Puppies, Reptiles & an Autism Program
GT students in grades 3–5 chose three different causes, pitched to nonprofits, earned grants, and executed their own student-led service projects.
Puppies, reptiles, and an autism support program — these are the three causes that the 3rd-, 4th-, and 5th-grade gifted and talented classes at Dunn Elementary chose to champion through Project Heart. GT teacher Tenae integrated the Project Heart framework into her classes to elevate student learning and help her students connect with the real needs of their community. After studying various local nonprofits and creating persuasive pitches, each grade level voted on the organization they were most passionate about supporting.
3rd graders chose All Aboard Animal Rescue, 4th graders championed the Reptile & Amphibian Center of the Rockies, and 5th graders directed their energy toward Dunn’s own Center-Based Autism Program. Students didn’t just donate — they earned grants to amplify their giving power, putting the full 3Ts framework into action in ways that were deeply personal to each grade level.