Our Year-End Wrap-Up

[Mike Poluk]

Now that the school year is over and summer holidays have begun, I am reflecting on what my grade 5 students have accomplished during our Making a Difference program. I have posted previously about our efforts to raise money and awareness for the Light Up The World Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing energy efficient lighting to third world countries not connected to the power grid. The students created digital stories to raise awareness for the many projects supported by LUTW, and organized fundraisers that resulted in $880.00 being raised to install solar lighting in medical aid stations in Papua New Guinea. Not bad for a group of 10-11 year old students! Throughout this initiative we had a terrific opportunity to collaborate with another group of students in Ontario, Canada. Through blogging and videoconferencing we were able to exchange ideas and provide support for one another as we worked to achieve our common goal of making the world a better place. (BTW, last I checked, this class was well on their way to raising $3000.00 for the LUTW Foundation!)

In addition to our specific focus on the Light Up The World Foundation, we were involved in a school-wide effort to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life event. Our school community banded together and in a very short time raised well over $1000.00 for cancer research.

These are just a couple of examples of what can be achieved when a group of motivated students are encouraged to think outside of themselves and become engaged in projects with global significance. I am very proud of these students, and I will be revisiting the projects underway by others on this Ning. I am inspired by everyones efforts here, and I am proud to be a part of this!

[Jenny Luca]

Mike, I am so thrilled with everything you and your students have achieved. What an excellent year for you, your students and the people who have benefited from your efforts. Your personal contribution to this site has been motivating for me and others who reside here. It has been a pleasure being connected to your efforts Mike - you and your students are an inspiration to us all.
Jenny : )

[NinaD]

Hi Mike,
Wow! Your students have much to be proud of. I'm just learning how to do half of what you've done. Jenny has been my official mentor this year, even though we work in different systems. When I see and read what others are doing, it motivates me to do more! Cheers Nina

[Mike Poluk]

Jenny, I would like to thank you for the support that you have provided to me and my students during our Making a Difference program. Your words of encouragement meant a great deal to all of us, and it proved to the students that their efforts were recognized and appreciated. The YouTube video that you created for them was the icing on the cake!