Jaxon's imagination is at full swing right now. It's really pretty funny to sit and listen to him play. The greatest thing is that he doesn't have just one imaginary friend...he has an entire class! He plays with his "school kids". (I'm sure having a mom as a teacher has absolutely nothing to do with that!) His school kids are super teeny. So teeny in fact they are usually in his hand. So, when he's washing his hands you can imagine the fun he and his school kids have in the bubbles! (The group can make quite a mess as well.) He's so random, but so much fun to have around!!
Speaking of school kids....I thought I would share this story from the Standard Examiner. As one of the student council advisors at our school we decided to grant a wish for the Make-A-Wish foundation as our service project. We held two days (since we are year round not all the kids are in school at the same time) where the students could break the rules. We've done this fundraiser in the past and it is a HUGE success. It's been neat to see the kids on student council pull through and do their jobs to help grant this wish.
Here's the story:
Break a rule for Make-A-Wish
Saturday, January 19, 2008
By BETH YOUNG
Standard-Examiner Davis Bureau
West Clinton students hold contrary party to help youngster
CLINTON -- Students at West Clinton Elementary School spent Friday breaking the rules, but the teachers made sure they paid for it -- $1 a rule or $5 for all of them.
"We are breaking the rules to have money to help Josh go to Disney World," said third-grader David Clark, who was wearing pajamas, a hat and had a spider painted on his face.
Although none of the students have met Josh Reynolds, a 5-year-old Roy resident, they are raising $5,000 to make his wish come true through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah.
"Not only is it a tremendous help financially but it allows children to help other children," said Krachel Greenwood, Make-A-Wish of Utah communication manager. "The thing that's fabulous about it is there is a name and face you know the money is going to. There is something about seeing who you're helping that makes all the difference."
The Make-A-Wish Foundation held an assembly to introduce Josh, who has heart and lung disease. Posters with his picture also hang throughout the school.
"I feel really bad for him 'cause he is really sick, and I am glad we are helping him," said second-grader Holly Porter, dressed in pink pajamas with butterflies painted on her face.
The students had six rules they could break: have crazy hair, chew gum, extra recess time, have an extra treat at lunch or wear hats and pajamas.
"They are having fun with it, but I don't think they lose sight of why they are doing it," said Vice Principal Diane Cahoon. "They ask about Josh and how he is doing. They are excited about helping him. They haven't forgotten what this is for."
Friday was the second Break the Rules Day, a service project of the West Clinton Student Council, who came up with the idea to have fun while raising money. However, not every student breaks the rules.
"One little girl told me she didn't want to break any rules, but wanted to give all the money she had to Josh," said Marlys Bauder, fourth-grade teacher and student council adviser. "She handed over 45 cents."
Many students chose to break all the rules, but also donated $20 or more. One parent gave $100, and two teachers paid for their whole class to be rule breakers.
"It has really touched our hearts," Bauder said.
Breaking rules can be very profitable. So far the school has raised more than $4,000, and plans to continue fundraising until they have the entire amount.
The average wish costs $5,000, butmost elementary schools raise about $2,500.
"West Clinton has been fabulous about sticking to their guns," Greenwood said. "They are determined to raise the full amount. They are not going to settle for less. That is pretty special for an elementary to raise that full amount."
Depending on the wish recipient's health and circumstances, Greenwood said, wishes are sometimes granted before all the money is raised. Josh and his family returned from the trip to Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 12.
"He was on cloud nine the entire time," said Chasi Reynolds, Josh's mom. "His face would light up every time he heard Mickey's name. He didn't want to leave."
Reynolds said Josh spends a lot of his time at Primary Children's Medical Center. She said it's a great hospital, but the change of scenery in Disney World was needed.
"It was nice to see him not hooked up to an IV, be a little boy and enjoy himself," Reynolds said. "It's wonderful of the Clinton kids to help another kid fulfill his dreams."
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