Happy Holidays from the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

Dear Casady YAC,

From all of us at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, and on behalf of those we serve, Happy Holidays and best wishes for a wonderful New Year!  Your belief in our mission has providedHOPE to thousands of our neighbors who struggle with hunger. Because you care, together we truly make a lasting impact on the lives of our fellow Oklahomans.

With great thanks and best wishes this season and in 2016!
Laura Lang
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

One extra way you can fight hunger during the holidays:

When shopping online, sign in to smile.amazon.com, and designate the Regional Food Bank as your charity of choice. We’ll receive a donation every time you make a purchase!  

Laura Lang, CFRE

Vice President of Development

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

405-600-3155 o

405-641-0848 c

www.regionalfoodbank.org

Stories of Hope:

"We had a student who was very stressed about having to be a breadwinner for the family. She worked a lot of hours while trying to study for semester exams.  By our school pantry being able to provide food to her, she was able to cut back her hours at work some and that, in turn, had more time to study time for classes.  This 16 year old was almost in tears when she was offered help for her large family."

~Harrah High School

December 15 meeting-last meeting of 2015

Agenda

Art by Fiona R.'15

1. Reflection and evaluation of YAC activities to place hours in transcript and report card
-What did you do?
-what was the impact?
-How can we make Yac better in 2016?

2. Children's Hospital 

-Placemats

-Art Activity
making bags for kids to make crafts at the childrens hospital
     -glue, sticks, buttons, glitter, ribbon
making place mats for the children

3. Children from new land academy coming to casady 12/15

Art Club Xmas Stockings for New World School  22 students and three teachers  TODAY3. fEED

11:45 arrival to Casaady.    Welcome by Spanish I Class

12:15 Walk to Calvert for lunch

1:30    Activity with Art Club

4. Feedback  and reflection   

-ICS Hope for the Holidays Drive  - Delivery to ICS by 4th graders  December 18 @ 10:30 am

Record number of donations

-YAC appreciation paneton  Delivered to all divisions and areas of the school.  Primary wants to know who wrote the nice note of appreciation

-Blood Drive 2015   42 screened, 35 donors.  great job seniors!

Urban Mission Santa's House

5. MLK Day, Monday, January 18th 
http://casadymlkday.blogspot.com/
National Day of Service Make a Day ON SERVICE of a Daf OFF From School.

Isaaiah and Mrs. Clay will finalize MLK Day this Thursday.  Suggestions
-Talk to Coach T and Basketball Boys coach to volunteer at Rebuilding Together as teams

a. MLK Day @ the Memorial, 10:00-4:00 PM Courtesy of Mrs. Lynn Porter ONMM Education Coordinator.  Planning Team needed. YLOKCasady and YAC invited
STEAMSS Project (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Service and Spirituality) _ Advocacy and Research Project  Mrs. Clay supervisor
Sign-up @ Sign-up genius

b. MLK Day @ Rebuilding Together  YET To Be Confirmed. YAC Facilitator: Isaaiah
Refurbish a home: Paint the exterior of a home of an elderly handicapped Oklahoman -Direct Service Project Coach Bonfiglio and maybe Coach Pena supervisors.  TBA: Donations for supplies, meals, and schedule.  Possible group to connect sports teams.  Sign up at Sign-up genius
Isaaiah stated that we do not have a house address yet, but Rebuilding Together welcomes 35 volunteers.  Job assignments will be provided after the Xmas Break

c. MLK Day @ The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma  Youth Facilitators: MD Service Club
Permission slips needed

Morning Shift: 9:00-12:00    Snacks and drinks provided @ Break

Lunch on your own

Afternoon Shift: 1:00 - 4:00   Snacks and drinks provided @ Break

Pack Food for Food for Kids Indirect Service/Advocacy Project Mrs. Omelia supervisor

6. Changes in service requirement 

Class of 2019 : 

Hours completed and certified by August 1, 2018.

Class of 2016:  From Mr. Bottomly,

Service Learning hours are a graduation curriculum requirement that Casady reports on all transcripts to colleges in the application process.

