Over 3300 Juice Drinks and Snacks Delivered to Children at OKC Rescue Mission!!

Thanks to Harrah, Katie, Hannah, Camryn, James, Tyler, and Hank for giving up one of your vacation days to help deliver the juice drinks and snacks. Thanks also to the moms who drove and the little brothers, little sisters, and big sister who helped!!

Club Hope Collects Drinks and Snacks for Kids at OKC Rescue Mission!!

Throughout the month of December, Club Hope members and 5th graders at PV worked hard to collect over 1500 juice drinks and 1500 kid-friendly snacks for the children who live at the OKC Rescue Mission. They will be delivering these items after Christmas.

O Ambassadors Girls World Project

This year, our club was invited to participate in the O Ambassadors' Girls World Project. This project joins groups of students from the United States with students from around the world. Since our focus is Africa, we were paired with students from Kenya. The first step in the process is a profile packet. The committee of Greer, Paige, Megan, Rachel, and Hallie did an awesome job of introducing who we are.

Page 2 of our Girls World Profile

Page 2 information was gatherered by Kelsie, Carley, Hailee, Maddy, and Gabby. This is a picture of club members who worked on the Girls World Profile packet. They are gathered in front of the school sign.

Page 3 of our Girls World Profile

Page 3 was done by our "guys group" of Jake, Tyler, Hank, Jackson, and Matthew. Thanks also to Jake and Rachel who posed for these pictures.

Page 4 of our Girls World Profile

Thanks to Shelby, Hannah, Corrine, Kayla, and Jaida for this page.

Page 5 of our Girls World Project

This beautiful art work was done by Taylor and Harrah.

Thank You Prairie Vale Students and Families!!

Our donations from last year are helping to provide ongoing mobile health clinic services, fun weekly health education programs, and facilitate a school feeding program for 8 months.

Take a few minutes to read about the community of Oloosiyoi in Kenya.

Club Hope/O Ambassadors work for Kenyan children

Last week, we received our Community Report from O Ambassadors. The money we raised at Prairie Vale last year went towards wonderful programs in Oloosiyoi, Kenya!! We are thrilled that we could be a part of the miracles happening to improve the quality of living for children on the other side of the world.

Coach Framel Thanks Club Hope members!!

This is the thank you note we received from Coach Framel for helping him get shoes for Soles for Souls. This picture is of Coach Framel and his wife and his Sunday School class after they have boxed up over 500 pairs of shoes to send to Soles for Souls. Coach Framel brought cookies to our club meeting today. Thank you, Coach Framel!!!!!!!!

Club Hope/O Ambassador Members

We have some of the most wonderful children in Club Hope/O Ambassadors.

From Mrs. Parker's class - Jaida, Kayla, Paige, Hallie, Zoe, Reagan, and Jake.

From Mr. Gibbs' class - Kelsie, Katie, Niklas, Cassidy, Brady, Rachel, Kennedy, Maddy, and Tyler.

From Mrs. Kidd's class - Camryn, Katy Marie, Megan, Alex, Elizabeth, Taylor, Ahvonnah, Sierra, and Maddy.

From Mrs. Jackson's class - Caroline, Lily, Gabriele, Greer, Corrine, Shelby, Zach,
and Lindsey.

Drinks and Snacks for OKC City Rescue Mission

Help make the world a little better this Christmas season!!! Club HOPE at Prairie Vale members are collecting juice drinks and kid snacks for the children at the OKC City Rescue Mission.
There are about 50 children who live at the OKC City Rescue Mission. We are collecting juice drinks and snacks so that after the holidays, when all the Christmas cheer is a memory, these children can come back to the shelter at the end of a school day and enjoy a juice drink and snack (something we take for granted).
We will keep you posted!!

Club Hope/ O Ambassadors Invited to Participate in GIrls World Program!!!

Just last week, we were notified that Prairie Vale's Club Hope/O Ambassadors' program was chosen to participate in the O Ambassadors' "Girls World Program". The "Girls World Program" is an enrichment program offered to certain O Ambassadors clubs. Students in our club will be matched with an exchange school in Kenya. We will share letters, artwork and photos about our schools and communities. This program was developed to recognize the unique experience of girls here at home and in the developing world.

