Here in Florida, we enjoy some amazing weather. And while many of our days are filled with sunshine and sand, we also know we need to be ready for inclement weather, such as hurricanes and flooding. In an effort to help our students and families be well prepared in such emergencies, the staff at Pinecrest Elementary School brought in the Pillowcase Project. The Pillowcase Project is a partnership between The Red Cross and Disney to offer emergency preparedness tools and resources to students—in a fun and engaging way of course. Last week, all fifth grade students at Pinecrest Elementary received a pillowcase and visit from The Red Cross. The students learned important ways to stay safe, be prepared, and take action during an emergency. They were able to color and decorate their pillowcases and were taught what items to keep inside the pillowcase to have ready in the event of a disaster. Students were also encouraged to practice what they learned at home or with friends. “It was very useful and relevant to them because they were able to relate it back to Hurricane Irma last year,” shared fifth grade teacher, Erica Rimbert. Rimbert checked in with her class following the weekend break. “Many of my students read the packet with their family to make disaster plans. They talked about how they’ll be better prepared for next time thanks to this program.” As educators, the safety and well-being of our students is something that is always top of mind and knowing our students have a plan and are more prepared helps us rest just a little easier.