Club HOPE at Prairie Vale

Club Hope is Mentioned in the Edmond Sun!

2010-03-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

Great article in the Edmond Sun today about our "Water is Life" fund raising!!

http://www.edmondsun.com/local/x1745490925/Elementary-students-raise-3-593-for-charity

Club Hope and Prairie Vale Students Raise $3593.00 for "Water is Life"

2010-02-09T11:28:00.001-08:00

On Monday, February 8th, Mr. Ken Surritte, the founder of "Water is Life" came to Prairie Vale Elementary to accept our checks to go towards the purchase of "Water is Life" purification straws for the people of Haiti. Over 125 students, staff, and parents made our donation possible. Mr. Surritte explained how the filtration straws work and he brought over 300 straws with him. All the students and adults who donated were able to sign their names on the straws to let the people of Haiti know that real people, here in Oklahoma, care about what is happening to them. Pictures of the event are below.

Mr. Ken Surritte, founder of "Water is Life" visits Prairie Vale

2010-02-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

Club Hope Members talk at Antler Alert about "Water is Life"

2010-01-25T07:12:00.000-08:00

On Friday, Nellie, Casady, Amelia, Hannah, and Hallie spoke to the Prairie Vale students about "Water is Life". They explained that one of the greatest needs in the country of Haiti right now is clean water. The "Water is Life" filtration straws will help the people of Haiti for up to a year. Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Turner (a parent) have offered to drink POND WATER (ugh!) through one of the "Water is Life" straws if we raise $5000.00 !!! Club Hope members think we can do it!!!!

Prairie Vale Students Help People from Haiti

2010-01-21T19:20:00.000-08:00

Club Hope members and Prairie Vale students are asking for donations to help "Water is Life" send filtration straws to the people of Haiti. For only $10.00 - your donation will purchase 1 straw that will purify up to 3 liters of water a day for a year. Please send your checks (made out to "Water is Life") to Prairie Vale and we will make sure that they get to ""Water is Life". For more information, please go to www.waterislife.com .

Club Hope Members Help Children in Kenya!!

2009-12-24T10:22:00.000-08:00

For the last 2 years, the members of Club Hope have helped the children of Kenya through our involvement with the O Ambassadors Club. O Ambassadors works with Free the Children and we recently received an update from our contact, Scott Butler. If you would like to see what our fundraising has done to help the children of Kenya, copy and paste the following link - it takes a few minutes to load, but well worth the wait. Merry Christmas to all!!

http://videos2.freethechildren.com/watch/prairievaleelementary/

Club Hope Members at OKC City Rescue Mission

2009-12-21T13:02:00.001-08:00

Today, several Club Hope members and family members ( Aly and her dad, Katie and her mom and brother, Lexi, Ryan, Austin and his mom, Cole, and Mrs. Martin) helped take our collection of children's hats, gloves, coats, and clothing to the City Rescue Mission. We were given a wonderful tour of the facility by Rhonda and Scott Stevenson, former Deer Creek parents, who now work with the residents of the City Rescue Mission. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson explained how the facility helps people figure out how to make the most of their lives and the programs that the Mission supports. We learned that "choices", good and bad, determine the course of one's life. At Club Hope, we try to make the world better, "one day at a time", by making good choices every day. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson for a great tour!!

Club Hope Members at City Rescue Mission, more pictures

2009-12-21T12:50:00.000-08:00

More pictures at the Rescue Mission and our group lunch at McDonalds. What happened at the kids' table, stayed at the kids' table (except the adults did learn about Cole's special trick!). Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Cards for Service Members and Veterans

2009-12-04T16:35:00.000-08:00

When we started "Holiday Mail for Heroes", we all spent a few minutes and closed our eyes and tried to imagine being a young man or woman away from home, in harm's way in another country during the holidays. We also thought about some of our older veterans at home or in hospitals and how they must feel. We are all so grateful for the sacrifices our service members have made and are making to make sure that people all around the world have the opportunity to live in freedom. Today, 82 wonderful cards to service members and veterans were mailed out. The thoughts and wishes were from the heart and expressed gratitude and promises of prayers during the holiday season. If you are reading this, join the Club Hope members in taking a few minutes to offer good thoughts or prayers for our service members and veterans during this holiday season. Thanks!

