Students and staff at two schools in Lunenburg County are making a difference one day at a time.
New Germany Elementary and New Germany Rural High were chosen for a $2,000 grant from the Share2Care Mental Health initiative.
Both schools have a Free Store, which includes clothing, personal hygiene products, and non-perishable food items that can be accessed by students and families in need.
Board Member with Physical and Health Education Canada, Kaelin Tingley, says the store eases the burden and stress for many people.
“To see this opportunity provided for any school, but a rural school in particular, it was so innovative and creative and met the needs of what the community was looking for.”
The grant along with donations from businesses and community members help fill the free store with supplies.
The schools are among five chosen across Canada to receive a grant.
More than 200 schools or community groups applied.
Meanwhile, New Germany Elementary was also nominated for an award from Autism Nova Scotia.
Elizabeth Hilts felt the school deserved the Sheelagh Nolan Award for Excellence in Teaching for their work with her son, Bradley.
The seven-year old lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder and started school in New Germany last September after moving to the community.
Principal Angela Gladwin says staff recognized the boy’s strengths and provided support at home to parents.
“They saw a big shift in what they were able to do and they could see immediately the success and the growth and that’s really what we’re about; trying to move forward from where a child is and take them to the next step and further.”
The school didn’t win the award but did receive a plaque for their nomination.
Autism Nova Scotia says “the school is providing Bradley with the solid foundation and stability needed to succeed in a new learning environment.”
Reported by: Nick Yorston
Twitter: @NickYorston
E-mail: yorston.nick@gmail.com
