“I wonder what it is,” said Conner as he and others gathered around their teacher Ms. Bumstead.
Their eyes lit up when Ms. Bumstead pulled out colorful U.S. Activity Books and new boxes of crayons for every student. There was also a letter from Hastings Post Master James Carlin.
“I just wanted to thank you and your classroom for your recognition of United States Veterans. It is nice to hear when good deeds and actions are shared across our communities and sometimes when you do nice things for others, nice things happen to you,” Carlin wrote.
The kindergarten students had written letters to veterans in November thanking the men and women for their service to the country.
“We sent out emails to family members in the classroom asking for names and addresses of family members who are veterans,” said Bumstead. “I talked with the class about what veterans have done and why we recognize them on Veterans Day.”
The response was overwhelming. The class received more than 30 names and addresses and sent cards and letters to each one.
One of the cards went to Connor Culhane’s grandfather, Brian, who is the clerk at the Hastings Post Office. He was so touched by the efforts Ms. Bumstead and the young students he wrote back to the class and with Carlin’s help, provided the surprise booklets.
“Thank you so much for the Veterans Day card! It made an older soldier very happy,” wrote Brian Culhane. “I am glad Mrs. Bumstead is teaching you respect and thanks for those who have fought for our freedom.”
“It’s really neat,” said Connor as he and other classmates couldn’t wait to leaf through the pages and see what was inside the U.S. Post Office book “Meet the Wonders of America.”
The 52-page book is filled with interesting facts and places in America. It was published by the United States Postal Service in honor of the “Wonders of America” postage stamp series. Children learn about animals, plants, climate, and more, while on a virtual journey through the United States. Carlin said he’s ordered several copies of the free booklets to give away to children and schools.
The books were an instant hit. Bumstead said the books were very unexpected but a nice thank you to the students. It led to one more writing project – thank you letters for the books. “They were all very excited. They loved it,” she said. “It was a really nice thing for them to do for our class.”