As 2024 comes to a close, we pause to reflect on a year filled with generosity, growth, and deep community impact. With the unwavering support of our alumni, donors, and volunteers, the students of Pasteur Elementary experienced another extraordinary year of opportunity and joy.
Here’s how your support made a difference in 2024:
- Gift Bags for Every Child: We filled reusable bags with books, art supplies, and play materials for all 350 Pasteur students, giving them fun and educational ways to enjoy Winter Break.
- Adopt-A-Family Holiday Project: We “adopted” 18 families—serving a total of 54 children—and provided toys, clothing, and necessities to brighten their holidays.
- Reading Programs & Library Love:
- The First Grade Reading Program gifted 84 new books to students, with weekly guest readers and book giveaways.
- Volunteer librarian Liz Jacobs added 612 new books to our school library to keep students engaged with fresh stories.
- A lunch-hour Book Club allowed students to enjoy reading and discussion, with each participant receiving their own copy of the book.
- Academic Support & Enrichment:
- 18 tutors donated their time this fall, supported by customized supplies to make each session impactful.
- A new poetry program launched for first graders, encouraging creativity and confidence.
- Students participated in the student-run newspaper, What’s Poppin’ Pasteur, learning real-world journalism skills.
- Earth Day Butterfly Project: Each class raised butterflies and celebrated with a school-wide release, creating a meaningful hands-on science experience.
- Celebrating Our Graduates: Every 6th grade graduate received a Pasteur Eagle sweatshirt to commemorate their time at the school and welcome them to our alumni family.
- Supporting Our Staff: All Pasteur staff received Target gift cards in appreciation of their daily dedication to our students.
- Outdoor Learning Coming Soon: A generous donation from Kenny Eisenberg, along with DPSCD support, has allowed us to begin construction of a shaded outdoor classroom. This space will provide a safe and cool place for learning in warm weather. Completion is expected in Spring 2025.
- Warmth from Kentucky: Mickey Baron, a new supporter from Louisville, Kentucky, hand-knit 400 scarves and hats with her friends and delivered them personally to our students.
Every program, every gift, and every smile was made possible because of you—our generous community of supporters. The children of Pasteur thrive because you continue to believe in their potential.
We can’t wait to see what 2025 brings. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you.
With deep appreciation,
Friends of Pasteur School Detroit
