Valders 4th Grades share donation with MCHS
Fourth graders at Valders Elementary School recently raised $375 for the Manitowoc County Historical Society with a change collection. Pictured from left are Nolan Reinke, Hannah Harvey, MCHS Education Program Coordinator; Bennett Haupt, Jordyn Lenz; Amy Meyer, MCHS Executive Director; Matthew Gonnering, Aubree Hunn and Daniel Anhalt.
Photo credit: Todd Bergmann, Valders Journal
Over 50 years ago, bake sales and simple fundraisers were held to help create a living history museum, now known as the Manitowoc County Historical Society’s Pinecrest Village. Past scrapbooks and reports often share recaps of school students collecting coins to move the Shadyside School or Kunze Cabin, and to accomplish work on one of our historic structures.
In December, we were honored to receive a message from Valders Elementary School 4th Grade teacher Cheryl Glaser. She was happy to share the news that the Valders 4th Grade classes had raised money for our museum through a grade-wide coin challenge.
Each of the three 4th grade classrooms had buckets to collect coins leading into the Christmas break. Together, the students and teachers raised $375 to support the Vetting Fund - which assists in the upkeep and maintenance of our historic structures - including restoration efforts, like the current Meeme House restoration project.
Our Manitowoc County Historical Society was chosen by the students because it is often a favorite 4th Grade field trip that the students partake in. When the students come to visit in spring, they will be able to see what their donation helped accomplish!
The following are comments from students shared in the Valders Journal on Thursday, Jan. 11 2024:
Fourth grader Matthew Gonnering said he and his fellow students help give students at many area schools a place to tour through their donations. “We are helping this community and letting other people learn.”
Jayden Kohlbeck said when the historical society uses the money students contribute, it can help people learn about history.
“It helps the community,” said Harper Jeske.
The future of our local history is in good hands. Thank you Valders School District and the 2023-2024 4th Grade students!