Club Hope Christmas Project, Part 2

2009-12-03T17:23:00.000-08:00

Holiday Mail for Heroes

2009-12-01T12:29:00.000-08:00

We welcome Holiday Cards from any students at Prairie Vale.

DO: -- make your card colorful and joyful -- sign your first name, grade, and school name (and Edmond, Oklahoma) on all cards -- address your card "Dear Service Member" or "Dear Veteran" -- share that you appreciate the sacrifice service members are making at holiday time (they are away from home, putting themselves in harm's way) --
if you are going to include the service member in your prayers, please tell them that :) -- share what you and your family are doing this Christmas and wish him/her a peaceful and safe holiday season.

DON'T -- send letters --include information such as last name or home or email address -- use glitter --

Please have all cards to Mrs. Schwiebert by this Friday, December 4th.

THANKS!!

Club Hope's Christmas Project

2009-11-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

Club Hope at Prairie Vale's first project this year is "Holiday Mail for Heroes" sponsored by the American Red Cross. "Holiday Mail for Heroes" is an opportunity to share joy and thanks with our service members throughout the holiday season by way of a greeting card. To find out more about this program, go to -
http://www.redcross.org/holidaymail . All cards must be completed and turned in by Friday, December 4th.

Club Hope Members 2009 - 2010

2009-11-11T18:05:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Club Hope - Alyssa, Miranda, Colton, Josh, Jared, Nellie, Lexi, Camryn, Alex, Cole, Hannah, Austin, Karim, Mason, Jordan, Aly, Hallie, Cassady, and Dakota.

Club Hope Members 2009-2010

2009-11-11T18:02:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Club Hope - Ryan, Ashley, Alex, Sierra, Kacee, Whitney, Jade, Bailey, Katie, Kennady, and Abby.

More Pictures and Thoughts from Prairie Vale 5th Graders!

2009-10-31T14:11:00.001-07:00

Prairie Vale 5th graders have BIG hearts. Students were asked to draw a picture or write me a letter about why they wanted to join Club Hope. I've included 2 more pictures (thanks, Hannah and Cole). The students wrote, "I would like to join..." -

" To make a difference in the world".

"Being nice to other people and raising money for other people will help me become a better person."

"I want to make new friends with other kind people."

"I want to make a difference and I promise I will keep my grades up and I will make Deer Creek and myself proud."

"I would like to learn to be an even better person. I would like to be able to give back to the community."

"I love helping other people."

"I would love to he a Club Hope member!"

" I want to join Club Hope so I can help the Earth and the people on it. I will do my best to be a role model for not only my school, but for all people."

"I want to make the world a better place by doing anything I can to help."

We are going to have a great year!

Thirty-four students join Club Hope at Prairie Vale!

2009-10-30T16:45:00.001-07:00

Thirty-four wonderful, caring 5th graders applied to be members of Club Hope. We will meet on Monday to learn more about what our club will do this year and find out what our members are interested in doing. (Thanks, Hallie, for the beautiful picture!)

CLUB HOPE at Prairie Vale in 2009-2010

2009-09-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

Club Hope at Prairie Vale in 2009-2010 will start meeting after the fifth graders come back from Camp Classen. Stay tuned for more information...

Summer Greetings!

