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POLAND — Sixth-graders in RSU 16’s gifted and talented math program recently hosted a Carnival for a Cause to raise funds for the Dempsey Center. The students organized games, arts and crafts, a pie sale and contest.
“The students decided to create a carnival fundraiser as part of the Poland Community School’s annual fall festival,” explained Ell Fanus, a teacher for RSU 16’s gifted and talented program. “Each of the 11 students took a role in planning the games, arts and crafts, pie sale and contest. The students also decided how to publicize the activities to the students and the community.”
Games included a sack race, dart throw, cup game and touchdown toss, and the arts and crafts included cup weaving and leaf reefs.
All the money raised went to the Dempsey Center in Lewiston. The Dempsey Center provides free support to cancer patients and their families.
“With the support of Dempsey Center’s Fundraising Coordinator Tish Caldwell, students were able to team with an organization called Positive Tracks to maximize their fundraising efforts,” noted Fanus. “The organization matched, dollar for dollar, all the funds raised during the carnival.”
According to the organization’s website, Positive Tracks “combines getting active with giving back to help young people make the world awesome, starting with themselves.” The organization also has a partnership with the Dempsey Center. During the carnival, the students raised $640 and with the matching $640 from Positive Tracks, $1,280 was raised for the Dempsey Center’s cancer patients and their families.
“A student-led project like the Carnival for a Cause is an excellent way to combine educational learning and community service,” said Tina Meserve, RSU 16’s Superintendent. “Community service is an integral part of our curriculum and mission which helps prepare students to be successful contributing citizens of the community.”
RSU 16 serves the towns of Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls. Learn more information about the district by visiting www.rsu16.org.
PHOTO CAPTION: RSU 16’s gifted and talented math program students who participated in the Carnival for a Cause, are, from left, front row, Maggie McGlaughlin, Brody Keefe, Mason Brousseau, Hayden Christner, Shane Yorkey, Nolan Greenwald and Sam Tjalsma, back row, Kai Anderson, Ell Fanus, Norah MacMahon and Emma Moreau; not pictured, Ben Cushman.