The first exchange is a profile in which clubs share an introductory letter and basic details about our club, school, and community. It is to be completed and mailed by Dec. 19, 2008.

For the second exchange, we will create a basic scrapbook with detailed information about our community, culture, goals and challenges. This one is to be completed and mailed by March 13, 2009.

We are thrilled and honored to be a part of this program!!

Prairie Vale students donate 300 pairs of shoes for "Soles for Souls"

For the last 2 weeks, Club Hope members have been helping Coach Framel collect gently used shoes for "Soles for Souls", a non-profit organization that distributes shoes to the needy here in the United States and around the world. Club members demonstrated "how to give" by bringing in over 80 pairs of shoes at Antler Alert 2 weeks ago. Then, club members practiced a script and went in teams to talk with the younger students at Prairie Vale and talked about "Soles for Souls" and the Thanksgiving Food Drive. Prairie Vale students generously donated over 300 pairs of shoes - we are making the world a better place!! Pictured are Matthew, Harrah, Hailee, Hank, Ryan, Heidi, Carley, Shelby, Jackson, and James.

A Good Week of Kindness at Prairie Vale -

All this week, Club HOPE members have been keeping track of the good choices they made for themselves, while they are with their families and when they are at school. Some of the things they shared -



I stayed positive..... I was kind..... I shared joy..... Nice to everyone..... Let someone go first.....Fed and walked my sheep..... Got up in the morning without a hassle..... Played with other kids I did not know and I made new friends..... Tried to cheer up a friend who was sad..... Fed dog and was nice to my brother (hard!)..... Played fair.....

Said "I'm sorry"..... Held door open..... Played with my brother (even though I didn't want to).....Played with new people at recess.....Did not let my anger out..... Was respectful to teachers..... Picked up a TON of leaves at my house..... Had a healthy snack..... Sat by a friend who doesn't have many friends.....Got to every class prepared..... Ate 3 apples..... Used polite words like "please", "thank you", and "excuse me"..... said "thank you" to the lunch ladies... didn't whine when cleaning ..... When I saw someone bullying someone else, I told them to stop..... Chose to spend more time with my family (instead of my friends)..... Spent time with my grandmother..... Was nice to brothers (even though they were mean to me!).

The Future of our Nation is in good hands...

Over 50 children ( 10 and 11 year old children!!) applied to become members of Club HOPE/ O Ambassadors. The children listed many reasons, some of them said...

" I'm not a person who wants to join just so I can be in the club, I am a person who wants to join so I can help."

" I want to help the world so when I grow up, it will be a better place."

" I have been looking for ways to help other people throughout this year... I want to join Club HOPE to build my character."

" If we want the world to change we have to do something about it. If we want the world to change we have to start with ourselves."

" I would like my life to make a difference."

" It will make me feel good about myself."

" There was a time when alot of people had to help my family. I want to give back."

" I would like to learn more about how to help people who are less fortunate than me."

" I would love to be in Club HOPE because I love helping people and I want to become a better person.

" I believe if everyone would help each other, we could solve some of the problems in the world."

" I would gladly give up my recess for club meetings. I think I could make a difference.

CLub HOPE at Prairie Vale/ OAmbassadors is Now Open!!!

Today, we talked about Club HOPE at Prairie Vale and OAmbassadors. Fifth graders wanted to know all about the club!! Applications for membership are in my room and any fifth grader is welcome to join. Club members must be committed to "making the world better, one day at a time." Every day, Club Hope members wake up and are committed to doing AT LEAST 1 good thing for :

1. themselves
2. their family
3. Prairie Vale
4. our community
5. the world

We have several exciting adventures ahead of us this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to a new school year!

Welcome to a new school year! Fifth graders are working so hard and we are anxiously awaiting word from O Ambassadors to find out how our donations were used to help children in East Africa. After we hear from O Ambassadors, we will begin the process of inviting children to join our club - stay tuned!

Thoughts for a summer day......

