School District gives back
- Photo by Greg Bird 15 students and their families were treated to a morning of shopping and lunch. Below: Syperintendent Mike Cash, Athletic Director Robert Jones and MCHS Principal Sharon Privett all spent time with their sponsored students in the store and paid for their purchases.
- Photo by Greg Bird PKI Principal Rebecca Blakley helps a student pick out Christmas gifts as part of the School District’s ELF Program.
Several students and their families were treated to a special day of Christmas shopping last Tuesday, courtesy of the administrative staff of the McCreary County School District.
Dubbed the McCreary County School District Educators Loving Families, or E.L.F. program, 15 students were treated to a morning of Christmas shopping at the Oneida Wal Mart and a special lunch at McDonalds afterward. Each student was sponsored by a member of the Central Office staff or school principal and given a budget of up to $100 to pick out whatever they desired: from toys for themselves, clothing or gifts for the families.
“I think this is a wonderful new tradition to start,” Superintendent Mike Cash said about the event. “We hope to continue this, and hopefully expand it in the future.”
Cash stated the staff members were asked to sponsor a child, accompanied them on the trip, helping them make their purchases.
“The staff paid for everything out of their own pockets,” Cash said. “Some even went above and beyond. It was a very special day.”
Cash said economic conditions in the county make the holidays difficult for many families, and he hoped the new program will continue to grow and expand in the future to be able to help more students have a better Christmas.
“All of our staff, from principals and educators to cooks and custodians see our school district kids every day and make an impact on them with every interaction,” he said. “This is just another small way that we can make a difference in the lives of our students.”