SCHOOL COUNSELORS AND THEIR SCHOOLS
STEP UP TO HELP THE FAMILIES OF HURRICANE KATRINA AND RITA
By Andree Johnson, SDSCA President
As the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are felt, schools from across South Dakota are reaching out to the families in need. It is heartwarming to see the efforts of South Dakotans who may not know anyone from the Gulf States and yet they are doing everything they can to help. School counselors often take the leadership to organize these events in their schools or communities. In their own words, several school counselors from across the state describe the good works being accomplished in their schools.
The Andes Central School District National Honor Society and the Student Council collected non-perishable food items at home athletic contests. People were admitted to the games if they brought food items to be donated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. We also contacted the visiting schools that came to Andes Central, and they also brought food items for admission. GREAT RESPONSE from the community and the surrounding communities.
Dave Krull
Lake Andes
During the week of Sept. 12, students and staff held a "Coins for Katrina" fundraiser. Baggies were sent home with a note attached. As a Circle of Courage School, we wanted to share our generosity with victims of Katrina. Hawthorne School raised $870.13. We are proud of our students, who brought their piggy banks, loose change and bills for these people in need.
Valerie Horacek
Hawthorne Elementary School
Sioux Falls
At Canton High several fundraising activities are underway. The Student Council, National Honor Society and Peer Helpers are working together. We have a two-day contest between our advisory groups. The winning group got to go to lunch 10 minutes early one day. From that we raised over $1200 for the Red Cross. Last week we sold "puppy chow" (cereal covered with chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar) and raised $300 for the Humane Society. This week we are having a 50/50 lottery at the volleyball matches with that money going to the Red Cross. Before the Homecoming game on Sept.30 we are having "Hit Me With Your Best Shot", a pie-throwing event in which administrators, teachers, law enforcement and other community members have agree to be the object the pie. We are also working concessions for a volleyball tournament with all the profit going to the Red Cross. We are hoping to have a total of over $3000 to give to Red Cross.
The other schools in the Canton School District are also doing fundraising. The Middle School is having a penny war. The elementary raised over $1000 with "Coins for Katrina".
Carolyn Strobel
Canton High School
Garfield Elementary had a 5th grade class head up the project of collecting coins for Katrina. They sent Baggies home with each student and then collected from each classroom. More than $700 was collected and contributed to the Red Cross.
Lynn Adler
Hawthorne Elementary
Sioux Falls, SD
The Dell Rapids Middle School has been collecting $1.00 for each student wearing a hat and each staff person wearing jeans on Fridays during Sept.--- we sent $500 to the Red Cross. Our eighth grade core team is sponsoring a silent auction on Oct.8 for the hurricane victims *- each home room (14) is putting together baskets for the auction (sport basket with jerseys, etc., movie basket with DVDs, movie tickets, etc., ). Many donations have been pouring in *-Governor Rounds signed a license plate, famous football jerseys, football tickets, etc. The auction will run from 10-1 on that Saturday with lunch goodies for sale too. Kids have responded to this need *- our character education is really shining!!!
Diann Wuebben, Counselor
Dell Rapids Middle School
At Axtell Park Middle School, Memorial Middle School and Laura B. Anderson Elementary School students, faculty and families collected shampoo, towels, hair picks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc. for the American Red Cross. These items were put in zip lock bags and became "Comfort Kits". The Sioux Empire Red Cross will distribute these kits to families transplanted as a result of Hurricane Katrina and to families struggling with disasters such as fire or tornadoes in South Dakota.
Andree Johnson, APMS
Sue Anderson, MMS
Deb Harkless, LBA
Sioux Falls, SD
The John Harris Elementary students and families contributed a total of $1500 to the Sioux Falls Red Cross to be used for victims of Hurricane Katrina. There was an assembly Friday, September 23rd to present the check to Jeff Stingley(CEO). Each classroom had a container where donations could be placed from a Monday to a Friday. The funds were then presented from each class during lunch times. Students were present as each container was emptied into a large container.
Sue Aderhold
John Harris Elementary School
Sioux Falls
At Stevens High School in Rapid City, the principal, administration, staff, parents and the peer leaders challenged the student body to raise money for the Katrina victims through the Red Cross. Announcements were made at the beginning of school to all. The total amount raised was $1000.00 Additional efforts are being made through individual clubs at Stevens.
Sandi McLain
Stevens High School
Rapid City, SD
The students at Discovery Elementary collected change. I challenged a competition b/w every grade-level, announcing that the classroom at each level that raised the most would get a free recess supervised by the principals and myself. We raised $3,000.00 and 1st National Bank, our business partner, matched our donation.
Jess Paulson
Discovery Elementary School
Sioux Falls
I am serving as an advisor for the Hot Springs National Honor Society. They are in the process of starting some fundraising efforts to donate to the Red Cross for the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The first event was a silent auction at the homecoming dance on Friday, 9/30.
Michelle Lammers, Counselor
Hot Springs High School
The elementary school had students bring a number of items to help the victims some of the items included: school supplies, toothbrush, toothpaste, sleeping bags, pillows, etc. We received over 2,150 items! Our PTA partnered with the Freeman Jaycees and sent the items to a Jaycee group in Hattiesburg, MS.
Sara Hoogestraat
Dell Rapids Elementary Counselor
These schools represent a fraction of the kind deeds being done for others throughout the state. All South Dakotans should be proud of these accomplishments!