It takes a village, a community, a mission of caring and giving charities to make a difference in the everyday lives of people around us. It is so easy for folks who are struggling to become invisible, to not even register their hardships, as we move forward with our lives.
At the Seaford School District, we see it all — the triumphs and the challenges. And with us, it is the child that comes first. Always. We are dedicated to nourishing their minds and bodies. It is with gratitude and appreciation that we recognize the Freeman Arts Pavilion for the creative nourishment kits the children received, along with their Food Bank of Delaware Backpack Program meals.
Once a month during March, April and May, the children received an art kit in both English and Spanish, with workbook directions and art supplies (art paper, markers and a glue stick), as well as string for displaying. The step-by-step worksheets were created by local artist John Donato specifically for grade clusters to align with school curriculum and to encourage creativity.
According to Americans for the Arts, students who are highly engaged in the arts are twice as likely to graduate college than their peers with no arts education are — we have to start somewhere!
To date, five Sussex County school districts have requested more than 23,000 kits. Just as Food Bank volunteers assemble Backpack meals for students, we know that Freeman Arts volunteers assembled 25,000 art kits, benefiting students in our and other districts.
Thank you for your generosity and for inspiring our children to explore their creative selves.
Dr. Corey Miklus
Superintendent, Seaford School District
