarves, and monetary contributions that support students through our established programs, every individual, family, team, union, and local business has stepped forward and given back in a beautiful way this year.
Each of our buildings has staff volunteers who help organize and support families in need throughout the school year through our student support programs and initiatives. Our schools work in harmony to ensure each child in a family is supported, collaborating across buildings to meet needs with dignity and care.
At A.W. Becker Elementary School, the spirit of giving was strong this holiday season. Through the generosity of staff, families, and community partners, A.W. Becker provided 42 children with gifts of clothing, toys, games, and books. Through these acts of generosity, students were reminded that they are a part of a caring school community.
At Pieter B. Coeymans, the holiday adoption team includes teachers Patricia Grogan and Nicole Stott, along with nurses Stacey Battenfeld and Amanda Eissing. Through this program, the Pieter B. Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), families, Ravena Coyemans businesses, teachers, and staff come together to bring joy to students and their families, offering comfort and a reason to smile even during possible hard times.
Each year, the Pieter B. Coeymans team supports approximately 70 students through its holiday student adoption program. Individuals and local businesses, such as Carver Companies, adopt a child to shop for, guided by the organizers to ensure each child’s needs are met. Wish lists include an outfit, a toy, a book, and an item of winter clothing submitted by the family. Thanks to generous donations, each family will also receive a new board game this year, and the child will receive a pair of PJs. “It’s truly outstanding how much our staff and community come out and support this program year after year,” says Patricia Grogan. “This year has been one of the most giving years we have seen in a while,” she continued. For many of our students, these gifts provide not only necessities but moments of joy that help them feel seen and cared for.
This outpouring of kindness reflects the compassion that defines our community all year long. The impact from programs like these will be felt long after the holidays, reminding our students that they are valued, supported, and never alone. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year brighter for our students and their families.
Happy Holidays, RCS!