Hope all of you are having a wonderful summer. One of my favorite books is called "Bread for the Journey" by Henri Nouwen. His thoughts for today reminded me of all the wonderful Club Hope members -

" We choose love by taking small steps of love every time there is an opportunity. A smile, a handshake, a word of encouragement, a phone call, a card, an embrace, a kind greeting, a gesture of support, a moment of attention, a helping hand, a present, a financial contribution, a visit - all these are little steps toward love. Each step is like a candle burning in the night. It does not take the darkness away, but it guides us through the darkness. When we look back after many small steps of love, we will discover that we have made a long and beautiful journey."

Happy Summer!!!!!!!!!

Club Hope / O Ambassadors Make the News!!!

This picture of our very own Raisa and Alyssa appeared in the June newsletter of "Free the Children", the organization that we support through our O Ambassadors membership. To see the picture and to read more about what "Free the Children" is doing, go to:

http://freethechildren.com/letter/jun2008/spotlight.php

Club Hope / O Ambassadors Raise $1424.80 for Children of East Africa!!

This note is from Jonah Kanter, our O Ambassadors contact person. He sent us this note a few months ago when he received our first donation from "Hours for Africa."

When all the money we made this year was totalled, it amounted to $1424.80!!! We earned this money through several Club Hope / O Ambassador Projects -

"Hours for Africa" - Club members hired themselves out to do work around the house, yard, and neighborhood. All the money earned was given to O Ambassadors. Club members wanted the children of East Africa to know that they donated the money because they care.

"Hearts for Africa" - Club members learned about living conditions and the lack of educational opportunities for many children in East Africa. Club members went, in teams of two, to talk with children in all grades at Prairie Vale. Other students in our school were able to color a HEART, sign it and donate $1. Those hearts were displayed in the hallway with a banner that said "Prairie Vale Families Have a Heart for Africa".

"Sweets for Africa" - We had the biggest, best bake sale in the history of Prairie Vale. Before
the bake sale even began, a patron of the school offered to match our bake sale proceeds (up to $300). Club members and their families baked and made some of the BEST treats imaginable. When it was all over, we had sold everything and made over $500.00. Once we added the
$300.00 matching donation, our grand total was over $800.00!!!

We were focused all year on East Africa, but because the club members had open hearts, we were concerned about the recent cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China. We have learned that things happening on the other side of the globe have implications in our world. We have also learned that when good people care, and work together, they can make a difference.

Mrs. Gates and I are so proud of our Club Hope members!!! We hope you all have a wonderful summer.

Club Hope/O Ambassadors Make the World Better!!

Club Hope / O Ambassadors members have truly made a difference in our school and in the world. At Prairie Vale, Club Hope members tried to make good decisions and "Help One Person Everyday". At our last meeting, we discussed "Club Hope Plus" - a way for club members to keep in touch with me and with each other. If you did not get a chance to fill out the questionnaire and give your email to Mrs. Schwiebert, you can send it to me at schwiebertk@deercreek.k12.ok.us . I also shared my thoughts that Club Hope at Prairie Vale could become "Club Hope at DCMS" next year. Think about it this summer and if I can help in any way next year, let me know!!

Bake Sale Raises $801.50 for O Ambassadors Program!!

Our Bake Sale was an amazing success!!! Every member of our club worked so hard!! Kids and parents baked wonderful treats and they were packaged so nicely that the baked goods literally flew off the table. The baked goods were AMAZING!! They looked so good that teachers were stopping before school even began and Cohan's homemade dog biscuits were sold out before the first bell rang!!

The first crew at the beginning of the day could not take the money fast enough. Raisa was in charge of the money and she said that kids were throwing the money at her so they could get back to the table and wait on more customers !! Madison had to step in and help with the money. All our club members were so respectful and informative and I noticed that every one of them said "Thank You". Special thanks to Madie, Kaitlyn, and Hannah who helped after Antler Alert.

The second crew set up the tables at 3:00 and there were a few things left - they did a wonderful job of selling also !! By the time the last crew started at 3:30 - people were rushing from all over the school to buy the baked goods, but we sold out COMPLETELY!!!!

