Dressed to learn

Students at Flower Mound’s McKamy Middle School rallied to raise money for children in LISD served by the Dressed to Learn program, which outfits students K-12 with shoes, coats, clothing and school uniforms.

McKamy participated in an annual grade-level contest called ‘Dress The Knight,’ in a nod to the school’s mascot, to raise $3282.57 over one school week. McKamy PTA matched the student donations for a total of $6,668.18 for Dressed to Learn.

Each $10 increment earned the 6th, 7th and 8th graders a costume item on the life-sized knights stationed in the McKamy cafeteria. Principal Peter Taggart led the 8th grade team; Assistant Principal Karen Hilliard headed up the 7th grade team; and Assistant Principal Amy Fritz enthusiastically represented the 6th grade team.

Although the grade that raised the most money was rewarded with ice cream sandwiches, and Coach Linda Gibson, Coach Dana Manning and Coach Craig Nelson creatively encouraged PE and athletics classes to participate, the parents and students involved felt contributing to Dressed to Learn was the driving motivation.

McKamy PTA president Melinda Carter thanked the faculty and staff for motivating the students to support this worthwhile cause, and recognized the efforts of parents and PTA volunteers.

“The McKamy community has a strong commitment to Dressed to Learn, and has supported this very important program for many years,” Carter says.  “Our students understand the importance of assisting others, and that demonstrating care and compassion can truly make a difference in the life of a student who may have personal or financial struggles. As parents, and as PTA, we are proud and humbled by our students’ strong show of support, and are happy and proud to match their efforts.”

Dressed to Learn is a partnership with LISD Council of PTAs and Communities in Schools of North Texas (CISNT).  This program was established in 2004 for the benefit of Lewisville ISD students needing basic clothing items to ensure students arrive at school Dressed to Learn.

“Whether your school has given a cash donation, underwear or a winter coat, you have made a difference to the children of LISD,” says LeighAnn Genard, LISD Council chair for Dressed to Learn. “This year, Dressed to Learn has cared for families that have lost everything in a fire, families that have faced financial crisis, and students that did not have basic necessities–like clothing–to come to school.”

Genard added that the one thing she learned this year about LISD is that the school district has “some of the most caring, compassionate people. We are lucky … our kids are lucky … to be a part of this family.”