By Jeff Roland

Banfield Elementary principal

Over the past several years in February, students, families and staff at Banfield Elementary School take part in the Pennies for Patients coin drive in conjunction with Austin’s Paint the Town Pink initiative.

Our Student Council sponsors and advertises the event within our school. Student Council representatives set a monetary goal for the coin drive, collect and count the money collected, then report back to our classrooms on the progress meeting the goal. The coin drive runs for six school days (Feb. 13 to 20) with a special Hat Day on Presidents’ Day.

If we meet our school-wide goal, our students will all enjoy a pajama day along with a movie. All the money collected will go to The Hormel Institute for cancer research.

I recently asked teachers if students really knew why we are supporting this cause; other than they all get to see a movie dressed comfortably.  A Banfield teacher asked a class of fourth grade students why we have this coin drive every year? And why is it important? Do students see and understand the greater good?

The answers she received were incredible.

The overwhelming majority of students cited that we are helping cancer patients. But as the conversation continued, more sophisticated responses surfaced:

“We are doing this so patients don’t have to worry about money when they are sick.”

“The money goes to research so scientists can find a cure.”

“It is a small way that we can help others, some we know and some we don’t know.”

“So patients with cancer can maybe enjoy the life we have.”

Judging by the responses, I believe they see past the immediate and more than just themselves.  I am extremely proud to be principal of a school with such a supportive staff and caring students.