Schools of the Week: Grassland Middle and College Grove Elementary

Published November 7, 2023

At Grassland Middle, students are dedicating their time to helping their community through the Generals Serve Club.

Club members are focusing on two areas: supporting people who experience food insecurity and promoting animal welfare through education, rescue, adoption and spay/neuter programs. 

"Generals Serve Club is filled with students who are dedicated to helping both people and animals in need, " said GMS teacher Shannon McBryde. "Their caring hearts and enthusiasm for service inspire me every day."

In October, the club helped a feline animal shelter by making blankets, cat toys and some much-needed items for donation.  

"I like making some of our own donations, like the no-sew blankets for the cat rescue center," said GMS sixth-grade student Ava Dawson. " I like the fact that our work goes to people and animals in need and people who are not as blessed as us. It's just heart-warming."

Students focus on a different non-profit organization every month and welcome guest speakers to speak to their students about the work that goes on at different organizations.

Students at College Grove Elementary are preparing for their Veteran's Day assembly with the help of some brand-new instruments.

Last year, the CGES PTO hosted a Songwriter Night to help raise money for music and art supplies to help the teachers fill up their new, designated music and art classrooms. Sponsors helped cover expenses, so every ticket sold went back to the school. More than 100 people attended the event, and the PTO raised enough money to purchase everything on music and art teachers' wish lists, including drums, xylophones, a new kiln and clay.

"This was the first ever singer/songwriter night at College Grove," said Naomi Chason, CGES parent and PTO member. "We listened to our parents who wanted to support the school in a fun, adults-only evening night out. The community was so excited about this. Students have been enjoying these new enhancements, and people are already looking forward to next year's event."

Planning is already underway for the second annual Songwriter Night this spring.