February 22, 2025

Thomas Jefferson Elementary is spreading kindness throughout its community

By Newton News
Third grade student Olivia, chose the local police department as one of her Acts of Kindness and provided snacks to the staff.

Third grade student Olivia, chose the local police department as one of her Acts of Kindness and provided snacks to the staff.

Thomas Jefferson Elementary is currently doing a kindness-focused fundraising campaign called Raise Craze. During the fundraiser, students show their appreciation to donors by completing acts of kindness for others. After one week into this two-and-a-half-week event, the students have completed 186 acts of kindness and have raised $3,510 towards their $5,000 goal.

“We’ve heard that this fundraiser has been not only beneficial in the classroom but also at home! Encouraging students to think outside themselves and look to helping others promotes good in the entire community,” Emily Thomason, Thomas Jefferson Elementary PTO President, said.

Students have done everything from holding the door for others to shoveling neighbor’s sidewalks. One student even made valentines for nursing home residents.

In addition to individual acts of kindness, the school classrooms are writing kindness notes all over the school for others to find and helping keep their classrooms clean.

Cheers were heard all around the school Feb. 14 as the leading class with the most money raised so far was in the lead awarding them the traveling trophy for the day. They have raised more than $500, which has also earned them a popcorn party.

The students will celebrate on Friday, Feb. 28 with a school-wide assembly. During the celebration, the students will witness their principal doing something CRAZE-Y. If they meet their $5,000 goal, the students will also receive an ice cream sandwich to enjoy during a future lunch date, graciously donated by our local Wal-Mart.

The PTO provides many educational initiatives for the students of Thomas Jefferson Elementary. To support Thomas Jefferson Elementary, please donate to https://my.raisecraze.com/give/arjrqbm/. Alternatively, you may send a check payable to Thomas Jefferson PTO and mail it to Thomas Jefferson Elementary, 112 Thomas Jefferson Drive, Newton, IA 50208.