Teachers’ casual attire helps provide students with warm clothing

DOVER-FOXCROFT — During the week before the holiday vacation, faculty and staff of the SeDoMoCha School had the opportunity to wear jeans in exchange for a monetary contribution in the “Dress Down to Warm Up” fundraiser.
“This is our second year doing it, staff paid $5 to dress down for the whole week,” grade 5 social studies teacher Danielle Conway said about the initiative sponsored by the SeDoMoCha Teachers Association.
Elementary day treatment teacher Andrea Philbrick-Cooper said most of the building employees opted to take part “and this year we raised $230.” She said this amount is similar to last year’s Dress Down to Warm Up total.
“We will be purchasing hats, mittens and jackets for kids who have a need,” Philbrick-Cooper said about the proceeds. “We certainly have a need.”
Conway said she and other teachers will see students coming to school without the proper winter attire. For elementary pupils, those lacking these clothes are not permitted to take part in outdoor recess.
“What I thought was neat was staff wore stickers during the week,” Philbrick-Cooper said as the decals featured the name of the fundraiser with a hat and scarf. She said some students noticed the stickers and this started a conversation about the needs of some of their peers.
“They learned this is a great opportunity to help people who are in need at Christmas time,” Philbrick-Cooper said.