March 30, 2022

Fifth graders in Sarah Nowack’s class recently learned the value of giving to others through the program Project Jack, which originated in the Quad Cities area in memory of Jack Lindaman, an energetic, positive boy who passed away at the age of six from spinal muscular atrophy. The project gives 4th and 5th graders the opportunity to pay it forward in any way the class chooses. Nowack applied for and was awarded a $250 grant to be used toward an altruistic project. 

Nowack’s class brainstormed many ways they wanted to pay it forward and ultimately decided they wanted to express their gratitude to their local law enforcement, fire department, and first responders.  Students found out in January the grant application was approved and got to work planning how they would carry out the project.  The students chose to make care packages and provide treats for the Decorah Police Department, Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Department, Decorah Fire Department, and local first responders.  

Students helped shop for the supplies, wrote letters to each of the officers, assembled the care packages, and delivered the care packages and treats. They enjoyed visiting with the officers during the delivery phase of the project, revealing their curiosity by asking many questions.  

Through this project, students in Nowack’s class learned the importance of community, service, and giving back to those who serve and protect. They also cultivated skills in cooperation, teamwork, and even calculating unit pricing and shopping on a budget.

Fifth graders in Sarah Nowack’s class recently learned the value of giving to others through the program Project Jack, which originated in the Quad Cities area in memory of Jack Lindaman, an energetic, positive boy who passed away at the age of six from spinal muscular atrophy. The project gives 4th and 5th graders the opportunity to pay it forward in any way the class chooses. Nowack applied for and was awarded a $250 grant to be used toward an altruistic project. 

Nowack’s class brainstormed many ways they wanted to pay it forward and ultimately decided they wanted to express their gratitude to their local law enforcement, fire department, and first responders.  Students found out in January the grant application was approved and got to work planning how they would carry out the project.  The students chose to make care packages and provide treats for the Decorah Police Department, Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Department, Decorah Fire Department, and local first responders.  

Students helped shop for the supplies, wrote letters to each of the officers, assembled the care packages, and delivered the care packages and treats. They enjoyed visiting with the officers during the delivery phase of the project, revealing their curiosity by asking many questions.  

Through this project, students in Nowack’s class learned the importance of community, service, and giving back to those who serve and protect. They also cultivated skills in cooperation, teamwork, and even calculating unit pricing and shopping on a budget.

With Project Jack, Lindaman’s memory and loving spirit will continue on through the good deeds of children. It is sponsored by the REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa.