Fifth Graders at Harmony School of Innovation Collect More Than 450 Boxes of Cereal for Local Families

Fifth graders at Harmony School of Innovation are showing how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Led by teacher Ms. Lira, the students launched their annual Student Led Service Learning Project to collect unopened boxes of cereal for El Buen Samaritano, a local nonprofit that provides families with access to its free food pantry.

The effort was a success. Students collected more than 450 boxes of cereal to support local families in need.

The project ended with an exciting demonstration (see B-Roll). To celebrate their accomplishment, students lined up the cereal boxes throughout the school’s hallways, creating a domino effect. All HSI students, from PreK to 5th, gathered to watch the boxes fall in a chain reaction — a visual reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together.

As part of the effort, students visited classrooms to share what they learned about food insecurity and designed flyers to raise awareness and encourage participation both on and off campus.

“We want our students to understand that leadership includes service,” Ms. Lira said. “This project helps them see the importance of giving back.”

Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system with more than 60 campuses serving prekindergarten through grade 12 students in 23 cities across the state, including nine campuses in Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander and Pflugerville. Its curriculum emphasizes STEM education, character development, project-based learning and college readiness.