The holiday season is a season of giving. Many of our schools hold holiday drives. Whether it’s a giving tree to help families in need, food donations, or toy drives, magic and kindness are in the air. So, it’s no surprise that one elementary school here in Immokalee is taking its giving a step further with projects all year long.

Eden Park Elementary School (EPE) unveiled its #EPEGivesBack initiative just this year. Each month, a new effort is chosen and provides students the opportunity to give back to others. Most recently, EPE students held a Penny Drive to assist the relief efforts in the Bahamas. All in all, the school raised more than $1,200 to benefit the Bahamas! This month, they are working on campus beautification, and in January, they plan on holding a packing event to benefit Meals of Hope.

And before we leave for winter break, CCPS would like to share a message of thanks to the Benison Center. They have been instrumental in changing the culture within our schools in Immokalee, Everglades City, and beyond. Donations of furniture, gifts of teacher appreciation, and awards for student achievement…all have made a tremendous impact on student learning and teacher engagement. Thank you, Benison Center and World Vision, for seeing a need and filling our hearts.

Lastly, we want to remind parents and guardians of some important dates:

• December 20, 2019 – Early Dismissal Day

• December 23, 2019 through January 6, 2020 – Winter Break (No School for Students)

• January 7, 2020 – Students Return to School

• January 20, 2020 – No School
Have a wonderful holiday with family and friends. We’ll see you in the New Year!