Levelland ISD’s South Elementary raised $2,847.66 during its Penny War Fundraiser that lasted from Feb. 6 through Feb 24.
Third grade collected the most change during the threeweek fundraiser. The winning grade level is determined by the heaviest five-gallon water jug.
Principal, Shelbi Eugenis explained that the Penny War is a fundraiser where first, second and third grade students collect change to donate.
“We are raising money for the UMC Children’s Hospital through Children’s Miracle Network and one of the big ways we do this, we do this every year, is through our Penny Wars,” Eugenis said.
Students were able to participate in theme days by donating one dollar. Eugenis explained students were most excited about the chance to be a South Elementary staff member for the day.
“They had so much fun,” Eugenis said. “Specifically, they loved the day where they got to buy a chance to be - kind of a career day thing- so they could be the cafeteria worker, be the custodian, be the principal. That seemed to be very popular the kids got to cook in the cafeteria, just really hands on, they loved that.”
The money raised will be donated to the UMC Children’s Hospital.
“Promoting this to our kids and their parents just is our give back,” Eugenis said. “What they got from it was they know they’re helping other and so I think that’s really important.”
The change is collected in three large bottles, one bottle for each grade. The students are able to see which grade has collected the most change throughout the competition.
“Last year we raised $2,758.77,” Eugenis said. “And our goal this year is $3,000.”
The grade that collects the most change will be rewarded with an extra recess and a popsicle party. UMC Children’s Miracle Network is also offering other incentives for the students.
“They’re offering the school a $100 gift card for every $1,000 raised,” Eugenis said. “So that $100 gift card would go back toward something for the kids, some kind of reward, pizza or something like that.”
Students also had the chance to be involved in other activities throughout the two weeks by donating one dollar to participate.
“We have two weeks’ worth of fun stuff,” Eugenis said. “Of course, students can participate as much or as little. We don’t expect everyone to do every single day’s worth, you know, but just pick the things that they can afford or that they have an interest in, and just do those.”
Tuesday 7th: Students can enjoy their small stuffed animal at school.
Wednesday 8th: Students will be able to wear pajamas at school. Thursday 9th: Students have the chance to be Principal of the day, AP of the day, Custodian of the day, Cafeteria Manager of the day, PE teacher of the day, Teacher of the day, Photographer of the day and lunch duty of the day. Students can enter as many times as they want for this day.
Friday 10th: Students will be able to play their boardgame in the cafeteria.
Monday 13th: Students will be able to wear a mustache all day.
Tuesday 14th: Students can enjoy a bag of cotton candy at school.
Wednesday 15th: Students can wear a hat all day.
Thursday 16th: Students will be able to purchase pieces of tape to tape Principal LASTNAME to the wall. Students are able to buy as many pieces they want.
“It’s just a great way to get our kids and families involved and it’s our give back project,” Eugenis said. “It’s the one thing we do every year to give back to our communities.”