Warren 5th Grader Inspired To Start School-Wide Food Drive

WARREN, NJ — Students in Warren Township benefit significantly by participating in what is called Morning Meeting. The daily 25-minute period is dedicated to addressing social and emotional learning. The district adopted a program called Everyday Speech which provides lessons that focus on character development, self-management, empathy, social connections, and decision-making.

Jack Muir, a grade five Woodland School student in Tiffany Serafin’s class, was recently inspired to start a school-wide food drive after participating in a Morning Meeting lesson on the purpose of community and the benefit of making a positive contribution to your community.

With the support of Serafin, Jack’s initiative was taking off. Principal Jeffrey Heaney incentivized the activity by announcing that the class that brought in the most donations would earn extra recess time.

Rose Muir, Jack’s mother, who works for Uhaul, was able to secure 20 Uhaul boxes which
Jack decorated and brought to school for each homeroom.

From Feb. 6 through Feb. 14, the Woodland School community contributed 1,450 items. Jack and his mother identified OASIS, a Haven for Women and Children, as the recipients of the drive.

On Feb. 15, Rose and Jack arrived at Woodland School with a van donated by Uhaul to collect and deliver the donations to Oasis.

Serafin was very pleased with the food drive and the effort put forth by Muir.

"I'm so proud of Jack for coming up with this idea and leading it! He was excited, as was the school to participate in such a great cause," said Serafin.

— Submitted by Warren Township Schools