Teachers and staff at Minot Forest Elementary School are making sure their students are staying warm this winter with a mitten tree.

The tree, kept in Transitional Support Resource Provider Dawn Underhill’s office, is festooned with mittens, hats, gloves, and scarves that are free for any student who needs them.

Underhill had the idea for the tree two years ago. She and Principal Joan Seamans greet students as they arrive at school each morning, and had noticed that some kids didn’t have appropriate cold-weather gear. 

The staff worked together to fill the tree with new winter accessories so that kids can help themselves, no questions asked.

“If we can keep them healthy and warm, then they’re here with us at school,” Underhill said.

The project got a boost this year with a $500 grant from Cape Cod Five Savings Bank, which will allow Underhill to purchase new items in stores.

The Middle School also has a mitten tree, and the two schools often share items that are too big or small for their students. 

“We’re all one big family,” said Underhill.

Maurice Parkonen, a substitute teacher who Underhill described as “the kindest person,” has also contributed a number of hand-knitted mittens, gloves, and scarves to the tree.

Seamans said that parents of children who need winter gear, including jackets, should encourage students to visit Underhill. Students can also bring home accessories for siblings.

Two other teachers at Minot Forest, Michelle Houghton and LeAnne Atwood, also received grants from Cape Cod 5. Houghton, a special education teacher, received funds for sensory items for her classroom, including weighted vests, fidget toys, and theraputty (a material similar to silly putty used by occupational therapists and as a soothing fidget item). Atwood will be assembling boxes for each classroom to help kids cope with stress or being overwhelmed. The boxes will include fidget balls, theraputty, and chewy toys (which will be reserved for individual children).