Fallbrook Street students inspired by "Leader In Me" program

FALLBROOK - Fallbrook Street School (FSS) students are working diligently to help those in need. Inspired by the “Leader In Me” program implemented throughout the school district, FSS students are challenging themselves each month to strive for a cause for the greater good.

“We wanted to give all students an opportunity to get involved,” said sixth grade teacher Malia Altieri, who coined the term PROWL, which stands for Project Relationship Outreach With Leadership. Rather than limit service project opportunities to student council members, FSS administrators and teachers decided to make leadership available to everyone. So far, it is working and a sense of servant leadership has permeated the campus as each grade level promotes a cause and a call for action each month.

In November, Toys For Tots worked in conjunction with the school’s annual effort to help out a few school families with toys for Christmas. Thirty-eight FSS families received gifts thanks to the concerted effort between Toys For Tots and a wrapping paper donation drive and gift-wrapping party provided by students.

Students broadened their scope in December when they hosted a coin drive for Heifer International. “Students collected over 400 pounds in coins in just two weeks,” said teacher Jessica Smith, who helped coordinate the event. “That equated to $1,400 which the students decided to donate entirely toward the purchase of goats for people in third world countries.”

Although the season of giving has ended for most, Fallbrook Street School students are just getting started. Service projects are lined up well into 2014.

“Everything is leadership-related,” said Altieri. “PROWL is about finding things kids can do to be a part of something bigger on campus.”