The Penny War Returns

With much anticipation, Penny War returns to First State Montessori Academy on September 23rd-27th (Monday-Friday) between the 4/5/6 classrooms. Students gather around the penny jars daily, strategizing to help their classroom win. It is a competitive yet friendly week at FSMA. Each class has their own jar, students add pennies for positive points. Each penny counts as 1 positive point. However, adding silver coins to a jar means negative points. A quarter, for instance, would equal negative 25 points. Cash added to a container counts as positive points. That means a one-dollar bill equals 100 points.

Each day, the coins are counted, and each class tallies points. We will be monitoring and sharing each day’s final count. However, this year’s theme is “Rules of the Game Have Changed.” Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, we will operate as normal; Wednesday, be prepared for an unexpected plot twist; Thursday night at the Open House, families will have the opportunity to contribute to the jars; and on Friday, cash (paper money) will count for double points. WAIT, there is more. Consider this fair warning – Friday pennies will become negative points, and silver coins will be positive. Cash will remain positive!

The Penny War is more than just a friendly competition. It is just one of the fundraisers the 4/5/6 team participates in. We also hold a pretzel sale and have smaller fundraisers each year. Fundraising is incredibly important. Supporting the fundraisers at FSMA helps offset the cost of trips like our Overnight that is coming up the 9th and 10th of October. This year, we were able to bring down the cost of the trip by almost half, a big part of this is because of the love and support we felt through fundraising last year. We have reduced the cost per child by $100 over the years!

The overnight trip allows students to participate in team-building activities that promote problem-solving, cooperation, and communication. It also fosters healthy living and social responsibility through the development of independence, confidence, lifelong learning, and character in youth. Every child deserves a chance to experience that, and Penny Wars is just another way FSMA assures every child can attend.
Last year, the trophy went to room 114. Will they hold onto it, or will another class conquer and keep the trophy and bragging rights for the year? Good luck to all 4/5/6 classrooms!!

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