2009-07-26T11:08:00.001-07:00

Happy Summer!! Hope you are all having a wonderful summer, full of family time, rest, and fun. After school was out this year, we received a note from Jonah Kanter, our O Ambassadors contact person. You will see it above. For all the Club HOPE members going into and in Middle School - remember - you CAN make the world better, one day at a time. The writing is small on the right side of the note, but it says that "as a special tribute to the passion and dedication you have demonstrated this year, ... a seedling will be planted in a developing region overseas in honor of your club." So, on the other side of the world, we have changed the physical landscape AND affected (for the good!! - through the things our donations have provided for them - medicine, books, etc.)the lives of children we will probably never meet. I am so proud of you all. As Jonah reminds us in his note, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." I miss you all, please keep in touch. Love, Mrs. Schwiebert

Club Hope/O Ambassadors Raised $1800.00 in 2008-2009 for children in Kenya!!!

2009-05-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

The grand total of money raised by Club Hope/ O Ambassadors members, for the children of Kenya, is $1800.00!!!! Club members worked so hard and put their hearts into making the world a better place for the children of Kenya.

Club Hope's "Super-Heroes Project"

2009-04-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

With only 6 weeks of school left, Club Hope members are working hard to 'make the world better, one day at a time'. At our meeting today, the majority of members decided to join the Super-Heroes Project challenge!!! On every school day from April 15th til May 20th, club members will make conscious decisions to do one good thing for themselves, their families, and Prairie Vale. Our goal is to create so much goodness that it is noticeable. Stay tuned........

O Ambassadors Scrap Book is Done!!

2009-04-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

One of the great activities that we have been involved in is "Girls World" through our O Ambassadors' affiliation. Last week several (Camryn, Sierra, Makenzie, Taylor, Emily, Tyler, Matthew, Katy Marie, Shelby B., Taylor, Greer, Gabby, Caroline, Shelby W., Hallie, Paige, Kayla, Sean, and Niklas)club members gave up many recesses and Study Skills time to work on a scrapbook that we are sending to our friends in Kenya. The scrap book is 12 pages long, but the pictures posted represent the first 2 and the last 2 pages. Some of the other pages answered questions about some of our favorite things. We surveyed all 115 fifth graders to find the answers. Here are some of the results:
The FIVE values which are most important to us - FAMILY, FRIENDS, HEALTH, EDUCATION, and FUN. The THREE sports or games we like the most - BASEBALL, BASKETBALL, and FOOTBALL. We are happiest when - we are with family and friends, we are at church, when we do something good for ourselves or others. What we like best about our school - the teachers, the kids, recess!!!, friends, how clean and nice it is, the fun, how we help other people, Club Hope. The 3 biggest holidays and celebrations -
Christmas, 4th of July, Birthdays. We also attached pictures of fashion trends at Prairie Vale. It was a great experience and we are eagerly looking forward to receiving our scrapbook from our friends in Kenya.

Our Girls World Friends from Kenya!!!

2009-04-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, a group of Club Hope / O Ambassadors members worked on a Profile Exchange and put together a packet of information and pictures. We sent it to a group of girls in Kenya. Here are pictures of our new friends. We are currently working on a 12 page scrapbook to tell our friends more about life here in Edmond, Oklahoma. We will be conducting surveys over the next few days about the kinds of things that are important to us. Stay tuned!!

How Do You Have a $1200.00 Bake Sale!?!?!?!?!?!?

2009-04-03T16:06:00.001-07:00

How do you have a $1200.00 Bake Sale??? Well first, you take 50 hard-working Club Hope members who baked and put together some of the BEST BAKE SALE food ever!!! Then you take lots and lots of loving moms, dads, and grandparents who bought the ingredients and helped with the making and baking (I know that Ms. Crossley has accused us of running some sort of Ponzi scheme - with having you buy the ingredients, make the baked goods, then pay money to buy them back - but it is all for a good cause!!). Then you take a supportive school environment where EVERYONE showed up with money. Finish that off with EXCELLENT selling skills by all salespersons involved!! We actually made $650.00 on the Bake Sale (thank you to our front office discussion group for suggesting that the coins be taken to the bank to be counted, they did it in about 60 seconds and the total was $106.00!!). Top that off with some amazing people who donated and offered to match our efforts. Special thanks go out to Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics, The Litz Corporation, the Frimberger Family (THANK YOU Carley, Cassidy, and Niklas for getting those donations!!), and one very generous anonymous patron who all together gave us $550.00. A big thank you to Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Rochford, who made announcements for us and helped with the money. All the money will be sent to our O Ambassadors partner in Kenya - "Kids Can Free the Children". Congratulations Club Hope/ O Ambassadors members - you were awesome today!!!

