Saturday, February 8, 2014
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Dear Country Day families, When we started planning for our celebration over a year ago, the 75th Anniversary Steering Committee considered many ideas for a variety of different events. There was much discussion, and there were far more great ideas and activities than the school could possibly implement in just one year! One idea which gained universal acceptance early on, was a school wide community service day. Miami Country Day has a wonderful tradition of community service, and students in all three divisions are involved in service in one way or another. The Steering Committee’s decision to have an all-school community service day on February 8, 2014 continues this tradition. I can’t think of a better way to observe the 75th Anniversary than giving back to our community. Giving back through service underscores Country Day’s Mission and Portrait of a Graduate as it points to the importance of compassion, one of our Core Values. In this booklet you will find a diverse variety of opportunities for you and your children to take part in during our Miami Community Day of Service. The committee thoughtfully considered a wide range of service projects to encourage families with children of all ages to participate together. Organizing a service day that embraces over 1100 students and 800 families is a major undertaking. I would like to thank the hard working chairs of this committee for organizing such a wonderful day for our MCDS families — Holly Hansen, Elizabeth Vainder, and Melissa Netkin. In preparation, I invite you to reflect on one of my favorite quotes, “Those things most worth doing are done in the service of others.” Regards,
Dr. John Davies, Head of School
Dear Parents, Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff,
We are looking forward to seeing you
on this important day as we celebrate Miami Country Day School’s 75th Anniversary with our Miami Community Day of Service. This day will be our opportunity to go out as a MCDS family and show our appreciation, compassion, and empathy. Please select a project that you would like to work on together as a family. In just three hours, we will be able to make a lasting impact in the lives and hearts of many people and our world around us. Show your children that it is in giving that we truly receive. Join us on this special day! Together we will make a difference!! Holly Hansen, Elizabeth Vainder and Melissa Netkin Register to volunteer online at: www.miamicountryday.org/service
Our Mission Miami Country Day School is a college preparatory learning community committed to educating the whole child. Through the core values of honor, respect, wisdom and compassion, we prepare students to be lifelong learners. We inspire our children to develop their intellectual, physical, aesthetic, social, emotional and spiritual potentials by valuing every student every day.
Intellectual 1. 2. 3.
Power of the Sun Create a Book Chess for All
Physical 4. 5. 6. 7.
Dunk N’ Doughnuts Knitting for People in Need Just Kick It! Sewing for Africa and Haiti
Aesthetic 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
Casterline Beautification Project Oleta River Park Eco-Cleanup Change the Landscape at Valentina House Coastal Cleanup Garden Party in Little Haiti Playground Beautification
Social 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.
Bake up Justice Pretty Potted Plants Paint N Play Sensory Saturday at Miami Children’s Museum Family Fun Day at Ronald McDonald House Music for Memories Fun and Games at Chapman Partnership Family Fun Day at Lotus House
Emotional 22. Sharing in the Arts 23. Lend a Hand 24. Hope Boxes for the Homeless 25. Crafting with Kids at Holtz 26. Helping to Stomp out Hunger 27. Sweet Dreams for Soldiers 28. Feeding Hearts and Tummies 29. Brighten Someone’s Day 30. Bedtime Stories for Kristi House 31. Warm and Fuzzy 32. Reach for the Stars 33. Anti-bullying 34. Warm your Hearts at Lotus House 35. People in Crisis United
Spiritual 36. 37. 38.
Feeding the Homeless Helping Hands at His House Feed Those in Need
Miami Community Day of Service Volunteer Opportunities Please plan on being involved as a family and select a project that students and parents would like to work on together. 1.
Co-Captain a Service Day Project: Co-Captain responsibilities include: • contact liaison with the organization. • help in organizing donations from the MCDS families. (if applicable) • purchase any necessary supplies. (Please keep receipts; expenses will be reimbursed) • encourage MCDS friends and families to participate in the project. • contact volunteers who have signed up for the project. • oversee the project on the day of the event.
