Junior High Learns the Meaning of Giving
by Jesse Vela
April 14, 2008
Greetings from the Junior High! The Lytle Junior High Campus has been very busy this year not only in academics, but also learning the meaning of what it means to give to those in need. Part of our vision as a school is to develop students into respectful, contributing members of society. Our service learning projects have been a successful in fulfilling this portion of our vision.
Military Service Project
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! Miss Urban's English classes collected a
variety of items to send to a unit serving in Iraq. The students
contributed much needed items including food, black socks, and
Gatorades. Students also brought in books, games, and little
trinkets the soldiers will enjoy. Many of the students brought in
sets of 5 stuffed animals to be given out to the Iraqi children
(Iraq requires that gifts for the children be given out 5 at a
time). Each student decorated a Christmas card to be included in
the boxes. Her classes put together 20 boxes of items and shipped
them overseas, just in time for the Christmas holiday. A successful
receipt was made and the soldiers had a very Merry Christmas!
Coat Drive
Come rain or shine, cold weather arrives. Mrs. Foster's 8th grade
science classes sponsored a coat drive for the homeless people of
San Antonio. Students contributed coats of many colors and sizes.
Our 8th grade students at Lytle Junior High collected over 80
jackets and coats during the early winter. This collection was
delivered to the homeless shelter in downtown San Antonio.
The Life Skills class sorted and washed donated items for the
Clothes Closet, including several coats and sweaters during the
cold spell. Ms. Robbins delivered the coats to several families in
the area who greatly appreciated the items delivered to their
homes.
Angel Tree
During the Christmas season everyone gets in the giving mood. The
Jr. High teachers decided to give to the students this year. We
were able to discern which of our students were the neediest and we
were able to satisfy a small need for each child. All of us
delighted in the enthusiasm and glee of the kids as they opened
their presents. Everyone went home with a huge smile on their face
that day.
Choir Caroling
Not only is the choir a great addition to the Jr. High, the choir
has been a delightful addition to the community. Mrs. Garcia has
taken her choir caroling many places throughout our community.
Their voices and musical talents have been enjoyed by those
throughout each campus within Lytle ISD, nursing homes, and on city
streets. The group also participated in the San Antonio River
Caroling Event during the month of December.
Canned Food Drive
The 6th, 7th, 8th graders in Student Council had a canned food
drive for the Christmas holidays. They gathered over 300 cans here
in the school. The food was given to Fr. Romero at St. Andrews
Catholic Church, who was very relieved to get it since he had
several families who were in great need and he had run completely
out of food.
The 6th and 7th grade Student Council members held an Easter Egg Hunt for the little ones at the Primary School. It was greatly enjoyed by both the Primary students as well as our Jr. High students. They had their baskets and the eggs were scattered all over the patio area of the school.
Pennies for Patients
During the month of March students contributed to the "Pennies for
Patients" fundraiser. This collection was in an effort to support
the Leukemia Foundation. With all classes participating, we were
able to collect $824.54 which amounts to $2.36 per students.
Students’ giving back to the community is a great learning experience! We hope that these activities will build a self-perpetuating environment that will develop our students into respectful, contributing members of society.