If a Casady student has few hours (of the 45) reported on their transcript (at the time of college application submission), then the college may see that as a student who has not taken this requirement seriously.  This will probably not negatively impact an admission decision, but it might. 

If a student has not completed his or her service learning hours by graduation, then that senior's final transcript will be frozen by the college counseling office and not submitted until the hours are complete.  A frozen transcript can be very bad for a matriculating student.  He or she may not be able to be able to participate in freshman college orientation programs, and, therefore, not  able to enroll in classes and move into their dorm room.  

6. What is service learning?  Katherine introduced us to the S-L stages.  The service-learning office would like YAC to consider making a video to teach Cyclones and the OKC community about service learning.

Investigation, Planning, Action Reflection (Ongoing) Demonstration of learning and Evaluation of Project

http://www.generationon.org/educators/lessons-resources/iparde

7.  The Giving Games Proposal  Sent by Dr. Marcia Moore If YAC decides to participate, someone has to register YAC as a team @  http://compassiongames.org/thegivinggames/

December 8 meeting

Agenda
Food Bank in desperate need of fresh produced distribution volunteers Schedules at Casady Places to Serve Blog

1. Blood Drive: Update  Seniors: Aubrey/Dylan
All signs and permissions around campus
To do List
1. Make Chapel announcements to remind
a. Permission Slips
b. Bring ID
c. The night before: Have a good night sleep and hidrate
2. Place Tomorrow is the Blood Drive signs on Wednesday
3. Place Today is the Blood Drive signs on Thursday
4. On Wednesday after 5th Period:  Cover donation room windows with placemats-very carefully 
for more privacy for donors

2. Delivery of placemats - 
Juniors: Johnny/Isabelle
Contact the Children's  Hospital Zone Volunteer Coordinator 
Who?
When?

3. December 12-
a. Urban Mission Santa Store   
Sophomores: Mallory
Sign up at Harper or email at volunteer@urbanmissionokc.org or call us at 405-946-1556. Shifts, 8:30 AM-11:30 AM and 11:00 AM-2:00 PM.


4. December 15 - 
New World Academy at Casady  Freshmen: Katherine
S-L/Art Departments collaborating with Art Club
22 African teen refugees @ Casady.  Guests of the Art Club. New World Academy Art Stockings for the holidays

Schedule
12:00 Arrival and making of Pinwheels for Syrian Refugee
12:15: Walk to Calvert for lunch.  Special tables arranged
1:00:  Art Club Holiday Event at the Harper Wing

5. December 18: Hope for the holidays delivery of donations  9th-12th
Update by Dylan and Katherine

6. Crafts for a Cause at the Edmond Library, December 19
Opportunity to make Pinwheels for Syrian Children
Teen facilitators needed.  Take your own supples.  Mrs. Clay away

7. Youth LEAD OKC Teens4Teens Project ended yesterday
Reflection by YLOKCasady members present .  Memories at http://youthleadokc.blogspot.com/

8. MLK Day, Monday, January 18th
National Day of Service Make a Day ON SERVICE of a Daf OFF From School

a. MLK Day @ the Memorial, 10:00-4:00 PM Courtesy of Mrs. Lynn Porter ONMM Education Coordinator.  Planning Team needed. YLOKCasady and YAC invited
STEAMSS Project (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Service and Spirituality) _ Advocacy and Research Project  Mrs. Clay supervisor


b. MLK Day @ Rebuilding Together  YET To Be Confirmed. YAC Facilitator: Isaaiah
Refurbish a home: Paint the exterior of a home of an elderly handicapped Oklahoman -Direct Service Project Coach Bonfiglio and maybe Coach Pena supervisors.  TBA: Donations for supplies, meals, and schedule.  Possible group to connect sports teams

MLK Day @ The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma  Youth Facilitators: MD Service Club
Morning Shift: 9:00-12:00    Snacks and drinks provided @ Break

Lunch on your own

Afternoon Shift: 1:00 - 4:00   Snacks and drinks provided @ Break

Pack Food for Food for Kids Indirect Service/Advocacy Project Mrs. Omelia supervisor

2nd graders Project Warm

Second Grade Project Warm:  https://goo.gl/photos/UFQdEhMbLTN5B6NQA  Second graders made blankets for the Salvation Army with materials provided by a Salvation Army Volunteer.  