We made a grand total of 501.50 at our bake sale! One of our kind Prairie Vale patrons promised to match our earnings - up to $300.00, so our grand total is $801.50!!!!!!!!!!!! That is $801.50 that children in Edmond, Oklahoma raised so that children half-way around the globe in East Africa will have the opportunity for a better life through education. Mrs. Gates and I are so proud of all of you!

First shift club members in the pictures are: Maria, Blythe, Raisa, Kylie, Bryson, Mrs. Gates, Devon, Grant, Spencer, and Brett. Second shift club members in the pictures are: Kerry, Hannah, Madison, Stephanie, Madie, Kelsy, Kaitlyn, Ashley, Monica, Elizabeth, and David. Third shift club members in the pictures are: Gunnar, Logan, Tyler, Justin, Rachel, Alyssa, Cohan, Alex, Madie, Salena.

More Bake Sale Pictures!!!

"Hearts for Africa", thanks to Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Rochford

At Prairie Vale Elementary, we are fortunate to have two of the nicest ladies possible in our front office. They are so nice that they have been re-named our "portal angels" because they help everyone who comes into our building. One day they mentioned that they had an idea to raise money for Club Hope. They suggested that we have hearts/shamrocks and have students in our school color the hearts/shamrocks, sign their names and their family's name, and donate a $1.00 and all the money could go toward our fundraising. "Hearts for Africa" was born from their idea!!!!! Mrs. Parker helped us find the perfect heart/shamrock graphic, and Club Hope members signed up to talk with students in every class in our school. Club members took home a script about why we were raising money for educational programs in East Africa, came back the next day and auditioned with Mrs. Gates and Mrs. Schwiebert to show that they were prepared and off they went!!! We have to thank all the teachers in our school, also, because they all opened up their classes and have supported all our projects. As we get the hearts/shamrocks, we are putting them up in the hallway outside the gym. As of Friday, March 14th, we have already raised $87.00. Prairie Vale families truly have wonderful hearts!!! Please note that Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Rochford are wearing Club Hope shirts - they are now honorary members of Club Hope!!!!!

Teacher Raffle Winner - Salena!!!!!

Last month, Club Hope at Prairie Vale did our "Hours for Africa" project. All club members gave of their time and turned the money over to the club. Mrs. Gates and Mrs. Schwiebert raffled themselves off for a night and the winner was club member Salena. She got to bring a friend and she chose her friend ,(and club member) Alyssa. Salena and Alyssa and the teachers went out Friday, March 14th to see the movie, "The Spiderwick Chronicles" and then they spent some time at the mall video arcade and shopping!! We ended the evening with dinner at "Red Robin". The attached picture is of Alyssa and Salena!! I saved the other picture of the girls with their red straws up their noses and I will share that picture with all of you when both girls get to high school!! We all had a great time!!

Prairie Vale Patrons have Generous Hearts!!!!

Club Hope Members -
A patron of Prairie Vale came to my room after school today. She told me that she was so impressed with all the hard work club members are doing for children they have never even met! She wants to support you in your work and has agreed to match all money raised at our BAKE SALE on Friday - up to $300.00!!!! In other words, if we make $300.00 on our BAKE SALE - she will write out a check for $300.00 to "Free the Children" in honor of Prairie Vale Club Hope / O Ambassador members. We are blessed!!!!

"Hearts for Africa"

"Hearts for Africa"

When the fifth graders learned how many children in Africa consider an education an "impossible dream", they wanted to know ways we could help these children!! We are asking families at Prairie Vale to "count your blessings", sign and decorate a Heart/Shamrock, and donate just $1.00 for educational programs in East Africa. Club Hope / O Ambassadors are having a bake sale on Friday and the money they make along from donations will be sent to the O Ambassadors Program (oambassadors.org) in our name. Please consider donating. Thank you!

Grand Total - $535.00 for Poverty Projects in East Africa!!!

Thanks also to Madison and Elizabeth who got their checks in for "Hours for Africa". Here is picture of the club members who have collectively donated over 60 hours of their time!! You are awesome!!

