MASA’s statewide initiative dedicated to giving back to educators, students, and communities reached another powerful milestone this November. What began last fall has grown into an inspiring movement – one that now symbolizes purpose, partnership, and the impact educators can have when they unite for good.
On November 12, the MASA Team, together with our valued partners at Kingscott, SET SEG, and Train, delivered 300 Winter Warmth Totes to multilingual learners of Van Buren ISD. About 25 bags were delivered directly to Lawrence Elementary, while the remaining totes were distributed to multilingual elementary students across the districts served by the ISD. The delivery arrived just after Michigan’s first sticking snowfall – perfect timing for a project centered on warmth and care.
This fall, Superintendent Dave Manson of Van Buren ISD was randomly selected from a pool of over 50 Impact Award submissions, earning him the opportunity to lead efforts that would have a significant impact on students in his district.. After collaborating with district leaders, Manson identified multilingual learners as the students who would benefit most from a meaningful winter support effort. Members of the Van Buren Board of Education also joined us for the delivery, helping to personally distribute the totes. Each tote was stocked with essential cold-weather items including hats, gloves, scarves, lotions, chapstick, and warm socks.
“This initiative helps many of us reconnect with our ‘why,’” Tina Kerr, Executive Director, MASA.. “It shows what can happen when we unite behind something good for students.”
The next Impact Award recipient will be announced at MASA’s Midwinter Conference in January, with one final project taking place in the spring to close out the school year.
Experience the magic of the day here.