Special thanks to Mrs. France for welcoming an Upper Division Service Learning connection of this project naming it WARM Project in loving memory of Annie Hill, whose passion to serve the community during her freshman year at Casady was to make blankets for Positive Tomorrows children.  Thank you Annie for a wonderful warm memory of your kind spirit!

Seniors and Juniors made activity packages for Children Hospital. (Johnny Isabel, Aubrey)

Underclassmen wrote appreciation cards on Paneton.  One per building

Art by Fiona R.'15

1. Hope for the Holidays Infant Crisis Services Drive:  Our Lower and Primary Division students are ICS Hope for the Holiday donors for the next two weeks.  Lower Division is collecting diapers, baby formula, etc. this week and Primary Division students will be donating next week. This project was organized, in the LD by 4th grade team in collaboration with Classroom with a Cause, YAC Freshman Chair Katherine .  Katherine,  Dylan, Natalie and Andy signed up  motivate  LD donors,  Katherine and Dylan inspired PD donors

2. At YAC meetings, YAC has been decorating placemats for Children's Hospital to brighten a bit hospital meals.  YAC also continues to make pinwheels for Syrian Refugee Children.  Each pinwheel will receive $2, up to $400,000 from the Bezos Foundation to provide educational and mental health services through the International Rescue Team.  This is part of YAC's Students Rebuild Challenge.

3. YAC seniors are facilitating a blood drive next week with the goal of screening 50-70 people and getting at least 35 donors. The blood bank will be taking donations at the Cochran Library from 7:30-12:30 on Thursday, December 10th.

                                                                   

4. Our citywide Youth LEAD OKCasady is collecting gently worn clothing for Metro Career Academy, a full service school that enables teens to stay in school by providing all the resources they need including food and clothing. Youth Leaders will meet to organize an event at Metro Career Academy on Sunday, December 6, from 1:30-3:30 (Planning team meets an hour early and stays 30 minutes after).  The event will take place at Metro Career Academy School from 12:00-2:00.  Casady and Heritage Hall Youth Leaders will caravan together to Metro Career Academy.  Cyclones will be excused from classes at 11:30.

5. Casady Alumni volunteered at the Food Bank on 12/2/2015.  Joyful time giving to other's needs with old friends, new parents, and grandparents!  Go Community Club 2001 Officers!

Art Club YAC members are making Christmas Stocking for a school of African Refugees. Pictures and more news about a possible Art Club event in a couple of weeks forthcoming

Teens and Schools Pay it Forward:  Compassion Giving Games  DAY FOUR

Reflect On Yesterday's Mission Before moving on to your fourth mission, take a moment to reflect on yesterday’s mission. Which person did you choose to write your letter or draw your picture about? What makes this person special? Do you think they know how important they are to you? What are other things you can do to show how thankful you are for this person? Discuss these questions as a class, or break into small groups.