2.
Sign-up as a volunteer for a Service Day Project • Register to volunteer online at: www.miamicountryday.org/service
Please Note:
There will be no transportation provided to and from the project locations. Please plan on traveling with your family.
Event Chairs: • Holly Hansen: hansencha@hotmail.com • Elizabeth Vainder: elibech@yahoo.com • Melissa Netkin: mnetkin@gmail.com
Miami Community Day of Service Saturday, February 8, 2014
Schedule of Events
8:30 a.m. Breakfast at MCDS (Volunteer T-shirts distributed) 9:15 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies
9:30-10:00 a.m.
Travel with your family to your project location on/off campus.
10:00 a.m.
Projects begin
1:00 p.m.
All projects conclude
At Miami Country Day School we prepare children for college and for life by embracing four core values. Students, faculty, and parents are encouraged to act as models for action and behavior. Honor fosters integrity and truthfulness, which leads to correct and trustworthy actions. Respect encourages valuing the rights and opinions of others as well as acting with consideration towards others. Wisdom defines intelligence and knowledge, which comes with experience and allows for good judgment and insight. Compassion expects action towards others with empathy, care, acceptance, and understanding.
Intellectual 1.
Power of the Sun Come learn the benefits of solar cooking and work side by side with students from Breakthrough Miami to build their own solar ovens. Breakthrough Miami is a tuitionfree academic enrichment program that provides students from underserved communities with the tools they need to achieve their goals. Captains: Location: Susanna Linfield, Charlie Lovett, Miami Country Day School Alison Cohen, Matthew Cohen Campus All Ages
2.
Create a Book, Bring a Book Work with the kids of New Life Homeless Shelter to decorate journals of their very own. We will also bring donated gently used books for the children there Captains: Location: Paule Ebrahimi, Abha Beohar New Life Homeless Shelter 3620 NW 1st Ave. Kids All Ages Miami, 33127
3.
Chess for All MCDS Chess team will teach chess and set up a tournament for students from Breakthrough Miami. Breakthrough Miami is a tuition-free academic enrichment program that provides students from underserved communities with the tools they need to achieve their goals. Location: Captains: Miami Country Day School Mike Hutsko, Alix Harper, David Gonzalez Campus Any Age Chess Players
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
Physical 4.
Dunk N’ Doughnuts Join us to play basketball, make arts & crafts, and eat doughnuts with the kids from the Overtown Youth Center. We will also be having story time with the little ones and take a tour to learn about how the Overtown Youth Center serves the community. Location: Captains: Jasmine Lake, Candace Grosman Overtown Youth Center 450 NW 14th Street, Ages 10+ Miami, FL 33136
“It is not the number of prayers you say that will give you happiness, but the number you answer for another person.”
– Shannon L. Alder
5.
Knitting for People in Need (Learn to Knit) Students grades 6-12 and adults are welcome to come to learn how to do simple knitting. Then we will create knitted lap blankets by sewing together squares. These will be distributed to people in hospitals, homeless shelters, and group homes. Captains: Location: Margaret Mahoney Miami Country Day School Ages 11+
6.
Campus
Just Kick It! We will be collecting soccer items to send to South Africa through project H.O.P.E. Volunteers will also teach soccer skills and organize a game for the students from Breakthrough Miami. Breakthrough Miami is a tuition-free academic enrichment program that provides students from underserved communities with the tools they need to achieve their goals. Captains: Jeff Watson, Barbara Amoils, Ryan Amoils, Margaux Walker
Location: Miami Country Day School Campus
Ages 14+
7.
Sewing for Africa & Haiti Join us for this wonderful sewing project transforming recycled T-shirts into to dresses and shorts for children in Haiti and Africa. Captains: Location: Yvonne Moyer Miami Country Day School Campus Ages 8+ Sewing experience preferred.
Aesthetic “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”
– Albert Schweitzer
8.