More Bake Sale Pictures!!

2009-04-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

We are selling!!! We couldn't have done so well without the help of Ms. Maddie Green, our UCO Observation student, who joined us all morning - thanks, Maddie!!

More Bake Sale pictures!!

2009-04-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

Who is that cheesy looking customer? (Oops, sorry, Mr. Souter, didn't recognize you right away!!). We set up and started selling!!!

Pictures From our Bake Sale on Friday, April 3, 2009

2009-04-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

Okay it all starts with GREAT Bake Sale donations. Club members had some great ideas and some of the most unusual items were the first to sell out. Club Hope members did an awesome job this year with our doggy treats table. Five different club members researched healthy dog treats and my dog, Sadie, will attest that they were all delicious!!!!

Who are the Club Hope kids????

2009-03-28T13:57:00.001-07:00

Who are the Club Hope kids? Why do they join a club where all the work they do profits someone else? On Friday, we had indoor recess because of the cold weather. I had recess duty and as I walked into 2 of the classrooms I was met with green Club Hope t-shirts and smiling faces. The smiling faces tell the story - these are amazing kids who really DO want to make the world better. Most of the club members had gone out on Thursday to talk with the kids in the other grades. They talked about our project, "Hearts for Africa" and they told the other students about our upcoming Bake Sale. Cassidy and Niklas spoke at Antler Alert to remind the students about our projects. Take another look at the smiling faces in these pictures - these are Club Hope kids!

Bake Sale Coming, Friday, April 3rd!!!

2009-03-24T19:42:00.001-07:00

Club Hope at Prairie Vale / O Ambassadors will be
having a GIANT Bake Sale on Friday, April 3rd. We will be open for business before and after school AND after Antler Alert. ALL proceeds will go to the O Ambassadors programs in Kenya.

"Hearts for Africa" Project Starts This Week!!

2009-03-24T19:29:00.001-07:00

This week, Club Hope at Prairie Vale members will visit the younger grades to talk to them about why we are fundraising at Prairie Vale. We have been learning about the living conditions for children in Kenya, and we know we can make a difference.

"Hearts for Africa" is a way for every family at Prairie Vale to show that they truly do have compassionate hearts. For the small price of $1 - you and your family can decorate the spring heart in the picture, sign your family's name and send it back to school. At PV, we will have a whole wall of these hearts to show that, as a school, we do have "Hearts for Africa.

"Keep On Being the Change"!!!

2009-03-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

We received a lovely note today from our O Ambassadors' contact person at "Free the Children". Jonah Kanter thanked us for our donation from our "Hours for Africa" Project and he tells us to "Keep on Being the Change"!!

"Hours for Africa" Project Grand Total = $458.50 !!!

2009-03-05T19:58:00.000-08:00

Clup Hope / O Ambassadors members earned $458.50 for our friends in Kenya!! Tyler, Aaron, James, Paige, Ahvonnah, Taylor, and Carley recently turned in their donations. Some of the things they did to earn their money were: cleaning house for mom; working outside with dad; helping move bricks; and walking dogs. Club members did a great job of giving of their time. We are now in the process of learning more about the living conditions in Kenya and we will be putting together our presentations for when we get back from Spring Break.

