$100,000 for James Sales Elementary

Tacoma area James Sales Elementary School in the Franklin Pierce School District has been getting a lot of attention lately, after receiving a $100,000 gift from the Ellen Show. In a school where 100% of the students receive free or reduced lunch, the staff and volunteers have come together as they do at so many of our schools to create a safe and supportive atmosphere for students to learn and play in. The Ellen Show and Target will be awarding the money in recognition of this atmosphere, specifically the school’s 12 Days of Giving program.

James Sales’ 12 Days of Hope is a program developed by Principal Schroeder, with the help of staff at the school, aimed to express unconditional love and unconditional giving to students in a way that supports positive reinforcement and compels the 400+ kindergarten through 5th graders to develop a greater understanding and appreciation for the practice of giving and receiving of themselves. For the past two years, on each of the 12 days preceding holiday break, students receive a different surprise each day. Starting on December 5th and proceeding through December 20th, every student of the school received socks, velvet fuzzy color posters, a pomegranate, shirts with college/university logos on them, gloves, hats, grab bags, pajama wearing day, craft day, brand new coats, games day, and ornaments.

The school’s video for the Ellen Show shares more of the story.

The story of James Sales Elementary is inspirational, not just for the $100,000 check, but even more so because of the commitment of the staff and volunteers who make the school such a supportive environment for its pupils.

Students, parents and staff will participate in a decision-making process to determine what they will spend the money on.

Read more on the Franklin Pierce Schools website.