Theory and action

In an effort to come to the aid of students affected by Hurricane

Katrina, a leadership class of seventh- and eighth-graders at Dwyer

Middle School put lessons in teamwork and organization to use.

Danielle Almeida’s 34 students began their undertaking by

distributing fliers to classrooms around school, asking for donations

of backpacks to be loaded with supplies.

After a week, the class was overwhelmed to find 40 packs full of

pens, erasers, notebooks, toothpaste and toothbrushes, as well as fun

items such as stuffed animals, Disney figurines and a Hilary Duff

book.

Also included were personal notes of sympathy to be sent on to

victims.

“Raise your hand if you feel we got more than we expected,”

Almeida asked her class.

Every student raised a hand.

“I didn’t think we’d get this much,” said Almeida.

The class, which operated in separate teams, then loaded the packs

into a vehicle to be driven to Mail Biz Plus of Laguna Hills, a

shipper recommended by the American Red Cross for delivering goods to

hurricane victims free of charge.

Mail Biz Plus owner Robert Adler paid for the shipping -- to a

shop in Baker, La. -- out of his own pocket and through outside

donations.

Almeida’s curriculum includes team-building, committee work and

government activities.

Almeida said that taking action in response to Hurricane Katrina

has helped teach her students that what they learn applies to a

real-life crisis. The kids take pride in their achievement, and

undoubtedly help those on the receiving end.

“This is a great group of kids,” Almeida said.