January 12, 2009

SchoolScene

Presentation High’s holiday drives set new records

Presentation High School students set three new records with their annual holiday drives this year, with all donations going to Sacred Heart Community Service.

Presentation seniors Catherine Dominion, left, and Kelly Larson help carry food to a truck brought by Sacred Heart Community Service. Photo by Deila Caballero/PHS.

A “push day” for bicycles during the toy drive brought in 168 bikes, nearly 30 more than last year. And the penny drive yielded $10,217.79 – an increase of $2,000 – that that helped Sacred Heart purchase last-minute holiday items for its clients.

These efforts followed the food drive, which collected 718 frozen turkeys – up from 530 the year before.

“The Presentation community’s efforts could not have been more inspirational,” said Liz Russo, a coordinator for the school’s Community Involvement program. “In a time when our economy is in a recession and our families are hurting financially, this community has come together to show our neighbors and friends at Sacred Heart tremendous generosity and love.”

Including the bike donation, 150 of which came from Cindy and Mark Reuter, parents of two Presentation students, the toy drive brought in 2,084 toys worth $23,468. This is the third year the Reuters have delivered such a gift, organizing donations through friends and family to purchase the bikes. They were delivered to the school in three big trucks.

“This year was especially meaningful, as Mark’s mother passed away recently, and the family asked for donations to their bike fund in lieu of flowers,” Russo said. “The Reuters plan on continuing the tradition for years to come.”

Presentation’s holiday drive contributions make it the No. 1 donor organization to Sacred Heart outside of foundations and government, and the school’s food donation will help the agency feed the homeless through March.

Achiever Christian School to hold open house

Achiever Christian School at 540 Sands Dr., San Jose, 95125 will be holding its annual open house on Saturday, Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The event is open to the public and features activities and demonstrations throughout the schedule. All classrooms will have student work on display and an activity for visitors to participate in. Teachers are available to answer questions about the unique advantages they offer at their grade level.

Official tours will be given on an ongoing basis. Everyone who registers will receive a coupon for a free lunch. Come and meet the principal and other staff members and enjoy an entertaining day as you become acquainted with the many advantages that are available for you and your children at Achiever.

More information about the school and this event are online at www.achieverchristian.com.