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Recently, our school community had the privilege of witnessing the power of connection and community support, thanks to the generous sponsorship of La Sierra University. One of our students excitedly shared with their class that their family had opened a new Baskin-Robbins in Grand Terrace. Seizing this opportunity, their teacher, in collaboration with the class and La Sierra University, organized a special visit with the entire senior class and representatives from La Sierra University to join for a scoop of ice cream and conversation.

This event was more than just a fun outing; it was a valuable learning experience. By helping to plan and attend the opening, students gained practical skills in organization and event planning. They also had the chance to practice their interpersonal skills while interacting with their peers and university representatives. Most importantly, they witnessed the impact of community support and the power of networking.
The presence of La Sierra University elevated the event, offering students a unique opportunity to interact with college representatives and envision their own academic futures. This real-world connection reinforced the importance of higher education and inspired students to pursue their goals.

As Umar Khan, one of the students, shared, “I was surprised the college came. Seeing one of my classmates talking with the President of the university was really cool. That real connection made it easier to connect and feel seen [by the university]. I’m so thankful. The locals in Grand Terrace came up after and mentioned that our store was busier than usual and asked what was going on. When I told them, they were so impressed and said, ‘I didn’t expect La Sierra to come so far for ice cream.’ Having a university and my class come was a huge thing.”

Emily Mesa, another student, echoed this sentiment, saying, “It was really fun to meet some of the LSU staff and just enjoy time with friends.” This highlights the social and emotional benefits of such community-oriented events.

We extend our sincere gratitude to La Sierra University for their generous sponsorship. Their support made this event possible and provided our students with an invaluable experience. By participating in this event, our students not only gained valuable skills but also learned more about La Sierra University and planned for their future education. This experience exemplifies the power of networking and the impact of showing up. Students witnessed firsthand how their actions can create positive change within their community.

'Tis the season of giving, and many classrooms did just that as part of a special outreach project that happened recently with Kindergarten and grades 1st, 5th & 6th! Through the organization of Samaritan’s Purse, our students participated in Operation Christmas Child (OCC), where students fill an empty shoebox full of gifts that will be transported to children all around the world who are in need. Not only will they receive a box full of new items such as toys, stuffed animals, school supplies, & toothbrushes, but also included in each box is information about the wonderful news of Jesus in their very own language. Samaritan’s Purse also provides a discipleship program for these children to enroll in to know more about Jesus and to possibly be baptized.

First grade with their 6th grade buddies, met together to have a packing party. Each student was encouraged to bring 3–5 items to put in their collective shoebox. They first had to choose whether it would go to a girl or boy and what age. Then, with lots of excitement, students carefully packed their box together with care. Students could also include a fun information sheet about themselves and write their address in hopes of receiving a returned letter.

Kindergarten along with their 5th grade buddies chose to complete their shoeboxes at home with their families. Students were encouraged to go to the store with their families, and pick items out that they thought their boy or girl of choice would enjoy.

All shoeboxes were collected on Friday, November 22, and 60 boxes were counted between the classes mentioned above as well as 2 second-graders who wanted to complete one like their older siblings.  

Mrs. Trudeau took all 60 boxes in her van and dropped them off at the next stop of their journey, which was the Active Church located in Yucaipa. Here, volunteers take all the shoeboxes received locally and pack them in big cardboard boxes to be loaded up in a large truck trailer where they will continue to big distribution centers. The shoeboxes will carry on to be loaded on trucks, planes, & boats across the globe to be in the hands of a very lucky little boy or girl this Christmas.

Thank you to all our students and families who participated in this very special project. If you visit OCC’s website and click on “Follow Your Box”, you can enter your label code or email address, and it can tell you where it is in the world.

For those classrooms who did not participate in OCC, other projects were being completed throughout our campus, including making Thanksgiving baskets for Redlands Family Services. We were informed that 2 van loads of food have been delivered to many families in need.

What a blessing our students and families can make! Thank you. 

Learn more about Operation Christmas Child
 

While we might not be ringing in the new year just yet, we are ringing in the Christmas season. On December 2nd, RAA made an appearance at Barnes & Noble in Citrus Plaza in Redlands to bring back a fundraiser we haven't seen since before COVID-19. While members of our staff read stories in the children's section, drawing small crowds of eager listeners, NHS (National Honor Society) students put their wrapping skills to the test, skillfully wrapping gifts near the door.

Meanwhile, our Bellissimo group opened December with their first Christmas music performance. Entering in through the double front doors, our students, decked out in lights and holding their bells, played their first song as they walked to the bell tables. The unsuspecting bystanders did double takes as the bells paraded past them, wrapping them in music. As the Bellissimo members reached their spots at the tables, a crowd gathered to hear more of the music that "embodied the essence of the season", as one cashier stated.

Parents held up their phones to take pictures and videos of the performance and bystanders gathered to watch and listen as well. Watching bystanders peek around the bookshelves to see what was happening and then join the crowd was such a fun experience. The Bellissimo group will continue to spread holiday cheer by performing in the Redlands Christmas parade. In addition, our 8th graders have been spreading joy around campus by caroling with their bells.