Four years ago our student council began the "Sunshine Fund for Kids," which recognizes the needs of children when a sorrowful event takes place in a student's life. 

It goes like this: The classroom teacher contacts Mrs. Williams with the news of a sorrowful event (for many children the death of a grandparent or a beloved animal is their first experience with loss or extreme sadness), so when the child returns to school, she or he will find a gift bag on the desk with a small stuffed animal and a card made by our student council.  Many grateful parents have contacted Mrs. Williams to let the council members know how grateful they and their children were by this small but important act of kindness.

The council is a success because our kids believe in their hearts that they can make a difference in their school and beyond.  I have seen shy, timid children blossom and become true leaders in our school.  When we encourage children to reach beyond themselves, we enable them to make better choices, see problems and solutions more clearly, and feel that a difference can be made if we remind them to take the time to listen, care, and get involved.