Casterline Beautification Project Casterline Group Home is a non-profit residential group home for persons with developmental disabilities. Together with the residents, we will be planting and helping to beautify the landscape around the home. Captains: Beth Long Ages 10+
9.
Location: Casterline Group Home 10721 NE 3rd Court Miami Shores, FL
Oleta River Park Eco-Cleanup Oleta River State Park is the largest urban park in the state. Help restore the outdoors by clearing out invasive species and other clean-up projects to be based on number of volunteers. Captains: Murray Woodburn, Russell Mofsky, Steven Strober, Alba Ward, Claudia Londono, Susana Hatcher, Caryn Lubetsky, Christopher Ward
Location: Oleta State Park 3400 NE 163rd Street, North Miami, FL 33181
Ages 5+
10.
Change the Landscape at Valentina House Help paint and landscape the new living space for girls who have outgrown the foster system. Small children will be completing a simple art project to decorate the garden. Captains: John Davies, Holly Giovannetti
Location: Coconut Grove, Florida
Ages 6+
11.
Coastal Cleanup PK3 students and their families will come together to clean up our sandy beaches. Captains: Marbella Longsworth, Emilie Veloso CLOSED PROJECT
Location: Miami Beach, Florida
12.
Garden Party at Little Haiti Community Garden Travel to the Little Haiti Community Garden to help the community to plant, weed, and harvest food grown within the garden. We will also create an art project to leave as decoration in the garden. Captains: Location: Tom A. Sverkounos, Lisa Spence Little Haiti Community Garden Ian Spence 5804 NE 2nd Ave. Miami 33137 Kids All Ages
13.
Playground Beautification Join us for a gardening and playground project to improve the facilities at Arcola Lake Elementary and bring a smile to the students of this school. Captains: Carroll Kelly, Enrique Szerer
Location: Arcola Lake Elementary 1037 NW 81st Street Miami, FL 33150
All Ages
Social 14.
Baking up Justice for Local Heroes Help decorate baked goods to reward our local heroes with sweet treats. We’ll decorate cookies and baked goods then deliver them to Miami Shores Police and Firefighters at their stations. Captains: Sandi Lewis, Sheika Ganthier, Gigi Jeffries
Location: Miami Country Day School Campus
All ages
15.
Pretty Potted Plants Brighten someone’s day with your artistic abilities. We will decorate pots, plant a small plant, and include a loving note to distribute to the elderly at Sinai Plaza Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Captains: Monique Moyer, JoAnn O’Neill Tracey Borrow, Candace Maher-Walsh
Location: Miami Country Day School Campus
All Ages
“I want you to understand that your first duty is to humanity. I want others to look at us and see that we care, not just about ourselves, but about others.”
– Madam C.J. Walker
16.
Paint - N - Play Families will be matched by age with a child from Art REACH to paint and share experiences through art. ArtREACH is a nationally awarded after-school art and academic enrichment program for low income children residing in Broward. We believe that children nurtured through the arts are more successful in school and life, and that it is our responsibility to serve and embrace all children regardless of their physical, developmental, or financial capability. Location: Young at Art Museum 751 SW 121st Avenue Davie, FL 33325
Captains: Marra Smith, Maya Ezratti Ages: 6+
17.
A Day at the Children’s Museum for Sensory Saturday Spend the morning at the Miami Children’s Museum with children who have special needs and their families. You will have fun doing arts & crafts, and explore the museum and its exhibits in a sensory modified, accessible, and supportive environment. Location: Captains: Miami Children’s Museum Glen Turf, Tamara Feola, Nick Feola 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL 33132 16-18 years
18.
Family Fun Day at Ronald McDonald House Join us to lift the spirits of children and their families staying at the Ronald McDonald house at Jackson Memorial Hospital. We will play games, make craft projects and share snacks with the families in residence there. Location: Captains: Ronald McDonald House Buzz Tabatchnick, Stephanie Rosen 1145 NW 14th Terrace Miami, FL All Ages
19.
