A giant-sized $100,000 check was scanned by the Transportation Security Authority and stashed in a stewardess’ airplane closet before making its way to a Parkland school Thursday, where dozens of kids clamored to touch it.
The check elicited cheers from students at James Sales Elementary School, but it was seeing their principal – and themselves – on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” that truly tickled the dozens who gathered in the gymnasium to watch the TV-talk show host honor them as an “amazing school.”
“This is great for the community,” said Roberto Rosales, who has a daughter and niece attending the school. “It’s a boost of morale for the kids and the school needs it. They’re never going to forget this.”
The “Ellen” show and Target provided the money after hearing about the students, staff and school’s 12 Days of Hope program, which began two years ago.
Principal Kristen Schroeder was home after undergoing a double mastectomy when she saw the “12 Days of Giveaways” on “Ellen.”
She was so inspired by the enthusiasm of the audience that she devised a program with her staff to give the 400 or so students a gift every day leading up to winter break.
“We want the kids to know they’re loved and cared for by the community,” Schroeder said. “The community believes in them and knows they’re capable and can do anything they put their minds to.”
Some of the gifts are practical (winter coats, socks and food), some are fun (velvet posters and grab bags) and some are interactive (pajama day in class or time set aside for board games).
Volunteers solicit donations from local families, businesses and organizations. This year, Schroeder made a plea on her personal Facebook account and her friends quickly produced 400 pairs of fuzzy socks.
Teachers said it’s important for children who may not usually receive gifts to know that they are important and cared for. They hope the students will feel so touched by the spirit of giving that they’ll continue it.
That’s just what the students did this year. They decided to give their ornaments and wooden toys to the Children’s Hospital in Seattle.
Mariposa Steve, a fifth-grader at James Sales, said she was surprised when she heard her school would be featured on TV and she’s glad others recognize the importance of 12 Days of Hope.
“It mostly helps us by giving us stuff we need,” Mariposa said. “A lot of kids don’t have jackets and clothes.”
James Sales is considered a high-poverty school, officials said. All children receive free breakfast and lunch at school.
On “Ellen,” Schroeder talked about the challenges many students face financially and how they often come from broken families. Yet they arrive eager to learn and determined to succeed.
Schroeder submitted an online letter to the show in October and was delighted when producers called her in mid-December to tell her they would be doing on online special on James Sales.
Film crews arrived at the Tacoma school Monday even though school had not yet returned from winter break. Students were told they were invited to a “very special event.”
Schroeder flew to Los Angeles expecting to sit in the audience Wednesday. She was told two minutes before walking onstage to meet DeGeneres that the school would be featured on the TV program, not just online.
“I was shocked. It was so surreal,” she said. “When I submitted the letter, I didn’t even think anybody would read it.”
Dozens of students and their families sat in the gym Thursday to watch the show on a projector screen. They yelled, laughed and pointed to themselves on the screen.
“It’s really exciting,” said Carol Tyson, 11. “But the first time I heard we were going to be on the show, I didn’t want to be on. I was embarrassed.”
The fifth-grader said she quickly changed her mind when she realized the importance to the school.
As for the $100,000, Schroeder said she plans to meet with staffers, students and parents to develop a list of priorities.
Some initial suggestions were school supplies, playground equipment and library books.
“Whatever it is, we want to make sure it has the most impact on the most kids,” Schroeder said.
Stacia Glenn: 253-597-8653
stacia.glenn@thenewstribune.com
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.