Some very special students and their teacher at Pembroke Elementary received a big surprise when they started the school year. Their classroom, where special education students master independent, daily living skills such as navigating their way around a kitchen, got a $100,000 makeover. This classroom was previously functional but had seen better days. Last winter, a small group of teachers and their principal met to discuss improvement possibilities. One of them knew David Collier, owner of First Atlantic Restoration and whose foundation, Give First, contributes to the community through charitable projects. One call to him and he was on board. His team then reached out to Home Depot. Meanwhile, the school reached out to School Division Services who also gave them a resounding yes! Work took place over the summer with a small but mighty group of staff and volunteers—all who clearly exemplified two of the division’s core values: putting students first and collaboration.