It seems that each day I learn something about students, staff and parents in Adams 14 that truly inspires me. Two recent events in our schools put the caring nature of our community on display.

As the world was shocked last month by the images of Haitians reeling after a horrible earthquake struck the capital Port-au-Prince, fifth grade students in Robbie Robinson’s class at Monaco Elementary determined to take action. The students organized a schoolwide fundraising competition to gather money for Haiti relief efforts of the American Red Cross. On Tuesday, representatives from American Red Cross visited Mr. Robinson’s class, and the students presented the organization with a $1000 donation. These students, and the staff and families at Monaco, are to be commended for their generous charity.

Last weekend, a Rose Hill Elementary student passed away. This incident has deeply affected the school community. In response, the students, parents and staff rallied around the family of this beloved student. In just two days, Rose Hill raised $2900 to support the family by helping to pay for funeral expenses. Members of the Rose Hill parent group contributed $500 to the effort.

The tragic loss of a student is one of the most difficult things that educators face in their profession. The work we do touches many lives in profound ways, and when one life is lost, grief ripples across our school community.

Today, as we head into the weekend, I want to thank the students, staff and parents of both Monaco and Rose Hill for their inspiring displays of generosity in the wake of tragedy.

There is no substitute for a caring community, and it is evident that Adams 14 students, staff and parents truly care about the world around them.

If you are like many of the educators I know, you are probably wondering how you can help. If you want to know more about helping at Rose Hill, contact Principal Samara Williams. To learn more about how you can help with relief efforts in Haiti, visit the American Red Cross website.