Format

Individual Presentation

First Presenter's Institution

St Petersburg High School, Pinellas County, Florida

First Presenter’s Email Address

Keimt@pcsb.org

First Presenter's Brief Biography

Thrice a Teacher of the Year, Tracey has been at her alma mater since 2005. Her Closet is a model for many other pantries around the United States and even "Down Under!" She recently won a $10,000 McDonald's Golden Grant for her Green Devils Closet.

Location

Session Three Breakouts (Vernon)

Strand #1

Home: Family & Community Engagement

Strand #2

Heart: Social & Emotional Skills

Relevance

Using only Facebook and word-of-mouth, I ask my Closeteers to donate based on the needs of the moment. Hundreds of these donors give each year. The Closet promotes self-esteem, belonging and school spirit as it addresses uncertainty in hygiene, cleaning, food, and school supplies. What's more, school merchandise is available gratis. Ideally, students who I help will come back to donate someday thus promoting benevolence. Students who help keep my Closet tidy learn the importance of discretion as their peers come to "shop."

Brief Program Description

Using a "real" grocery list, cash money, and an unexpected situation, attendees put themselves in the shoes (or socks) of the children-at-risk and families who need support in a hands on, solution centered workshop. Workshop participants walk away with culturally relevant materials that will allow them to find funding for a 6'x9' corner of hope--at little or no cash cost. But that makes all the difference in the world.

Summary

With today's economy, we all work with students and families experiencing shortages and uncertainty. A closet or pantry might be the answer for them and for students looking to help others. Where will you put it? What size is your pantry? How do you stock it? What about confidentiality? Funding? Worry not. This is the little Closet that can--and does--help children and families each and every day. It is small, powerful, far-reaching. Working in small groups, attendees will see what "really" matters.

Evidence will prove that a place to level the playing field extends beyond the today or even the school year. A sense of benevolence appears. Donors and Closeteers see how "they" make a difference in how others are "making" a difference. All materials provided, including grant sources, measurements, and the list that makes requesting, stocking, and sharing the Closet possible.

Your classroom corner or designated space will likewise address food, hygiene, cleaning uncertainty whilst also promoting school spirit. The ultimate lesson is benevolence.

If you had only $10 in your wallet, how could you pay for gas, food, tampons, soap?

Evidence

Students-at-risk show markedly lowered behavior incidents when their social, scholastic, and familial needs are met. Families facing financial and/or social crisis respond favorably to assistance in which "one" child is favored but rather the entire family unit is assisted. Shown to reduce bullying and level the learning playing field.

Learning Objective 1

Devise a plan to present to administration to launch a school pantry/closet

Learning Objective 2

Procure funding for a small closet

Learning Objective 3

Promote and maintain a closet/pantry on their campus using social media

Keyword Descriptors

Pantry, food uncertainty, uncertainty, transition, hunger

Presentation Year

2023

Start Date

3-6-2023 2:45 PM

End Date

3-6-2023 4:00 PM

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Mar 6th, 2:45 PM Mar 6th, 4:00 PM

Green Devils Closet: How a 9x6' Corner Can Change Lives

Session Three Breakouts (Vernon)

Using a "real" grocery list, cash money, and an unexpected situation, attendees put themselves in the shoes (or socks) of the children-at-risk and families who need support in a hands on, solution centered workshop. Workshop participants walk away with culturally relevant materials that will allow them to find funding for a 6'x9' corner of hope--at little or no cash cost. But that makes all the difference in the world.