Stadium students organize pet supply drive

By Jen Cowart
Posted 6/29/16

Several students took the lead in organizing a pet supply drive at Stadium Elementary School this spring. The drive was initiated by Maria Dipaolo, a teacher at the school, stemming from a discussion she had with her students about the many

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Stadium students organize pet supply drive

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Several students took the lead in organizing a pet supply drive at Stadium Elementary School this spring.

The drive was initiated by Maria Dipaolo, a teacher at the school, stemming from a discussion she had with her students about the many items shelters need in order to provide for the animals in their care.

“I looked on the Cranston Animal Shelter’s Facebook page to see what types of donations they needed and we started a ‘Pet Supplies for Furry Friends’ drive for the shelter,” she said. “This connected well with our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, and taught the students that you don’t always get something in return for doing something good. Sometimes you just do it because it’s the right thing to do.”

The idea resonated with her students, and with four in particular, who took the lead in heading up the drive.

Jason Lopes, a first-grader at the school, was excited when his mother connected with a local business, Pink Blush, where she is employed, hosting a fundraising drive there and using the funds collected to help him purchase supplies.

“That made me feel happy,” Jason said.

Nathan Carrillo, a fifth-grader, wanted to be more involved at school and had the prior experience of noticing the many stray dogs in need during his past trips to Guatemala. He saw the drive as a way to make a difference.

“I have a pet dog of my own,” he said. “But in Guatemala, I saw so many strays, I felt so bad. I wanted to do more.”

Isabella Marsella, a fourth-grader, wanted to participate and was able to round up a dozen new dog collars for donation.

A love of all pets was what inspired Ava Ramos, a fifth-grader, to participate.

“I really love dogs and all animals,” Ava said. “I feel so bad for strays and I have dogs at home, but I knew that sometimes they have to kill them when they run out of space at the shelters, so I really wanted to help.”

The overall response to the drive was overwhelming, exceeding even Dipaolo’s expectations, filling an entire shelf in the back of the classroom.

“I was even able to get a local business to bundle up some extra newspapers for us,” she said. “It’s springtime and there are lots of puppies and kittens being born. The newspapers are shredded and put in the bottom of the crates.”

Other donations included Dawn dish detergent, which is used to remove fleas, as well as foods for cats and dogs, and toys and paper towels.

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