Baranoff Elementary students learn the lesson of giving

By Yvonne Lim Wilson Tuesday, 08 December 2009

AUSTIN — In addition to studying reading, math, science and other subjects, Baranoff Elementary School students in southwest Austin are learning an important lesson, but it’s not a subject that's found on any test.

The students conducted a school-wide coin drive to raise money for two projects benefitting sister school Blazier Elementary. Last month, they presented a check to the school's librarian and baskets of food for Thanksgiving meals to 25 Blazier families.

“Helping others and our sense of community is a strong value here at Baranoff, so much so, that we’ve spent the last nine weeks of the school year talking about what we can do for others,” said Theresa Keannini, Baranoff’s PTA president.

The PTA has encouraged the students to learn more about the community and children they are helping.

“We really push the students to understand that collectively we can gather this much money,” said Leticia Caballero, Baranoff PTA community support chair. "We did a presentation, the librarian read a poem and we talked about where the money goes."

As a new school, Blazier Elementary opened three years ago, Blazier has been short on resources, especially with library books.

Parents receiving Thanksgiving baskets were so touched, some mothers cried, said Juan Diaz, a parent support specialist at Blazier.

“Our children will definitely benefit,” Diaz said. “The aid was phenomenal. We’re very fortunate.”

The partnership has not only helped Blazier financially, but has also grown and strengthened the Blazier PTA, Diaz said.

Last year, Baranoff students raised $1,500 in change. This year students raised about $350. The amount was less because families had also donated money to help a Baranoff teacher in need earlier in the year.

Students also recently participated in a coat drive for Coats for Kids, collecting 425 coats.

“This coat doesn’t fit me and someone else could sure use it,” said Camden Streicher, a Baranoff second-grade student.

It looks like Baranoff and Blazier students all deserve high marks in lessons in leadership, community spirit and giving.