Gurney Elementary School recently came together as a community to participate in the annual One School, One Book (OSOB) initiative, reading A Boy Called BAT as a unified school. The story, which follows a young boy and his relationship with an orphaned skunk, provided a meaningful theme for students to engage with through reading and hands-on activities.
This year, the OSOB committee added a special new component—Gurney Service Day! Students in Kindergarten through third grade took part in various service-oriented projects, extending the theme of compassion and care for animals beyond the pages of the book.
First and third graders teamed up to tie fleece blankets for kittens, ensuring that rescued kittens would have a warm and cozy place to rest. Second-grade students got creative in making cat toys. They filled ping-pong balls with rice, securing them with tape to create fun rattling toys for the cats. Additionally, they crafted catnip toys using socks, giving the shelter cats some much-needed entertainment.
Kindergarteners, with their big hearts, focused on expressing gratitude. They wrote thoughtful thank-you cards for the hardworking volunteers at Rescue Village, recognizing their dedication to animal welfare. They also created heartfelt cards for families adopting animals, spreading warmth and encouragement to those giving rescued pets a forever home.
The Gurney Service Learning Club played a key role in collecting all necessary materials for these projects. After school, members of the club boarded a bus to Rescue Village, where they personally delivered the handmade donations. The visit provided an eye-opening experience, as students received a behind-the-scenes look at the process of animal rescue and rehabilitation.
During their tour of Rescue Village, students had the opportunity to see a variety of animals, including bunnies, kittens, and dogs. One of the most exciting surprises was learning that Rescue Village is one of the few animal rescues that also cares for barn animals. Students met a horse and some pigs, making the visit even more memorable.
One particularly touching moment stood out—when a newly rescued puppy repeatedly returned to a third-grade student, Brooklyn Catani. This sweet interaction captured the heart of everyone present, reinforcing the deep connections that can form between people and animals in need.
Through the One School, One Book program and the newly introduced Gurney Service Day, students not only strengthened their love for reading but also learned the value of giving back. Their efforts made a tangible impact on the lives of rescued animals, demonstrating the power of kindness and community involvement. This meaningful initiative has surely left a lasting impression on Gurney students and the furry friends they helped along the way.
