The Greatness of a Community… SMS Reaches out!

“The Greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” Coretta Scott King

The SMS community, with the leadership of the Purple Team students and staff, have completed the full Candygram Campaign. This is a long-standing SMS tradition as Purple Team students have been raising money for community organizations, by selling candygrams, for over ten years.  The campaign involves a lot of work… but it is worth it! It results in lots of fun and connects our SMS learning community to the larger Salmon Arm community, in the spirit of caring.On Thursday February 11th, the student representatives of the campaign presented a cheque for $1000.00 to the Salmon Arm Food bank!

The BIGGER Picture

One of our themes over the past few months has been kindness. Expressing kindness takes many forms and volunteerism is a meaningful demonstration of kindness. Middle school is often a time when children first participate in volunteer work. There may be numerous opportunities to help in the community, which can prove both highly rewarding and beneficial for your child however, it makes sense to organize these efforts through our school, especially during these unusual times. Doing something worthwhile, or helping another person in need, creates an awesome feeling for the volunteers, regardless of age. The feel-good emotions generated from volunteering can be especially important for a child going through the transitional stage of middle school, which is when some students struggle to settle in, or find their own identity. Self-esteem often diminishes during middle school while many students feel peer pressure, and stressed about the increasing demands schoolwork. Volunteering gives your middle school child the opportunity to take part in something which boosts self-esteem while doing important work. For example, the Salvation Army Food Bank provides groceries to low-income people who register to participate in this important community program. The clients are local people who benefit from this support, especially during this unusual time of COVID. Hours are 9 am to 12 noon Mondays and Fridays and 9 am to 11 am Wednesdays. The Salvation Army Food Bank also provides emergency food hampers from 9 am to 2 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays when patrons call ahead to arrange a pick-up.

So How Does the Candygram Campaign Work?

SMS always enjoys participating in the Candygram just before we leave for our winter holiday break. The Purple team students sell candy canes, and students and staff can write personalized messages for friends, classmates, and staff, letting them know they are thinking of them. 

Entrepreneurial Careers Education anyone?

The Assembly Line and Client Records

Purple team students take the time to assemble the messages and candygrams with attractive ribbons and then sort the candygrams by core classes. That was amazing to see in action. The assembly line was a great lesson in production, packaging, and safety.

Delivery & Distribution

Candygrams are then delivered to classes respecting the COVID delivery protocols & safety routines that were carefully reviewed by everyone involved. School Spirit Students and staff enjoy receiving these little treats, reading the fun and positive messages, and of course eating the candy canes. Thank you everyone for supporting your children in this valuable community-oriented project! I am humbled and impressed by everyone’s efforts.

Kind regards,

Sydney Griffith (She, Her, Hers)

Principal