Alix Messier and Beth Kourt’s second and fourth grade classes have been buddying up to make a positive impact on one another, as well as their community. Each month, the classes join together to complete a service project to spread positivity.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, families from both classes donated supplies and the students assembled 54 “chemo care bags” which were then donated to Upstate Hematology Oncology in Niskayuna for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment.  

Also, as a part of October’s service project, the students asked their classmates schoolwide to participate in a coin drive. Each classroom was provided with a cup to collect coins throughout the month. The coin drive was able to raise $1,827 to donate to the American Cancer Society.

“This program has such a positive impact on Ms. Messier’s second graders and my fourth graders,” said Beth Kourt. “Both our younger and older students benefit immensely; second graders feel a greater sense of belonging and school community while our fourth graders develop leadership skills and confidence, they feel proud of their ability to  be helpful to their younger “buddies”. Service projects such as painting kindness rocks, making homemade applesauce for the Capital City Rescue Mission, and most recently; assembling chemo care bags and raising money for the American Cancer Society, allow our students to collaborate and work towards making an impact on our community at large.”