W.I.T. Questions & Answers

There are certain questions that I am frequently asked in classrooms, emails, and meetings. So, this post is all about giving you the answers……

Q: When did “Whatever It Takes!” start?

A: One night when I was setting up my first classroom, I grabbed some paint and butcher paper. I painted “Whatever It Takes!” and hung the banner above the whiteboard. It became our classroom motto, and we applied it to everything we did. When Hurricane Katrina hit, we did our first “Whatever It Takes!” fundraiser. Since then over 100 students have been involved in doing “Whatever It Takes!”.

Q: What’s a “WitKid”?

A: A “WitKid” is a kid that does “Whatever It Takes!” to be successful at school, in their community, and as a citizen of the world. You can often find “WitKids” doing community service and organizing local and international volunteer projects. You will often notice that “WitKids” show Character Counts whenever they are doing “Whatever It Takes!”.

Q: Is there a website?

A: We are currently working on getting our website www.witkids.org up and running. We hope to have you using it by early October.

Q: Can any classroom get involved in the “Whatever It Takes!” program?

A: Yes. If you want us to come to your classroom and help you get a “Whatever It Takes!” project started, just email me at shernholm@hotmail.com and tell us why we should come to you!

Q: Are there other ways to get involved in “Whatever It Takes!”?

A: Yes. Even if your class isn’t involved, YOU can come to our local monthly community service events. A couple of weeks ago we did a Mission Beach cleanup, and next month we might be doing a San Diego River cleanup. If you have any suggestions for our "W.I.T." monthly community service activity, just email them to me- shernholm@hotmail.com.

Q: Is there a “Whatever It Takes!” TV show?

A: Many of my D-9 students know that I have been working on the show idea for 3 years. Recently, I partnered with my friend Ellen (we met on ELF) and we have been working on getting it produced and distributed. I’ve really enjoyed being back in the TV world. I trust that all of my students will be loyal viewers!

Q: When are the bracelets coming?

A: We hope to get them in 2 weeks. I think you will like the message we had printed on the inside.

Q: Do you still sing and dance in the classroom Miss Hernholm?

A: This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The answer is.....YES!!!! Of course!

A Week of "Whatever It Takes!"

Highlights From The Week….

Room 5-Dreaming and Believing is happening in Room 5.  The kids are doing “Whatever It Takes!” to turn their playground dream into a reality. They believe in their project and are working hard to get it done! Next week they are meeting with their school principal to present their project idea.  So exciting!

Whatever It Takes Beach Cleanup- Saturday the sun was shining and the largest number of volunteers (750) showed up to participate in the 25th Anniversary California Coastal Cleanup Day.   Together we picked up more than 1,400 pounds of trash.  Our “Whatever It Takes!” group got to learn more about what is happening with The Great Pacific Garbage Patch from San Diego Coastkeeper. They showed us a jar full of Pacific Ocean water and as Kaela said,  “That sample from the ocean was amazing! There was so much garbage in that tiny little cylinder!”.  We also got to snack on treats 

from Ben & Jerry’s, Whole Foods, and even Whale Tails.  The event ended on a screaming note as we enjoyed a ride on the Belmont Rollercoaster!  Hope all of you can make it to the next event. 

 

B-5 Students- Congrats on being the next class chosen to do 'Whatever It Takes!'. Based on what Mrs. Victor has told me, you are a creative, intelligent, and lively group of 6th graders!  I'm looking forward to meeting all of you...and Bubbles. Have you decided what project ideas you are going to pitch to me?  Look around your school, community, and neighborhood and decide what YOU want to change! See you soon.

 

“Whatever It Takes!” TV Show- Ellen and I were in LA for dinner with a TV program developer from Mosaic.  Another meeting…another step in the right direction!

 

Have a fantastic week and keep those emails and comments coming,

Miss Hernholm

 

Special “Shout Outs!”

M thanks for the support. 

Mary & Ray thank you for making the effort! 

Kaela & Ashley you make picking up trash fun!

Wendy we appreciate your time and advice. 

Doing 'Whatever It Takes!' Locally

Many of you know that while Ellen and I work on the TV version of 'Whatever It Takes!' in Los Angeles, I work on a local version right here in San Diego.  I spend time with different kids and support them as they do 'Whatever It Takes' at their schools and in their communities.  

Here's what's going on with Room 5.....

This morning I listened to different groups pitch me their ‘Whatever It Takes!’ project ideas. So creative! Some students put their presentation to song, others drew pictures, there was even a dance routine! The one thing they all had in common was the conviction that their cause/project should be chosen. Yet, there could only be one winner…and the winner was…(drum roll please)…… Group #2! 

Group #2 proposed a revamping of the school’s playground field, which is in need of bases.  Instead of waiting for the school to fix the problem, they are going to raise the money by organizing a recycling fundraiser.  As one of the student's said, “It may be hard, but if anyone can do it, Room 5 can.” I believe him! 

Do 'Whatever It Takes!' September 19th…

I’m thrilled to announce that our local ‘Whatever It Takes!’ group is going to participate in the 25^th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day!   Our group is going to do the beach cleanup in Mission Bay near the Belmont Roller Coaster (yes, you get a free ticket to ride the rollercoaster if you participate in the cleanup J).  I’m happy to hear that Kaela and Ashley are hoping to be there.  Anyone else?  It would be great to get as many of you as possible.  If you want more info email me at shernholm@hotmail.com .

"Shout Out!"….

Recently I asked how many of you were still doing ‘Whatever It Takes!’ in your life. “Shout Out” to Valerie for getting her friends together to do a community service project. I can’t wait to hear what they come up with!  If you want to get inspired visit Do Something and/or Kids Care. Let me know how you do 'Whatever It Takes!'.  

Keep those emails/posts coming...

I love hearing from you,

Miss Hernholm

  

Lights...Camera...Room 5

First things first: the voting results….

Title of Show- Based on the emails I received the winning show title is 'Whatever It Takes!'.  That’s right, the name of the TV show is going to be our classroom motto ‘Whatever It Takes!’.  Thank you to everyone for submitting their suggestions/ideas!

Theme Song- The winning song (based on emails + blog voting results) is ‘Send It On’ by Disney Friends.  So, we are going to try and get that song connected to the show.  Cross your fingers!

Now onto….Lights…Camera…Room 5…..

While Hollywood gets onboard with ‘Whatever It Takes!’, I have been meeting with kids who are already doing ‘Whatever It Takes!’.  Today I met with Room 5.  I knew Room 5 was going to be a special group of kids when I heard about their recent effort to do ‘Whatever It Takes!’ in Africa.  After hearing about their teacher’s recent adventures in Kenya, they decided 

to adopt an elephant named Mutara, who had recently been orphaned. In order to fund this project they have started ‘Pennies for Mutara’.  I was so proud of their efforts that I decided to pay them a visit today. 

While cameras were rolling the words, “Little hands can make a big difference,” were spoken.  The young boy spoke them with such conviction and confidence that I knew I had chosen the right class for the first ‘Whatever it Takes!’ local project.  They came up with some wonderful ideas and their enthusiasm was contagious.  I look forward to sharing their progress on their most recent local project with all of you! 

Are you someone who is doing ‘Whatever It Takes!’?  Are you making positive changes in your community? If so, write what you’ve been doing in the Comment section or email me at shernholm@hotmail.com.  Maybe my next visit will be to YOU! 

:-),

Miss Hernholm

(the picture is of me with the Room 5 Teacher-Mrs.Hanssen)