Music for Memories MCDS Jazz Ensemble will entertain and socialize with the residents of Sinai Plaza Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Captains: John Wicker, Shellie Fulford Music Students
CLOSED PROJECT
“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” – Luther Burbank
Location: Sinai Plaza Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 201 NE 112th Street Miami, FL 33161
“It is not what you leave to your children that matters, but what you leave in them.” – Shannon L. Alder 20.
Fun and Games
21.
Family Fun Day at Lotus House
The Chapman Partnership empowers homeless men, women, and children to build a positive future by providing the resources and assistance critical to growth and stability. Come out, have fun and brighten the day of the children temporarily residing at Chapman. We’ll play games, have a pizza party, and make these kids feel special. Captains: Location: Joanne Labaton, John Barbick Chapman Partnership 1550 N Miami Ave, Ages 13+ Miami, FL 33136
Lotus House’s mission is to improve the lives of homeless women, youth, and children by providing sanctuary, support, education, tools, and resources that empower them to improve the quality of their lives on every level. Family Fun Day! Join us for face painting, Arts & Crafts, Cookie Decorating, and Fun and Games at the Lotus House Shelter. Location: Captains Lotus House Sheryl Piper, Conny Nixdorf 203 NW 36th Street Miami, FL 33127 Ages 10+
Emotional 22.
Sharing in the Arts The mission of Art Cares For Kids is to provide children with a positive, creative outlet that will help foster hope, support, and respite from the rigors of treatment during challenging period in their lives. Our fun on-campus projects will include three different stations to rotate through. Create an art mural for Holtz Children’s Hospital, make get well cards for the patients and assemble art supply bags to later be delivered to the children at the hospital. Captains: Kris Long, Adriana Sandoval, Barbie Calleja All Ages
23.
Location: Miami Country Day School Campus
Lend A Hand The Chapman Partnership empowers homeless men, women, and children to build a positive future by providing the resources and assistance critical to growth and stability. We will be helping with general facility maintenance and warehouse organization at this housing facility for families in need. Captains: Location: Kimberly Arredondo Chapman Partnership 1550 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33136 Ages 13+ 305-329-3050
“Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.”
– Marian Wright Edelman
24.
Hope Boxes For the Homeless Joshua’s Heart Foundation mission is to work towards ending hunger as part of an overall community effort and to increase awareness about global hunger issues. Decorate and fill 100 hope boxes for the homeless, write encouraging notes, and make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Boxes will be given to Joshua’s Heart for distribution to Miami Rescue Mission and Camillus House. Captains: Ria Maxwell, Ruth Aberjack, Madison Bolton Ages 4+
25.
Location: Miami Country Day School Campus
Crafting with Kids at Holtz Children’s Hospital Join us for some creative fun as we work on arts and crafts projects with children at the hospital and help to brighten their day. Captains: Tania Vargas, Toni Holtz, Grace Goldsmith Ages 15+
26.
Location: Holtz Children’s Hospital 1611 NW 12th Avenue Miami, FL 33136
Helping to “Stomp Out Hunger” Joshua’s Heart Foundation mission is to work towards ending hunger as part of an overall community effort and to increase awareness about global hunger issues. Working hand in hand with the Joshua’s Heart Foundation, volunteers will sort, pack, and hand out 300 food bags to needy families in the community. Captains: Nina Lucchi, Juliette Fulton, Annette Fulton, Stephanie Krass Ages 4+
Location: Miami Edison Middle School 6101 NW 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33136
27.
Sweet Dreams for Soldiers Decorate Pillows and stuff them to send to injured American Soldiers with “Thank You for Your Service” notes included. Captains: Megan Pittman, Olivia Katcher All Ages
28.
Location: Miami Country Day School Campus
Feeding Hearts and Tummies Camillus House has grown steadily over the years from a small overnight shelter serving Cuban refugees, to a full service center offering a “continuum of care” for persons who are poor and homeless. Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches and Valentine’s Cards for the Homeless at Camillus House to receive. Captains: Karen Davis, Claudia Grossman All Ages
29.
