North Middle School has launched a school-wide initiative to provide authentic learning opportunities and interdisciplinary lessons, and integrate citizenship and life skills to the educational setting.  Students will see that they are part of something bigger than themselves, and hopefully discover that one penny, one person, and one school can make a difference.

Why pennies? Pennies are regularly dismissed as having no value. People walk past pennies on the ground without stopping. Pennies are seemingly insignificant. Everyone has pennies, which means everyone can participate.

We are engaging in curricular and extra-curricular activities to collect pennies. The learning opportunities are embedded in the process. Students are reaching out within the local community and to the broader community to communicate our goals and encourage partnerships. While this could be accomplished by collecting virtually anything, the pennies will allow for additional learning opportunities. Once we have reached our collection goal, $100,000 will be available to "give back." Students will again be at the center of the efforts to identify and prioritize opportunities for giving. Priority will be given to opportunities that allow for students to engage in service as well as monetary contributions. Therefore, most of the giving will be channeled to local needs while charity beyond the local community will support underprivileged schools.

Middle school students are in a unique developmental phase. They are seeking their "fit" and often feel insignificant. This project is designed to engage them in productive activities that benefits the students and those around them. What can you do with one penny? Not much. A whole bunch of pennies? A lot more. What can one middle school student accomplish? Depends on the student. What can nearly 1,000 middle school students accomplish? We are about to find out!

Explore our web site to see which businesses and schools are participating to help us reach this lofty and unique goal. Check back often to track our progress.