Happy Holidays from CalSERVES!

Here's wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season! As you spend time with family and friends, take time to remember the many things in your life for which you are grateful. Enjoy peace and contentment.

Kids Love Dogs

Sadie and three of her biggest fans. These brothers all received awards at our
fitness assembly this week and they asked for Sadie to be included in their picture.

Bringing your dog to work every day may seems a little unconventional to some, but for me, it’ a dream come true. When the kids ask what a therapy dog is, I say “Her job is to just to make you happy.” Sadie is a one year old Catahoula mix that loves kids; one thing is for sure, the kids love her even more! Whether it’s the 3rd grader that spends his mornings, recess, and lunch time in our room visiting her, or the 6th grader that asks to take her for a walk when he’s feeling upset, her presence has made quite the difference here at Kawana.

When I visit Ms. Garcia's Kindergarten, she asks the students as I’m leaving the room, "Say goodbye to Ms. Williams." In perfect harmony the kindergarteners yell "Bye Sadie!!” If that isn’t proof that she’s doing her job, then I don’t know what is! 

by Jackie Williams, After School Team Leader at Kawana Elementary

Healthy Food for Families

Fresh produce from the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

Every Friday I go to the food bank and get hundreds of pounds of fruits and vegetables to give out to the families. This past Friday I got over 600 pounds of produce. I picked up 150 boxes of strawberries (1 per family), 200 pounds of potatoes, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and celery. In the past I have also gotten sweet potatoes, carrots, parsley, green onions, apples, oranges, asian pears, and more. Although I do this every Friday, the parents still ask me how much I am charging for the produce. The families are relentlessly shocked and grateful for the copious amounts of fruits and vegetables I provide.

This is by far one of the most rewarding things I have a chance to do. Giving healthy food for the families to put on the dinner table, and knowing that my students aren’t going to go hungry tonight- that’s all the thanks I need.

by Melissa Collins, VIP Fellow at Kawana Elementary School

Learning Science by Exploring

Students exploring science at the RL Stevens "Build It Science Festival"

The R.L. Stevens CalSERVES after school program would like to say a special thanks to the Lawrence Hall of Science for supporting our students’ learning with the “Build-It” science festival. The instructor and festival coordinator, Jeff, did a fantastic job explaining each station to volunteers, and also kept students engaged.

The activities included constructing an arch out of wooden blocks, recognizing patterns, making a pop-up book, making structures out of newspaper, and making 3-dimensional shapes. Each class had an hour to explore the stations at the fair. Jeff emphasized that the goal of the festival was not to teach students facts, but instead to encourage exploration and creativity. CalSERVES staff and students appreciated this approach, as it led to a successful and enjoyable event.

This event also relied heavily on adult support, and would not have been possible without the generosity and involvement of our parents and volunteers. Thanks to everyone who came out and helped!

by Tyler Rockey, VIP Fellow at RL Stevens Elementary

Fun with Tennis

Last year, I was fortunate enough to have been in the right place at the right time to be introduced to Michelle Skipwith, the USTA Tennis Service Representative for Sonoma County. She was giving a presentation on bringing “QuickStart Tennis” into elementary schools to get young students more involved with the game of tennis. We placed an order for our school sites and for a very low cost we were able to supply our school sites with over 160 tennis racquets of various sizes for our students! We also received numerous types of tennis balls, tennis nets, and curriculum that will show our AmeriCorps members how to teach our students in tennis.

This Fall we had 3 tennis trainings, 3 hours each, for all of our school sites. At these trainings, mentors were taught the basic fundamentals of tennis and how to make it fun and interesting for kids. Now our AmeriCorps mentors have the tools and supplies to teach our students tennis and with this wonderful 75 degree December weather in Santa Rosa, we are fortunate enough to be able to continue playing tennis in the beautiful sunshine.

by Katie McCormick, CalSERVES Coordinator