General McLane to raise money for Houston Schools

It’s been only a couple of weeks since General McLane High School’s National Honor Society Induction ceremony took place, but students are already to work.

Throughout the next week, the General McLane High School’s National Honor Society Induction is hosting a district-wide fundraiser to help those affected by the hurricanes this past month.

"It’s not just about helping people you know, but it’s about helping people who need it. This is a cause that is bigger than any one of us," said president of National Honor Society and senior Nicole Foulkrod.

Through the Dollars for Disasters Fundraiser, students will be raising money for Jefferson Elementary School and the Houston Independent School District, the largest school district in Houston.

This District had all 200 school facilities damaged by the hurricane and 100 of them have been inaccessible.

"I’m worrying about what’s going to happen to me after high school and these students don’t even get to go to school and may not even finish high school because their building has been destroyed. It’s life changing," said senior and National Honor Society member Maddie Schutt. "This is something tragic and terrible that has happened to these students."

The students connected with a former General McLane teacher, who is now teaching for the Houston Independent School District. Mrs. Christine Zimmer taught English and Special Education at James W. Parker Middle School. She left the District in June to relocate to Texas.

The National Honor Society kicked of the fundraiser with an assembly on Thursday and it will run through next Friday. Students placed bins in each of the homerooms and will collect the donations daily.

James W. Parker Middle School and Edinboro Elementary School are also participating in the fundraiser and will begin collecting money next week.

The class (or grade level at Edinboro Elementary) that raises the most money will receive a classroom party. Some of the teachers have even added their own incentives. High School art teacher Mrs. Katie Thompson, for example, will let students style her hair for the day if her class raises the most money.

McKean Elementary students have been raising money in a separate fundraiser to help the victims of the recent hurricanes. Third grade students spearheaded this effort.

"I am very proud of their efforts. In social studies our students learn that they are members of many communities and regardless of the size of the community, their responsibility as a member remains the same," said McKean Elementary Third Grade teacher Lesley Little. "When someone in your community is hurting or in need, you try to reach out and help if you can. I believe that participating in such an activity will help shape caring citizens for our future."

They have raised more than $600 through their fundraising efforts and will donate this money to the Red Cross.

To participate in either of the fundraisers, individuals can drop off money at one of the corresponding schools.

General McLane School District serves students in kindergarten through twelfth grade in Franklin, McKean and Washington Townships, as well as the borough of McKean and Edinboro. The District also serves tuition students throughout Erie County.

To learn more about General McLane School District, visit generalmclane.org.