The beginning of Sweet Dreams for Kids in Crisis
Ruth Hill Elementary’s 4th and 5th graders took a beginning-of-the-school-year survey in their Launch Pad Library Specials class. One of the questions asked, “What problem or issue do you see in your community, neighborhood, or school that you think needs to be changed?” Many of the students answered ‘homelessness.’
Through discussion the students determined their concern regarded kids who were homeless. This led to learning about the national program, Project Night Night based in California that provided bedtime bags for children in homeless shelters. Further discussion among the students revealed they were also concerned about other types of situations were kids would be lonely and afraid at bedtime. It was decided to create an impact project that would reach multiple kids in a variety of conditions.
A team of four students originally meet with Mrs. Graner, and the name Sweet Dreams was adopted. The leadership group of students called themselves the Dream Team. The Dream Team began conducting research interviewing experts in the field about various situations, such as asking our school’s Student Resource Officer about what would be helpful for children in crisis that the Newnan Police have encountered.
