

Cox High School Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow(VTfT) students and almost 300 fifth graders filled the Great Neck Recreation Center with good deeds Dec.13.
They helped more than a dozen community service organizations during the Day of Service.
VTfT teacher Jennifer Nardelli said integrating service activities into the curriculum enriches the learning experience for students of all ages and fosters essential skills and values crucial for academic and personal development.
“Students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and gain practical experience in planning and communication while mentoring younger peers,” she said.
This year’s event was expanded from one to three elementary schools. John B. Dey, Trantwood and Linkhorn Park students were placed in groups based on interest.
VTfT students selected the organizations to help with support from the Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads.
The high school leaders started the day by hosting icebreakers for the fifth graders, and organization representatives spoke about their missions.
Cox senior Alyssa Crisanti’s group made “birthday bags” for Tidewater Friends of Foster Care (TFFC).

Foster care children don’t always get to have a traditional birthday celebration, she told the fifth graders.
“We will make a difference.”
They formed an assembly line and filled 100 bags with cake mix, frosting, plates, streamers, balloons, candles and more.
TFFC program coordinator Emma Kolar explained the nonprofit organization’s purpose of enriching the lives of as many local foster children as possible.
The students’ efforts will provide some joy to children who might not get a traditional celebration on their birthdays, she said.
Linkhorn Park fifth grader Ava Dzupinka said she was happy to help fill the bags for children in foster care.
“I think they would be sad to not be in their home, but happy to celebrate,” she said.
Nearby, students focused on helping the homeless through PiN Ministry. Some weaved sleeping mats out of plastic bags and others made 100 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to pack in brown paper lunch bags.

Zoe Harkins wrote kind messages on some of the bags. The Trantwood fifth grader said it’s important to be a good citizen.
“Treat others like you’d want to be treated,” she said. “That’s the golden rule.”
Ten “no-sew” fleece blankets were created for Samaritan House, 30 holiday bags filled for Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters patients, three boxes of toys made for Virginia Beach SPCA animals, and lots more.
Student volunteer cooks made shepherd’s pie for the Lasagna Love project in the center’s kitchen. The meals will help Edmarc spread kindness to pediatric hospice patients.
Down the hall, students helped senior citizens create festive holiday arrangements and the Cox High National Art Honor Society painted tiles to be displayed at St. Mary’s Home for children.
Outside, five benches were built to be donated and another group helped Lynnhaven River NOW collect trash at the nearby park and outside Cox High School.

VBCPS Superintendent Dr. Donald E. Robertson Jr., School Board Chair Kimberly Melnyk and Cox principal Dr. Michael Kelly watched the worker-bees in action.
“I’m astonished at how much good is being done,” Robertson said. The project engaged students with an unforgettable learning experience, he said.
Trantwood fifth grade teacher Hannah Phelps said students were provided the unique opportunity to collaborate with high school students and learn the importance of giving back.
Katie Howard, a Linkhorn Park fifth grade teacher, said her students were excited to help others.
The day was awesome, she said. “It’s a great way for them to make an impact on our city.”


