Superior Middle School students raise $1,000 for Salvation Army

Dec. 25—SUPERIOR — Superior Middle School students donated a flood of silver, copper and green to help local families in need during a three-day penny war Dec. 12-14.

The challenge, put on by the eighth grade leadership team, raised $1,000 for the Salvation Army of Superior. They collected $945.68 from jars placed in 53 Spartan Start classrooms, and teachers and staff contributions brought it to an even $1,000. Spartan Start, new to SMS this year, is an hourlong homeroom during first hour that gives students a landing place to get settled and connect at the beginning of the day.

Eighth grade team member Makenzie LeJune came up with the idea for the penny war.

"I just wanted to help people during the Christmas season, because I know that it might be harder for people to celebrate Christmas because of money struggles," LeJune said.

The rest of the leadership team jumped on it, according to adviser Jill Prescott-Moerke. They put together an eclectic collection of jars — mayonnaise, salsa and more — to make the student-led initiative work.

"One teacher changed theirs because their jar was too small, so they used a flower vase. Another person used a jerky jar because their jar was too small," said Prescott-Moerke, who teaches eighth grade U.S. history.

Pennies and bills all earned positive points for the classroom; silver coins subtracted points from the total.

"We were significantly sabotaged, but we had bills that made the difference," said Prescott-Moerke of her classroom, which was the top eighth grade class.

The leadership team collected and counted up the change, including $20 in penny rolls from one sixth grade class. The process took roughly two hours.

"It was actually pretty fun," said eighth grader Kylar Bergquist.

Leadership team members said they were overwhelmed by the generosity and that it felt great to see everybody get involved.

The sixth grade Spartan Start classrooms raised $590.47; the seventh graders collected $124.33 and the eighth grade classrooms raised $236.54. Mrs. Bronson's sixth grade Spartan Start class collected the largest amount.

The eighth grade leadership team also collected 202 pairs of socks for local shelters through a Socktober event in October.

"During one of our leader meetings in October, we made boxes and at lunch we put them out and then they would bring in socks and put it in there any time of the day. Whoever won, they got water bottle stickers," said eighth grade leader Keyla Heinbuch.

Giving back to the community is just a fraction of the work the team members do. Each of them visits a sixth grade Spartan Start classroom every Friday to lead activities like reverse charades that focus on teamwork, cooperation, respect and communication skills.

"In the beginning, it's really helping students feel comfortable at SMS, feel a part and develop that sense of belonging," Prescott-Moerke said.

That connection with the younger students is important, the eighth grade leaders said.

"It makes the kids feel ... more comfortable in the school," said Heinbuch.

Their work makes a positive impact, administrators said.

"These leaders take the opportunity to be positive role models for others and make such an impact on the entire climate of our school," said Assistant Principal Mary Anderson-Petroske. "I hope these eighth graders can feel the power they have and are inspired to continue to use it to be the leaders this world needs."

The process of applying for a position on the leadership team is rigorous. Students have to include two letters of recommendation from teachers with their application, and then go through an interview process. Each eighth grader had a different reason for applying.

"I just wanted to help people within our community," LeJune said.

Bergquist was inspired by an older brother who was on the leadership team two years ago.

"I wanted to make the sixth graders feel comfortable at their school," Heinbuch said.

It's a big commitment. The leadership team came in on the first day of school, which is just for sixth graders, to help guide the new students. They help with transition night, when fifth grade students come to tour the building, and provide input to the school's Positive Behavior, Interventions and Supports team. This year they put on the fall harvest dance as well. The leadership team's next activity will be a snowman hunt when SMS students return to school following the holiday break.

"They are so inspiring; they are a joy to work with," Prescott-Moerke said.

The eighth graders on the team said the activities and projects are fun. They encouraged this year's seventh graders to step out of their comfort zone and apply.

"Just to get involved in the community," Heinbuch said.