Tukes Valley students get a lesson in giving, shopping

Battle Ground — Nine special-education students from Tukes Valley Primary School got experience in the “better-to-give-than-to-receive” spirit of the season. Their teacher, Kelly Gorby, received a $500 grant from the Kids in Need Foundation to provide innovative learning opportunities for students. The students went shopping Dec. 6 to buy groceries for the North County Community Food Bank. Part of the learning experience included making shopping lists, establishing a budget and comparing prices. The trip, which included a visit from the executive director of the food bank, was part of a larger schoolwide food drive. “This is a very special project,” Principal Laurie Sundby said. “It directly connects students in our school with those in need in our community.”