In a heartfelt display of community spirit, Gossler Park Elementary School has come together to support one of their own, Kindergarten teacher Jen Paquin, who is bravely battling cancer. The initiative was spearheaded by Ms. Coole, a Special Education Educator at the school, who hosted a lemonade stand with her class to raise funds for Mrs. Paquin.
Mrs. Paquin has been a cornerstone of Gossler Park Elementary for over a decade, starting her teaching career at the school and dedicating her life to nurturing young minds. Her impact on students and their families is evident, as many have rallied to show their support during this challenging time.
Ms. Coole’s class, a self-contained class with varying disabilities, participates in the lemonade stand project annually as a way to learn essential life skills. This year, they chose to dedicate their efforts to Mrs. Paquin, demonstrating the depth of the school’s communal bond. Students in their pink Gossler shirts, eagerly lined up for pink lemonade, excited to contribute to the cause.
The lemonade stand is just one of many fundraising efforts initiated by the school community. Principal Lori Upham shared her admiration for Mrs. Paquin, stating, “She is an amazing human being and educator. It’s not fair to her to be facing this, but our school community has come up with ideas to support her and her family.” Principal Upham highlighted the overwhelming response not only from current students and families but also from past students and their families. She recounted a touching story of a family whose child was in Mrs. Paquin’s class nine years ago, donating $500 as a testament to the lasting impact she had on their child.
In addition to the lemonade stand, the school has embraced “Wednesday Pink Out for Paquin” every Wednesday throughout the year. This initiative brings the community together in a visual show of support, with everyone wearing pink to honor Mrs. Paquin and boost her spirits.
The fundraising efforts continue, and the school community is determined to provide as much support as possible. Those interested in contributing can purchase a raffle calendar (see below) for $10 each before June 12th, 2024 by emailing Principal Lori Upham at lupham@mansd.org.
The Gossler Park Elementary School community’s unwavering support for Mrs. Paquin is a testament to the strength and unity of the school family. As they rally around a beloved teacher in her time of need, they exemplify the power of community and compassion