The Owl Way – Key Accomplishments 2017-2018
In August we raised enough money to create 1,200 meals for nokidhungry.org through our Ice Cream Social Fundraiser at Berry-Yo .
In September we saluted Community Helpers with huge cards signed by the entire school on the morning announcements. It was an incredibly exciting & moving experience for everyone!
In October we celebrated National Character week with millions of kids around the world. The “What’s Your Big Idea” banner was created by our kids, hung outside the LMC & generated inspiring conversations. Staff taught formal letter writing skills that were used to participate in Operation Gratitude. Those letters of thanks were embellished & delivered to be included in care packages for deployed military.
In November we piloted Warm the Nest with our partners, JOURNEYS & School District 59. OMS families donated a total of 513 pieces of winter gear which were sorted & bagged by 5th Grade volunteers and delivered to serve homeless families in suburban Cook County and children in school district 59. November perfectly illustrated how many hands working together can show OMS cares in a big way!
In December we collected a trunk load of pop tops to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Students viewed a personal testimony during their lunch hour of the impact RMH had in the life of a family in our Olive community. Ronald McDonald Charities helps to keep families together during illness, which greatly helps with healing.
In January students collected $452.39 in coins for Charity Waters, an organization that serves the 1 in 11 people on our planet that do not have access to clean drinking water. Students learned at lunch about the challenges kids and families face who do not have access to clean water. Our efforts raised awareness about the global water crisis and raised money to aid in the clean water project.
In February we joined a national campaign making Valentines for Veterans during indoor recess. Cards were delivered to veterans seeking treatment at North Chicago Veteran’s. Knowing that others are thinking about you and care about you, is the best kind of medicine for these heroes.
In March, our eat to benefit at Garibaldi’s for Pencils of Promise. A group that advocated for education for all. Together we raised enough money to educate eight children for a year.
In April we partnered with Ecology Club for the Share Your Soles event. Students collected 586 pairs of shoes of gently used footwear for this important organization that puts shoes on the soles of children and adults in the most impoverished areas of the world.
In May we will Fill the Nest with 337 bags of food donated to benefit Wheeling Township Pantry in partnership. This meaningful tradition will provide an exciting and meaningful finale to our year of service work; proof of what hands working together can accomplish!
CONGRATULATIONS OMS ON A JOB WELL DONE!!
The Owl Way – Christine Gilbert chairwoman
