Max Hankins, left, and Yolanah Duffie stand next to the HERD chart on values.
The 2022-2023 school year is all about running with the Bighorn H.E.R.D.
Staff and students are putting a focus on Honesty, Empathy, Respect, and Determination — or the HERD principles — both inside and outside the classroom.
The four principles are found throughout the elementary, middle, and high school. Posters have been hung in each classroom and teachers have worked to incorporate them into their tribe activities.
Reminders to “Run with the HERD” are in classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, restrooms, and playgrounds. Examples include to practice being in someone else’s shoes, attentive listening, helping others, cleaning up, being goal-oriented, being a leader, sharing with others, and many more.
“We started the HERD initiative as positive behavior interventions,” Chief Academic Officer Rochelle Tisdale said. “Support programs help improve social, emotional, and academic outcomes for students, which we value greatly. We are looking forward to our students running with the HERD and enhancing our overall climate.”
Jeff’s Digitex provided graphic design assistance and printed the posters.
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SERVICE CLASS NEW THIS YEAR
A new elective is available to students this year. Freshmen and sophomores have enrolled in a “service class” for the fall 2022 semester, a project-based class to not only focus on Oasis needs but also to help throughout the community.
Students have been divided into four groups representing the four areas of the HERD principles (honestly, empathy, respect, and determination). Each team is working on ways to promote their team value.
Julie Stockard is the teacher for the class and is excited about not only what it means for projects, but also what the students will gain from the class.
“I hope the students learn to look for ways to give something back to whatever communities they belong,” Stockard said. “I hope, as a class, we can be a force for good in our school and the community.”
The most recent project for students was helping with the Oasis Offerings Food Pantry. Students helped sort and stock items.
If you have a project or need volunteers, contact Stockard at jstockard@oanv.org.
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FOOD PANTRY RECEIVES WALMART GRANT
In its second year serving families, the Oasis Offerings Food Pantry has received a $2,000 grant from Walmart. The money will be used to help stock the pantry for the 2022-2023 school year.
Offerings have continued to grow, consistently increasing the number of families and individuals helped each month.
The growth has also meant expanding the items available. The pantry now has a variety of hygiene and cleaning products to offer, such as soap, paper towels, diapers, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, shampoos and more.
“We know that students cannot learn if they are hungry and, in the past, we have always tried to make sure students have a snack or lunch, if needed,” said Shelley Kelly, Oasis Academy offerings facilitator and school counselor. “Offerings has helped more students and families feel more secure about where their next meal will come from.”
The grant, partnership with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, and continued donations from individuals will ensure that necessities such as fresh produce, meat, cheese, eggs, dairy and hygiene products are readily available.
“We are so thankful for the partnership with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. This would not have been possible without the help from our CFO and FBNN board member Dusty Casey for bringing this crucial resource to our school,” Kelly said.
“The grant from Walmart has meant so much to the families that depend on offerings for supplemental food. During our first open pantry this school year we served over 100 people. Walmart’s grant made it possible for us to provide fresh produce and other critical needs items. Without Walmart, we would not have been able to provide these items to our families, especially so early in the school year.”
To donate or to learn more, contact Kelly at skelly@oanv.org or visit oanv.org/page/oasis-academy-offerings-food-pantry..
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