Hours for Africa, Part 2

2009-02-27T15:19:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU., Club HOPE members for the "Hours for Africa" Project. The club members pictured = Niklas, Sean, Alex, Matthew, Hallie, Christian, Katy Marie, Jaida, Ryan, Harrah, Taylor, Kelsie, Sierra, Rachel, Zoe, Emily, and Katie all turned in their checks this week. Some of the things they did to earn money for our friends in Kenya were: helping mom with her garden, helping dad with logs, cleaning up around the house, mopping floors, unloading dishwashers, cleaning up grandpa's garage, mowing lawns, walking dogs, babysitting, folding laundry, giving a backrub (I liked the sound of that one!), shoveling snow, cooking, and washing the car. We will have the grand total raised for "Hours for Africa" next week when we get all our money in and totaled. Club HOPE at Prairie Vale members are making the world better!!

Hours for Africa Project

2009-02-18T20:16:00.001-08:00

THANK YOU Lindsey, Greer, Camryn, Megan, Makenzie, Cassidy, Maddy, Jackson, and Heidi. These club members raised over $107.00 doing chores for our "Hours for Africa" project. Club members walked a dog, took care of a house while the people were on vacation, watched a five-year-old, scraped ice, gave a pedicure, cleaned, helped a mom when she was sick, babysat, chopped wood, and watched dogs. Our "Hours for Africa" project will continue through February.

"Hours for Africa" Project

2009-01-22T05:13:00.000-08:00

Club Hope at Prairie Vale members are starting their "Hours for Africa" project for the next few weeks. All members will be talking to family members and friends to hire themselves out for $5.00 an hour and asking that they get paid with checks made out to "Kids Can Free the Children", the part of the O Ambassadors program that uses our donations to help children around the world. We have requested that our donations go to children in Kenya and we have learned that last year, our donations went to the village of Oloosiyou, located near the Masai reserve (look at the Dec. 14th post for more information about how our donations are being used in Oloosiyou). This project allows our members to demonstrate that we are aware of the blessings in our lives - living in the United States of America, having food and water available to us everyday, and the wonderfully empowering gift of an education. Our "Hours for Africa" project is a statement that we want to help make the world a better place, especially for the children in Kenya.

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

2008-12-30T14:58:00.000-08:00

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!!

2008-12-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-28T09:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-28T09:10:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-28T09:08:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

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

Page 5 of our Girls World Project

2008-12-28T08:56:00.000-08:00

This beautiful art work was done by Taylor and Harrah.

Thank You Prairie Vale Students and Families!!

2008-12-14T20:06:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-14T19:59:00.000-08:00

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!!

2008-12-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-05T18:28:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-04T20:25:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2008-11-30T16:40:00.000-08:00

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"

2008-11-29T07:35:00.001-08:00

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 -

2008-11-11T09:49:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-02T16:20:00.001-08:00

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!!!

2008-10-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-12T12:44:00.001-07:00

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......

2008-06-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2008-06-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-05-24T10:17:00.001-07:00

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!!

2008-05-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-03-15T11:52:00.001-07:00

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!!!

2008-03-15T11:48:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!

2008-03-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

2008-03-12T16:11:00.001-07:00

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"

2008-03-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

"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!!!

2008-03-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

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!!

2008-03-03T07:36:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-19T07:23:00.001-08:00

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!!

2008-02-18T10:11:00.001-08:00

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!!!!

2008-02-12T13:50:00.000-08:00

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"

2008-02-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

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!!!!

2008-01-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

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...

"The Three Questions" based on a story by Leo Tolstoy

2007-12-28T13:45:00.000-08:00

As we look back at 2007 and ahead to 2008, please remember the story "The Three Questions" that we read in reading class the week before Christmas. The main character in the story, Nikolai, is uncertain about the right way to act, he says "I want to be a good person, but I don't always know the best way to do that." He wants to find the answers to his three questions:

1. When is the best time to do things?
2. Who is the most important one?
3. What is the right thing to do?

Through his travels he does find the answers to his questions:

"Remember then that there is only one important time, and that time is now. The most important one is always the one you are with. And the most important thing is to do good for the one who is standing at your side."

Thank you Club Hope members for all the good things you have done this year for yourself, your families, your school, your community, and the world. We have an exciting year ahead of us when we get back to school in 2008. Rest up, enjoy the rest of your vacation, and come back to school ready to "make the world better, one day at a time!"

