Students smiling with shelter animals

At Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS), second graders are proving, and learning, that their writing can change lives—for both people and animals. 

Four years ago, second-grade teachers at Haymarket Elementary School began a project that combines literacy with community service, showing students that they can make a difference. 

Inspired by the book, “Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog,” the project invites students to apply what they have learned in their persuasive writing unit to help animals at the Prince William County Animal Services Center find forever homes.  

Alixandra Collins, a second-grade teacher at Haymarket Elementary, loves to watch her students’ excitement for this initiative.  

“This project is such a fun way to see my students really fall in love with writing,” Collins said. “It is always a special opportunity to see the excitement of my students. I am also a huge animal lover and look forward to meeting the animals each year. It is so special to know that we are hopefully helping these amazing animals all find a home.”  

Each year, students select an animal from the shelter’s Petfinder website and write heartfelt pieces, along with a drawing of the animal, to encourage adoption. Their work is then displayed at the shelter, where students and their families can meet the pets and bring donations until they are adopted. While this has been successful in generating adoptions, some families have even decided to adopt their own furry friend through this project. 

The second-grade students shared their thoughts about helping animals find homes.  

Kyle said, "I have a dog at my house, and I just hate thinking of animals that don't get adopted. I liked that we could help animals get adopted."  

Aza added, "I wanted people to adopt the pets so they can have a home."  

Students keep tabs on their animals through Petfinder and love to celebrate when they see a new adoption. Through this project, students are learning that writing doesn’t just tell stories—it creates them.