Club Hope/O Ambassador Kids Have Hearts for Africa!!

Our last day for "Hours for Africa" was Friday and we have a grand total of $515.00 raised for the children of East Africa. Seventeen Club Hope/O Ambassador members worked a total of 57 hours to raise the money. I would like to thank Alex, Hannah, Spencer, Kaitlyn, Monica, Bryson, Salena, Kylie, Rachel S., Justin, Blythe, Grant, Addie, Jordan, Alyssa, Stephanie, and Madison M.!! You are all awesome. A picture will be posted when Alex gets back from being sick, since she worked a total of 17 hrs. and earned $100 just by herself!!

"Hours for Africa" is at $222.00

Today, Brett, Raisa, Maria, Selena, and Justin are working in the school lobby to sell raffle tickets for "Hours for Africa". Several students brought in their money from their "Hours" and our grand total for today is $222.00!!!!!!!!!

"Hours for Africa" involves all our school!!

We have only been working on "Hours for Africa" for 5 days and we have raised $160.00 for the children of East Africa. Spencer and Brett spent a cold 15 minutes outside near the car line this morning reminding parents about the "Teacher Raffle". Our O Ambassadors are working hard to reach our goal of $300.

"Hours for Africa" Rocks!!!!

Raisa and Alyssa are standing next to the banner that is reminding our students about O Ambassadors "Hours for Africa" teacher raffle. All our members are working for the children of East Africa. On just our second day of fundraising we have over $96.00. Alyssa made her money by babysitting. Stephanie baby-sat a dog to raise her money! Salena cleaned her mother's car "inside and out"!! Mrs. Gates and Mrs. Schwiebert are raffling off themselves for 3 hours at the winner's home. Our club members are so creative and so dedicated!! We welcome your support!!

O Ambassador's "Hours for Africa"

In support of our friends in East Africa, we are offering our services (at $5.00 an hour) to do the following jobs - vacuum, fold clothes, cook meals, help elderly do their chores, watch smaller children, rake leaves, shovel snow, do laundry, pull weeds, mow lawns, wash dishes, clean pools, pick up trash in the neighborhood, pet sit, dog walk, clean up yard, pooper scooper, exercise horses, wash windows, etc.

Checks can be made out to KIDS CAN FREE THE CHILDREN , a charitable organization
(US 501C(3)-16-1533544) that will use these funds to provide support to developing countries for poverty alleviation, education, health, and sustainable development.

Mrs. Gates and Mrs. Schwiebert will be raising funds by holding a school-wide raffle for 3 hours of their time! Both Mrs. Gates and Mrs. Schwiebert will come to the raffle winner's home and watch the children in that home (plus a friend or two!) for an evening while the parents go out to dinner or a movie. Both teachers will play games, read, and spend a fun evening!! Raffle tickets will be sold in the school lobby before and after school from Monday, February 11th through Thursday, February 21st. The winner will be drawn and announced at Antler Alert on Friday, February 22nd!!! Tickets are $1.00/each.

Club Hope Members Join O Ambassadors!!!!

Last September, Mrs. Gates and I found out about O Ambassadors, a joint project of Oprah's Angel Network and Free the Children. We applied to start a chapter of O Ambassadors here at Prairie Vale. We were accepted!! The fifth grade students that signed a commitment form are -

Jackson's class - Madie, Cohan, Alex, Hannah, Spencer, Gunnar, Kelsy, Kaitlyn, Kennedy
Kidd's class - Monica, Ashley, Sam B., Bryson, Elizabeth, Salena, Kylie
Parker's class - Maria, Justin, Blythe, Grant, David, Charles, Addie, Logan, Devin, Tyler
Schwiebert's class - Raisa, Jordan, Alyssa, Madison M., Stephanie, Brett

We will learn about the United Nations Millennium Development Goals to address the issues of POVERTY, EDUCATION, HEALTH, and SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. We will be focusing on EAST AFRICA, learning about what life is like for children in that region. We will grow in awareness and knowledge and we will be working together to do projects here in Edmond that will benefit children in that area. Stay tuned, some exciting activities are coming...