Rooted in Gratitude: Grow Our Community, Grow our School Library November 26 Contest

Calling All Creative Haverhill Community Members!  

"Rooted in Gratitude:  Grow Our Community"

Dear Walnut Square Families, Friends, Alumni, and Community Partners, 

Following the incredible joy and community spirit of our October staff pumpkin decorating contest, Walnut Square School is expanding our November challenge to the entire Haverhill community!

This November, our students and staff are focusing on our Haverhill Public Schools’ Anti-Bullying campaign:  "Grow Our Community by Letting Gratitude Grow!"  This challenges all of us to take the next step:  look beyond ourselves, notice the people around us, and pay kindness forward.  To show our Superstars and future Hillies what the Hillie Pledge looks like in action, local organizations, alumni, neighborhood businesses, and community groups are warmly invited to join our staff and families in this fun challenge and contest!  

You’re invited to decorate a small tabletop tree (pine, lighted birch, etc.) inspired by a book that celebrates growing community, empathy, kindness, and gratitude.

Every tree will be paired with a clean copy of its book, displayed together to form our school's "Gratitude Forest," and raffled off to a student on the early release day before Thanksgiving break!  

Bonus "Grow Our Library" Option:

Want to double your impact?  You have the option to donate a second copy of your featured book directly to our school library.  We’ll place a special commemorative bookplate inside honoring your gift, helping our school library book collection grow alongside our community!

Two Ways to Win:

1. Student Choice Award:  Decided by student raffle votes on our early release day before Thanksgiving break.  

2. Community Favorite Award:  Voted on by families, friends, and followers via our school social media gallery. 

The Contest Guidelines and Important Dates are listed on the next page.  Please contact me with any questions.  Thank you for partnering with us to show our Superstars how strong, connected, and supportive our Haverhill and Walnut Square community truly is.  When gratitude grows, kindness grows, too!

Sincerely, 

Jen Rubera 

Principal 

Contest Guidelines

• The Theme: "Rooted in Gratitude: Grow Our Community."  Designs should visually express how small acts of kindness, empathy, and thankfulness help people connect and build a stronger community.

• The Book Pairing:  Each tree must clearly represent a specific children’s book. A clean copy of the book (new or like-new) must be provided for gifting to the winning student, along with the tree.

• The "Rooted" Element: Incorporate leaves, tags, roots, or ornaments that highlight community connections- such as student compliments, thank-you notes, or meaningful quotes from the story.

• Tree Specifications:

  • Tabletop size (approx. 18"- 36" faux pine or pre-lit birch).

  • Sturdy base that won't easily tip over.  

  • Battery-powered LED fairy lights only (no cords across walkways).

  • Securely attached ornaments so the tree can safely ride the bus or car ride home.

• Tree and Decoration Safety

  • Use battery-operated or LED lights only; no plug-in lights, candles, or open flames.

  • Keep decorations school-appropriate, stable, and suitable for an elementary school setting.

  • Do not use food, scented items, or materials that may trigger allergies.

  • Do not use glass, other breakable items, or sharp decorations.

  • Make sure the display is secure and can be safely moved after the contest.

• Book Requirements

  • Choose a picture book appropriate for students in K–3.

  • The book should connect to this month’s theme of gratitude and kindness, such as saying thank you, helping others, community, or paying kindness forward.

  • Display the book with the tree so students can see what inspired the design.

Timeline: Drop off decorated trees on Monday, November 23rd.  Student voting will take place on Wednesday, November 25th  and winners will be announced then.  

Important Dates

• Registration / Book Title Claim: Please complete this google form or scan the QR code below by November 13th to register.

• Tree Drop-Off:  Bring your finished tree and book(s) to the Walnut Square Main Office on Monday, November 23rd after school from 3:45 pm - 5:00 pm.  

• Community Social Media Voting: Opens Monday, November 2erd on our Facebook/Instagram pages.

• Winners & Student Raffle:  Wednesday, November 25th before Thanksgiving dismissal!