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A big SHOUT OUT goes to all of the Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary School students, faculty members and families for their time, energy, and contributions in support of our fundraising efforts involving the non-profit organization Ethiopia Reads (http://www.ethiopiareads.org/get_involved_shout.htm ). Last year we donated a total of $1700.00, 900 books, beautiful artwork created by the 1st graders, and an awesome canvas banner designed and handpainted by the Gifted Class to the little library we funded in Ethiopia! In addition, Ethiopia Reads has built an outreach program around our very own SHOUT OUT program and has taken the concept nation-wide so that other youth organizations can get involved and make a difference just like we did! For those of you who are new to our school, the SHOUT OUT program was created in 2007 by Tobyn Pulice, a student at our school. His goal was to raise enough money to plant a fully functioning library in Ethiopia, a country where 99% of schools don’t have any books and 57% of people over the age of 15 years are illiterate. SHOUT OUTS are words of praise or recognition written by students, faculty members and families for others within the school community for a 25 cent donation. SHOUT OUTS are broadcasted daily during morning announcements and along with raising funds for a worthy cause, the program raises morale and keeps a focus on appreciating others and in the bigger picture -- helping those in need. Due to the contributions made to Ethiopia Reads on behalf of Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary School, the doors to a brand new library opened at Biruh Tesfa Public School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in September of 2008! The library is a sanctuary for 1200 students and 57 faculty members during the school day and it serves the community in general after hours. Our involvement with Ethiopia Reads brought even more excitement when we learned that the co-founder of the organization, Mr. Yohannes Gebregeorgis, had been named a “Top Ten Hero of 2008” by the CNN network and he had chosen Albuquerque, specifically Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary School, as the site of his CNN-sponsored and televised “Hometown Hero Rally” so that he could have the opportunity to visit with us and express his gratitude in person for the difference we had made in the lives of many children. For those of us who were fortunate to have taken part, Yohannes’ visit in November of 2008 is a day we will never forget. The story was published in newspapers and publications across the country (see links below) and the lesson for all is that kind words and quarters go a very long way – in fact, half way across the world! The 2009-2010 SHOUT OUT Program will kick-off on Monday, Sept. 21st so we encourage everyone to begin thinking of individuals at our school that you would like to recognize, honor, pay tribute to, thank, praise, endorse, congratulate, encourage, or even wish a Happy Birthday! SHOUT OUTS can be submitted in the office at the SHOUT STATION where you will find a SHOUT BOX for the SHOUT CARDS and a SHOUT BANK for all the quarters! There is no limit to the number of SHOUT OUTS submitted and time permitting, all SHOUT OUTS will be read within a day or two of being turned in. Also, back by popular demand…SHOUT TAGS!!! SHOUT TAGS count as RAM WEAR so be sure to wear them with school pride! Everybody loves to give, receive, and collect these laser engraved dog tags that come in a variety of colors and designs complete w/rubber silencers and 24” nickel chains! Standard designs are available for $3.00/tag and custom designs are only $5.75/tag! SHOUT TAGS will be sold on the field Friday mornings before school and can also be purchased during school hours in the library. Be on the look out for an order form coming home soon in Ram Folders and visit the SHOUT TAG station on the field between Monday, Sept. 21 and Friday, September 25 to make a suggestion for the “NAME A SHOUT TAG” contest. Three winners will be chosen and will receive a complimentary SHOUT TAG with their chosen design! To order tags or for more info, please contact us: Lisa Pulice @ 949-874-2697 or Jan Fierro @ 440-823-6737 |
Georgia
O’Keeffe Elementary School in the NEWS: http://www.koat.com/news/18020594/detail.html http://origin.foxnews.com/wires/2008Nov22/0,4670,BooksforEthiopia,00.html View
Ethiopia Reads's photo album: Biruh
Tesfa Primary School
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