Our community project could not have been more successful.  In early November the students made a list of groups that might need extra help or support during the winter months.  The student discussed who we could help and how we could help them.  We then had some very thoughtful groups discussions on who we should help.  The kids voted and although it was very close, our local Animal shelter was the winner!

After we selected the animal shelter we set our goal.... $500 !!  It is a lofty goal, but we discussed how we could achieve it.  The students suggested many ideas, but our school does not allow big fundraiser projects, so we had to keep it simple.   We decided to do a bottle/can drive as well as collect pennies/change.   The students also wanted to volunteer to do "Chores" or extra work to earn money to donate. During the month of November the kids raised $300!  I was so proud of them.  This was all from bottles/cans and spare change, along with extra chore money!   In December the students brought in more cans/bottles  (We had almost $200 worth of bottles and cans donated to us!)  Many of the students did those extra chores to earn money to donate. Many of the students brought in $20 after the Thanksgiving holiday break, from chores they had completed.  Our change jar ended up with $150 in pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters.  That was one heavy jar!   

We also were able to do a 50/50 drawing at one of the Mazama Basketball home games.    The students sold $218 worth of tickets -- so we earned $109.

By December 15th we had exceeded our goal of $500.   The students had raised $662!  We were able to visit Double C and the animal shelter to give the donation. The students were so excited for this field trip.  The kids had an amazing visit with the shelter and they got to visit all the cats and dogs. The shelter taught the kids valuable lessons on pet care and how the shelter works.

I know how much the students learned from this experience of helping the community, we are already looking forward to our next activity (We were selected to be a part of Uncief Kid power program, where we will be able to earn meals for malnourished children across the world)

I was so moved by my students perseverance and dedication that I took action myself.   Over the holiday break I rescued a 8 year mastiff that was being surrendered by its owners!   I now have 4… yes 4 English Mastiffs in my house!