Second Grader, Hallie Rowland, Volunteers Her Time for a Good Cause

Hallie Rowland, a second grader at Grace School, has recently been volunteering her time caring for animals.  She dusts, washes windows, cleans fire hydrants and works the copier at a dog training facility.  She loves her volunteer work!

Souper Bowl of Caring

During the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl, students at Grace helped to fight hunger by bringing in food items as part of the "Souper Bowl of Caring" food drive.  Over 700 food items and $100 were collected and donated to the Houston Food Bank.

The fifth grade class took a leadership role in this effort, collecting all of the donations, sorting and organizing them, and then using Excel to chart the collections in the computer lab. 

What an amazing effort!

Grace School Students Send Well Wishes and Care Packages to Marines

This month Grace School students have been busy corresponding to Sergeant Michael Kern, who is currently serving in Afghanistan as part of the Marine Corps. 

They have also been sending care packages and notes of encouragement to his troops.  The students have been asking many questions such as "Did you fly on a plane to Afghanistan?" and "What do you miss most about home?".  Sergeant Kern has been gracious in answering their many questions via email.  Care packages were also sent with Sergeant Kern's requests such as corn nuts and protein shakes.   

Mrs. Peters Walks for an Important Cause

Mrs. Peters, a kindergarten teacher at Grace School, has been participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer for the past two years and will continue to participate in the walk this year in an effort to put an end to the devastating disease.  Mrs. Peters had this to say about the walk.

"I was looking for a fun and meaningful way to serve.   I have so many friends that  are breast cancer survivors and when I heard about the walk on the radio I just knew it would be a great way to honor all of them. I love to walk and tried one of the Avon Training Walks and then signed up!  Last year I walked 26 miles in 2 days and this year my goal is to walk ALL 39 miles in 2 days. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had…I would love to have others join me!"

Below is a link to her website:
http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/kimpeters



Elves & More

On Monday night, December 12, more than fifteen third graders and their families volunteered their time by building bikes for underprivileged kids through a program called "Elves 'N More". Each family donated $20 towards materials, then learned about bike safety and how to assemble a bicycle.  The third graders assembled more than twenty bikes which will be distributed to children who have set and reached academic goals in the Houston area.  These students and families made Christmas wishes come true for many kids this Christmas season!

Second Graders Visit Treemont

Grace School second graders recently took a trip to Treemont Retirement Community.  They sang Christmas carols with the residents and distributed Christmas cards they had made for them.  They also visited with them about their families and various interests.  The students reported that they loved seeing how happy the singing made the residents and that they loved discussing their lives with the students.  Many students remarked that they were sad to have to leave and that they definitely wanted to go back to visit the residents in the future!  What a Christmas blessing!

Toys for Tots

Kindergarten classes at Grace School are hosting a toy drive benefitting Toys for Tots during the month of December.   They are encouraging students and community members to bring new, unwrapped toys to be donated to kids in need.  Recently, a Marine who is a Toys for Tots representative visited the Kindergarten classes and thanked Grace School students for helping needy kids in the Houston area receive a special toy this year for Christmas. 

Jackson, a Grace School student, shopped with his mom and decided to donate a Sponge Bob memory game, a transformer, and a ninja glider for a child in need.   Jackson was asked why he chose these toys and he replied, “I chose these toys because I wanted something fun for them to do.”  Jackson also added, “It made me feel good to help other kids.”