Mann Middle sock drive helps homeless

Mann Middle School ASB recently held a sock drive to benefit the homeless veterans of San Diego.

Sixth period classrooms were asked to collect new socks and the classes who donated 15 or more pairs of socks would be entered in a drawing for a pizza party for the class. The total number of socks donated by the students and staff at Mann so far is 494 pairs.

One teacher, Joseph Perez, a retired Marine, challenged his students to open their hearts to the cause and raised $500.00 plus 413 pairs of the 494 pairs of socks collected in total. The money will be used to purchase items such as toiletries that can be donated as well.

The students of room 417 will be honored at an ice cream social after school to thank them for their generosity and celebrate their success. Mann principal and vice principals will dress in 50's attire to scoop the ice cream for the students. Ms. Connell's sixth period class won the classroom pizza party.

For more information about Mann Middle School, contact Principal Courtney Young at (619) 582-8990

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Nye Elementary students raise $825 for New Jersey school

The destruction from Hurricane Sandy inspired students at Nye Elementary School in the Valencia Park neighborhood.

It inspired them so much that the students and families raised $825 for Belmar Elementary School in Belmar, NJ.

Lead by students in Olivia Flores' second grade class, the effort involved students talking to other students, telling them about the storm and how it affected kids on the other side of the country.

"They wanted to help students who were directly affected by the storm and decided to collect money for students at Belmar Elementary School in New Jersey," said Flores.

The students from Ms. Flores’ class raised funds by introducing their ideas at a monthly awards assembly and followed up by going to classrooms and educating other students about the storm and how to help. The funds have been donated to Belmars’ Storm Relief Committee; committee has developed an action plan to aid their students and families.

For more information, contact Flores at oflores@sandi.net.

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Juarez Elementary students learn lessons, raise $200 for American Cancer Society

Juarez Elementary School students have raised $200 for cancer prevention and research through the American Cancer Society's Relay Recess Program.

The students circled the school's playground, raising money through pledges, cheered on by Melissa Matthews of the American Cancer Society. A few weeks before the Dec. 20 run, Matthews had discussed good health habits and cancer prevention to a schoolwide assembly.

"The students learned important cancer prevention practices such as having a healthy diet, using sunscreen, and exercising," said Marceline Marques, Principal at Juarez Elementary. "This activity was a meaningful way to demonstrate caring for cancer survivors (one of our students), and also for those who have lost their battle (the parent of one of our teachers)."

While running, students and staff read helpful health tips printed on placards positioned on the course.

We invited parents and community members to participate as well," said Marques."Some were cancer survivors and some were walking/running in honor of a loved one. "

The Relay Recess Program brings cancer education and community service in the classroom; engages elementary school students in the fight against cancer; and allows students to have fun with entertainment and activities that reinforce what they learn in the classroom.

Located just north of Qualcomm Stadium in the Serra Mesa neighborhood, Juarez Elementary School has approximately 250 students in kindergarten through grade five.

For more information, please contact Principal Marceline Marques at mmarques@sandi.net, or (858) 496-8145.

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8.5 tons of food collected by JROTC

The San Diego Unified School District Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (JROTC) Food Drive is an annual community service project to support our city in collecting food during the holiday season.

Given the economic struggles by many in San Diego, JROTC cadets set a goal of surpassing last year’s collection of 10,960 lbs. Together with friends, families, school faculty and students, the 13 JROTC units collected an amazing 53 percent increase of 16,795 lbs. (almost 8.4 tons).

Donations of canned and dried goods went to various local charities, churches and food banks to be distributed to families just before the holidays. In the past three years, JROTC cadets have contributed over 39,000 lbs. (19.5 tons) of food to our community.

Each year, special recognition is given to the school which donates the largest amount and this year’s Community Service Streamer will be presented to San Diego High School. In second place was Scripps Ranch HS and James Madison HS placed third. We thank all cadets for their donations to this worthy event.

For more information, please contact LTC David Guzman at dguzman1@sandi.net.

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