Jamison Principal Dave Heineman and Jamie Allen, Jamison Journey chairperson, stand behind (from left) Tara Schmucker, Jamison HSA president; 2nd grader Joey Barnhart; and torch carriers (for raising the most money in their grades): 3rd grader Ella Goldberg, and 2nd grader Addie Marchand. Photo by June Portnoy
by June Portnoy
Jamison Elementary School is soaring to new heights this year with its innovative SOAR journey, an initiative designed to instill core values in students while also serving as the school’s sole fundraiser for the year. The program, which emphasizes Service, Ownership, Attitude, and Respect (SOAR), not only aims to raise funds but also to foster a sense of community and personal responsibility among students.
The SOAR journey culminated in a walkathon held outside the school on Friday, October 18, marking a significant moment for the school community. This event was not merely a physical activity; it served as a celebration of the lessons learned during a week of school-wide activities based on the core values of SOAR.
According to Tara Schmucker, President of the Home and School Association (HSA), the fundraiser’s financial goal was to support all school activities throughout the year without imposing entrance fees on families. “Every dollar goes back to the school and the students,” she emphasized, highlighting the intention to cover costs for 6th-grade yearbooks, field trips, assemblies, and free admission to various events like the Fall Fest held after the walkathon.
The school set an ambitious fundraising goal of $35,000, inspired by a successful model from Titus Elementary in Warrington. Following the walkathon, Jamison Jets, as students and faculty are affectionately called, exceeded its goal by raising over $36,000.
The heart of the SOAR journey is its focus on four essential core values. Throughout the week leading up to the walkathon, students participated in lessons and activities centered around these themes:
- Service: Encouraging students to engage in acts of kindness, both big and small.
- Ownership: Instilling a sense of responsibility in students for their actions and contributions.
- Attitude: Promoting a positive outlook, even in challenging situations.
- Respect: Teaching the importance of valuing everyone and treating others with kindness and consideration.
As Principal Dave Heineman noted, the walkathon was just the culmination of a broader educational mission. “The real goal is to learn about core values,” he said. “We want our students to internalize these lessons and apply them throughout their lives.”
Involving the community is another key aspect of the SOAR journey. Students were encouraged to take the initiative of reaching out to relatives and local businesses for donations, fostering a sense of community involvement. Students were given incentives to take ownership of their fundraising efforts, such as writing thank-you notes to donors.
Fifth-grade teacher Jared Hottenstein, who helped coordinate the event, expressed his excitement about the program’s impact on school culture. “This is not just about raising money; it’s about creating a culture of character education,” he said. The students’ engagement, he noted, reflects a deeper understanding of the values being taught.
The core values introduced in the SOAR journey are designed to be integrated into the school’s ongoing curriculum. With activities like buddy projects, monthly assemblies, and themed lessons, the hope is to reinforce the importance of service and respect continuously.
As the Jamison Jets continue to embrace their mission, the school community is witnessing the powerful effects of combining education with value-based fundraising. The SOAR journey not only raised essential funds but also cultivates a spirit of unity and purpose among students, families, and educators alike.
Tara Schmucker stated, “We want our kids to learn these life lessons and carry them forward.” With such commitment, the Jamison Elementary community is undoubtedly prepared to soar high this year and beyond.