Location: Miami Country Day School Campus
Brighten Someone’s Day The Center For Men offers a comprehensive, year-long residential Regeneration Program for men who suffer from various life-controlling problems. Go to the Center for Men to serve a meal and help sort food products in the warehouse. Captains:
Location: Miami Rescue Mission 2020 NW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Ages 12+
“...Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
– Sam Levenson
30.
Bedtime Stories for Kristi House Kristi House is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to healing and eradicating child sexual abuse. Record your voice reading a bedtime story and create Valentine gift bags for the children to receive at their Valentine party. We will also be writing notes of encouragement to attach to donated pajamas that will later be delivered to Kristi House residents. Captains: Mari Conea, Judy Mistor, Nicole Davis, Lily Stone, Elizabeth Stone
Location: Miami Country Day School Campus
Ages 6+
31.
Warm and Fuzzy Voices for Children is a non-profit organization committed to increasing awareness for the Guardian Ad Litem program and the work they do for abandoned, abused and/or neglected children. MCDS families will make blankets for children in the foster care system to offer comfort during emotionally tough time. We will also be putting together a “Birthday in a Bag” for the foster kids. Location: Captains: Miami Country Day School Millie Sanchez, Allison Feldman Campus Ages 6+
32.
Reach For The Stars The Reach for the Stars Foundation is dedicated to providing support for individuals afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis. We will make gift bags that will provide helpful items for children living with this condition and a note to warm their day. Captains: Location: Karin Stirk-Davis, Cindy Rosenberg, Miami Country Day School Stacey Levy, Everett Levy Campus All Ages
“Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put into that action.”
– Mother Theresa
“I cannot do all the good that the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do.” – Jana Stanfield
33.
Anti-Bullying with ABC and GSA Upper school members of ABC (Anti-Bullying Club) and GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) will work with students from the lower and middle school to create age appropriate anti-bullying resources for our Community Learning Partnership schools. Upper school student leaders will work with small groups of 6–12 year olds to create posters, activities, and other materials that can be shared with the students at our partnership schools. Location: Captains: Miami Country Day School Amy Gallup, Madison Gallup, Josh Rivas Campus 20 US Students and up to 80 students Ages 6-12
34.
Warm your Heart at Lotus House Lotus House’s mission is to improve the lives of homeless women, youth, and children by providing sanctuary, support, education, tools, and resources that empower them to improve the quality of their lives on every level. We will take Valentine’s Day portraits of the moms and children as a keepsake for these special families. Captains Location: Marisol Sardina-Konen, Laylah Borchers, Lotus House Amanda Gavcovich 203 NW 36th Street Miami, FL 33127 Ages 10+
35.
People in Crisis United People In Crisis United is an organization developed to improve the quality of life for children and families at Holtz Children’s Hospital. Volunteers will spend time, one on one, brightening the day for patients in the hospital. Captains: Kim Juanico, Taylor Sennett Ages 15+
Location: Holtz Children’s Hospital 1611 NW 12th Avenue Miami, FL 33136
Spiritual 36. Feeding the Homeless Help out at the First United Methodist Church of Miami to make 180 sandwiches and lunch bags to be distributed to the homeless. Captains: Sorela Schultz, Nancy Green Ages 5+
37.
Location: First Methodist Church 400 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132
Helping Hands for His House His House is a non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to restoring the joy in the lives of children from newborn to 18 years of age, and those who have transitioned out of the foster care system. We will help sort items of donated clothing for their store that benefits the residents of His House homes. Captains: Ingrid Palmisano, Gisela Alexander, Eileen Mondazze Ages 12+
38.
Location: His House Wearhouse 3487 N.W. 167 Street Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Feed Those in Need Help put together food bags and then distribute to Miami Beach families in need. Captains: Leigh Kurk, Maria Socarras Ages 10+
“Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve... You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Location: St. Joseph’s Church 8670 Byron Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33141
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