Love, Mrs. S.

Delivery Day at the OKC Rescue Mission!

2007-12-21T15:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Madison, Hannah, Jordan, Justin, , Tanner, Spencer, Brett, Bryson (and Bryson's little brother, Brock) and parents who helped take all the drinks and snacks to the Rescue Mission. They represented all the members of Club HOPE who worked so hard to "make the world better, one day at a time". The people at the Rescue Mission were very thankful and told us that they had just run out of things for the children there, so what we brought was an answer to a prayer. Lindsey took us around and explained the work of the Mission. We figured out that what we brought today should keep the children there in drinks and snacks for the next 6 weeks! THANK YOU Club HOPE members!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trip to City Rescue Mission

2007-12-20T08:06:00.000-08:00

Club HOPE members and parents -

If you are interested in going to the City Rescue Mission to deliver the juice drinks and snacks, meet at the Prairie Vale parking lot on:

FRIDAY, Dec. 21st at 10:15 am.

We will carpool to the Mission, deliver our donations and get a tour of the facility. Any questions, email Mrs. Schwiebert at schwiebertk@deercreek.k12.ok.us

Club Hope Collections for OKC City Rescue Mission!!

2007-12-16T12:27:00.001-08:00

Club Hope Members Reach Their Goal!!!

2007-12-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

This quote by Margaret Mead says it all. Several weeks ago, the boys and girls of Club Hope decided to collect juice drinks and kid-friendly snacks for the children who live at the Oklahoma City Rescue Mission. The choice suggested was to get EITHER 1200 juice drinks or 1200 snacks. The club members voted to get both. This was a HUGE challenge, but the kids felt up to the task. On the first Monday of December when all donations had been counted - we discovered that we had met and surpassed our goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Suggestions for Making Good Choices -

2007-11-29T14:47:00.000-08:00

HELPING YOURSELF - eat healthy, exercise, keep room clean, get involved in clubs or
sports, keep self clean, keep grades up, read, ask for help, stay positive, try new things, pick good friends, practice kindness, do the right thing even if no one is watching, listen more than you talk.

HELPING YOUR FAMILY - talk nicely, be kind to siblings, carry in groceries, do chores
without being asked, offer to help in ways that make your family's lives nicer, help with the yard and house work, pick up trash, take care of pets, show gratitude, share joy.

HELPING YOUR SCHOOL - play with other kids, be nice to everybody, offer to help
teachers, keep school clean, try to make friends with kids who have few friends, stand up for kids being picked on, set a good example, speak out for the good and right things.

Welcome to Club HOPE at Prairie Vale

2007-11-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our Club HOPE site. Club HOPE started in 2006 with several students in Mrs. Schwiebert's fifth grade homeroom. They wanted to know how they could make the world a better place. We would meet during recess and talk about what was going on in our lives and we decided to try to help the children at the Oklahoma City Rescue Mission. The students created "Operation Sweet Dreams" and were able to collect over 450 books (for the children's library at the mission) and 85 pairs of pajamas for the children who lived at the Rescue Mission.

This year the club was open to all fifth grade students, and more than 30 students show up every other Wednesday during their recess to talk about the choices they are making, on a daily basis, to make the world a better place. They are keeping a daily log of ways that they are being kind to themselves, their families, their school, their community, and the world.

The 2007-2008 Club HOPE at Prairie Vale decided to take on an a VERY ambitious project. The students voted to aim for acquiring 1200 juice drinks and 1200 kid-friendly snacks for the children at the shelter. They are working very hard to get these donations by December 1st!!! Keep watching, we will keep you posted on our progress!! We all think this seems quixotic (can you tell we just finished our "Don Quixote" unit!!), but we have confidence that we will reach our goal! If you would like to help, please contact our club sponsor - Mrs. Kathy Schwiebert -
schwiebertk@deercreek.k12.ok.us