Agents, your fourth mission… is to LAUGH! Laughter brings joy to everyone who hears it, so give joy to your classmates, friends, or family by laughing together. Set a timer for 60 seconds and just start laughing --- at nothing! Before the minute is up, you’ll be hysterically laughing at your own laughter. It might even be hard to stop laughing once the timer goes off! With the good feelings you received from this experience, find ways to bring joy to others throughout your day. Be goofy to make someone laugh, leave a note for someone that makes them smile, or even dance silly for no reason with your friends! Bring this joy home to your family and friends! Agents, remember... As you fulfill your mission, share your experiences on theCompassion Report Map! Your report inspires others, amplifying the power of your compassion and generosity! Going Deeper: Did you know that laughter is good for us? Really good for us. Laughter reduces stress and pain in the body, and gives a boost to our creativity, problem solving abilities, and even our memories! Laughing increases blood flow in the body and strengthens the heart, just like exercise. And laughter makes us feel more connected and bonded with others, helping boost our self-esteem and motivation with feelings of increased hope, optimism, and vitality. It even makes us more friendly, and yes, more generous toward others! For Teachers/Parents/Mentors: Learn how good cheer spreads through teen social networks, and how this can impact depression in adolescents. Spoiler! All 11 Missions are available to be viewed here. Use this sneak peak as a way to plan ahead, or to review previous or missed missions. Advent Day 6: Weihnachtsmarkt By Professor Carol on Dec 04, 2015 04:00 am Weimar Christmas Market – © 2011 Carol Reynolds Advent in Germany is the time for the Christmas Markets. The old-fashioned wooden kiosks have been painstakingly assembled and filled with gingerbread hearts, woolen caps, Italian cakes, and hand-blown glass ornaments. Vendors will work in the cold for weeks. Christmas markets become the focus of civic life across Europe during Advent. But no one does it better than the Germans. Known also as Christkindlmarkt, the German tradition stretches back to the Dresden Christmas market, 580 years old this year. You read that right. Five hundred and eighty years! Yet even older forerunners are documented, including one in Vienna as early as the 1290s. So the basic elements of this tradition have strong roots. Weihnachtsmarkt in Halle – baerchen57 (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) The central squares of most good-sized German towns are filled with rustic kiosks and decorated with evergreens. The façades of the surrounding buildings are outlined with white lights. The air thickens with the aroma of cinnamon, chocolate, powdered sugar, and mulled wine. And anchoring it all is a huge Christmas Tree, set right in the center. To me, the most striking thing about the Weihnachtsmarkt is the daily lure it has for the regular townspeople. Yes, tourists do make up part of the crowd. In fact a few years ago, the Christmas Market in “our” small city of Weimar (our second home) was named by CNN as the world’s best. This accolade surprised everyone and absolutely resulted in more tourist visits, but fortunately Weimar has not been overrun. But it’s the townspeople who fuel Christmas Markets. Friends and family trek regularly down to participate. Toddlers enjoy the kiddie rides and miniature Ferris Wheels. Children gravitate to the petting zoos placed around the life-sized Nativity Scenes. Moms and daughters browse the hand-blown glass ornaments and rows of candles. Ah, the candles, from stout ones for table tops to small tapers whose flames power the blades of the Adventspyramiden (multi-tiered wooden pyramids). And everyone eats and drinks! Steaming bowls of soup and plates of dried butter fish, slabs of bread layered with garlic and cheese direct out of wood-burning ovens, lollipop-like sticks of fruit dipped in chocolate, and, of course, Gluhwein, mulled wine (which, I think, must be an acquired taste!). Lebkuchen – © Carol Reynolds This year, unfortunately, we will not be in Weimar for Christmas. My husband spent an extended time there in the autumn while I led tour groups through Eastern Europe. Right now we need some quality time in Texas with family and friends. So I will miss my spiced lentil soup and pakora from the Indian kiosk—a new addition to the line of Weimar’s traditional vendors. But we have seen the Christmas Market enough times to know the rhythm. A few days before Christmas, when our U.S. culture is gearing up to its most hysterical nearly-Christmas frenzy, the Weihnachtsmarkt closes. Done. Yes, the kiosks are shuttered, the goods are packed up, workmen dissemble the huts, and the shopkeepers go home so they can prepare to celebrate Christmas with their families. Unimaginable, isn’t it? But, as one shopkeeper said to me, “Why would any want to ruin Christmas by shopping right up to the last minute?” It’s a good lesson for Advent, isn’t it? A last-minute buying frenzy just isn’t the goal of the Weihnachtsmarkt. Instead, it prepares the season, keeping the focus on tradition and interaction with loved ones. Meanwhile, I do wish I had one of those gingerbread hearts or some marzipan potatoes.

Invitation to Play

Select a Mission Below!