What began more than a decade ago as a simple idea to make the last day before Christmas break more fun has grown into a powerful tradition of generosity and community spirit at Shawnee Middle School.
For more than 10 years, the Shawnee Middle School 7th-grade teaching team has worked together with local community members to ensure that every 7th-grade student receives a Christmas gift on the final day of the fall semester. This year, that tradition continued in a big way, reaching all 225 7th-grade students.
The effort started years ago when the 7th-grade team wanted to encourage students to attend school on the last day before break while spreading Christmas cheer. What followed was a collaborative, student-centered celebration that has only grown bigger over time.
Each year, the entire 7th-grade team coordinates a theme for the day, decorates their spaces, creates skits and activities, and invites the community to partner in the effort. This year, more than 30 community members, including supporters from outside the Shawnee area, donated to make the event possible.
Every student who attended school on the final day of the semester received a gift along with several fun items to celebrate the season. The generosity also included donations from local churches, including Hilltop Baptist Church and Immanuel Baptist Church, which contributed monetary gifts and two bicycles for students.
“This is one of my favorite traditions at Shawnee Middle School,” said Keely Tolin, Principal of Shawnee Middle School. “It truly captures the heart of our school and our community. Our 7th-grade team pours so much time and creativity into making this day special, and our community consistently shows up with their generosity. Knowing that every student leaves for break feeling seen and celebrated is something very special.”
The event reflects the strong partnership between Shawnee Middle School staff and the broader community, as well as a shared commitment to students’ well-being beyond the classroom.
“This tradition is about more than gifts,” Tolin added. “It’s about relationships, belonging, and showing our students that their community cares deeply about them.”
Shawnee Public Schools extends its sincere thanks to the 7th-grade teaching team, community donors, and church partners who helped continue this meaningful tradition and make the start of Christmas break a little brighter for every student.