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November 2023

It is the MIPTO’s mission to build a strong community that represents all students and families, focusing on the philosophy and goals of Matoska for its long-term growth and success. Because of this, every year, we have organized a Gratitude & Giving Drive during the month of November. Showing gratitude strengthens relationships which helps build a strong community. And giving helps ensure that we can continue to fund events and unique experiences for our students and families to help Matoska continue to grow.

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The activities involved in this year's drive also give us a unique opportunity to practice caring, one of the IB Attributes, at home. Our IB program teaches students that "we have a commitment to service and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others." Our gratitude and giving activities help families do just that.

 

Gratitude and Giving Drive Goals 

  1. The Gratitude goal for the 2023 Gratitude & Giving Drive is to strengthen our community. We plan to do this by doing activities and sharing notes of gratitude with family, friends, the Matoska Community and the WBL Community.

  2. The Giving goal for the Gratitude & Giving Drive is $7,000. This is an important school fundraiser. The MIPTO strives to raise $13,000 each year to continue to support Matoska. It is our hope that this drive will raise at least half of those funds. Every cent of the funds we raise is put right back into this school to support our mission. We provide funds for the Art Enrichment program, Lakeshore Players, field trips, special requests for the Makerspace, Media Center and IB program, classroom supplies for teachers, and community-building events like Welcome Back Bears, Rally 4 Reading and the Fun Run.

 

How to participate in the 2023 Gratitude & Giving Drive 

In the chart below you will see four boxes, two boxes share ways for families to show gratitude (at school and at home) and two boxes share ideas for giving (to school and to the WBL community). We would love for families to choose at least 1 option from each box to complete together. This year’s drive will end on Wednesday, November 22nd.

Gratitude

​At School

  • Help build a Gratitude Tree by coloring and completing the Gratitude Leaves.  Return as many leaves as you’d like to the main office! Download Gratitude Leaves 
     

  • Thank our teachers & staff. Complete the Gratitude Google Form. Messages submitted will be shared with teachers and staff. 
     

  • Deliver a picture or note. Color the coloring sheets or write a note. Bring them to school and give them to a teacher and/or staff member.
    Download Gratitude Coloring Sheets 
    Download Gratitude Notes
     

  • Send a video to your teacher on Seesaw explaining why you are grateful for school.

​At Home

Giving

​To School

  • Donate directly here. Every donation matters whether it’s $2 or $200. Please give, if you can.

  • Donate by check. Send to school with student in an envelope labeled MIPTO or Mail to school directly by sending cash/check to:

Matoska International

Attn: MIPTO

2530 Spruce Place
White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Note: Checks should be payable to Matoska International PTO

  • Ask your community.  Send a note to your friends and family asking to support our school.
     

  • Corporate gift matching. Contact your Human Resources department to see if your employer offers a gift matching program for employees that donate to nonprofits. 
     

  • Donate your time. Sign up https://volunteersignup.org/4CYAK to volunteer at recess.                        

​To Community​

  • Donate to the White Bear Area Food Shelf. Find the most needed items here and here.
     

  • Help a neighbor rake some leaves.
     

  • Make a freezer meal or bake cookies to share with a neighbor.
     

  • Write notes of gratitude on a sidewalk or driveway near your home with chalk.
     

  • Donate new or gently used winter clothing to The Closet in WBL. Bring directly to the District Center or we will have a bin in the main office.
     

  • Write cards to kids and senior citizens with other Matoska students. MIPTO will share more information later this month.

Send Gratitude 

Complete the Gratitude Form and we will share submissions with teachers and staff. 

Give 

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