A Joy Filled Holiday Gesture at Horace Mann

As you can imagine, the atmosphere was brimming with excitement during our last week before winter break.  We had terrific fun with spirit week, made keepsake crafts for parents, enjoyed holiday themed work and culminated with a beautiful concert and art show. 

Amidst all the activity, I experienced a small gesture with the potential for big effects.  The clever parents of a sweet--but somewhat shy--childdeveloped a routine where they sent him to school each day with a $1 scratch off lottery ticket.  The boy approached different familiar adults at school, presenting them with the ticket and having short, fun conversational exchanges while the ticket was scratched. 

While I was lucky enough to have the interaction and see the boy's grin, I, alas, was not a monetary winner (our secretary Barb, on the other hand, claimed $10!).  I was, however, fortunate to contribute to the growth of this child's broader confidence and his joy in giving to others. 

Thank you to all parents for the creativity, generosity and love you give your children every day.  We here at Horace Mann benefit by extension, and you are making an immeasurable difference in our community and our world.

Have a safe and joyful holiday, and we'll see you in 2018!