May 11, 2012

West Street Wins New Shoes!

The West Street SERRF After School Program participates in Clever Crazes which is a free website where students can log on and complete physical fitness challenges to win prizes.  Prizes include:  Nike gym shoes, iTune gift cards, or money for their school.  Pictured are our four recent winners of Nike gym shoes.  From left to right are Alejandra Martinez, Jesus Morales, McKayla Zimmerman, and Cheyenne Williams.

May 1, 2012

Getting Down and Dirty at Plum Valley SERRF!

Students participated in SERRF's "You Matter Community Clean Up Day" by beautifying Plum Valley School's campus.

April 27, 2012

Melinda Brooks Reads to the Kindergarteners at Metteer

What a day!  The wonderful Melinda Brooks came to Metteer SERRF and read Leonardo the Terrible Monster to the Metteer SERRF kindergarteners.  The students then used oil pastels to create their own unique terrible monster!

 

April 20, 2012

Los Molinos SERRF Students Pledge to "Eat Better and Drink More Water"

They are learning the importance of nutrients in fruits and vegetables, through our
"You Matter" curriculum.

March 22, 2012

Gabe Hale pedals to power the blender at the SERRF Highlights Show

Thursday, March 22 students from SERRF programs all over Red Bluff
showcased their activities at the Tehama County Fairgrounds.  With the bike
blender from OPT for Healthy Living in Chico, Antelope SERRF created
delicious healthy smoothies.  Students lined up for a chance to ride the
bike and then drink their creations.  Ingredients included orange juice,
yogurt, strawberries and bananas.  In the picture SERRF staff cheers as
Gabe Hale pedals to power the blender.  Antelope SERRF encourages students
to make healthy choices and stay active!

March 14, 2012

Lassen View SERRF Has Fun Celebrating PI Day

Pictured is Ms. Garcia the 4th-5th grade Liaison for Lassen View SERRF.
The students are: John Magana, Albert Robinson, Hugo Rome, Dusty Crain,
Brody Bailey, Joshua Badgett, Lily Alvarez, Adrian Arredondo, Kyle Hensel,
Kurtis Hensel, Rusty Crain, Alexis Megary, Diego Romo, Julian Alvarez,
Jessie Contreras, and Paola Ramirez.

March 12, 2012

Fun Friday at Flournoy SERRF

A "Fun Friday!"at Flournoy SERRF was had by all, whom acted as, and were
face painted as Dr. Seuss characters! There were games to play, such as,
"Pin the tail on the Cat", "Find the Truffala Seed", and much more. The
students dressed as "The Cat" were: Chuck Hoagland, Thalia Souza, Madison
Murphy, Miranda Souza; front row: Vonna Hoagland,Sage Flournoy, Hailey
Murphy and Shelby Flournoy.

Congratulations to our Olive View Students!!!

So far our SERRF students have won ELEVEN pairs of Nike shoes and 32 $10.00 iTunes gift cards. A BIG thanks to Clevercrazes.com and their sponsors!

Our students were so excited to have their "awards day" today where we handed out everything won to date.

March 9, 2012

Manton Music

Manton SERRF students are benefiting from their small group instruction in guitar, fiddle, and mandolin from Katie Busey

March 7, 2012

Rancho Tehama SERRF Honors Community Leaders

Rancho Tehama S.E.R.R.F. honored leaders in their community.  At the beginning of the school year, the S.E.R.R.F. after school program and the Tehama County Department of Education adopted the “YOU MATTER” movement.  The “YOU MATTER” movement is about letting everyone know that “THEY MATTER” and that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.  They believe it is the plain, simple, ordinary individual who can change the world.  People have power.  People matter.

Part of the “YOU MATTER” movement was a Civic Community Leadership Day to honor community leaders.  Students handmade bead bracelets and thank you cards for the honorees.

Jaqueline Beaustimonte and Sara Schneider were honored for the many hours they volunteer at Rancho Tehama Elementary School.  Charolette Evans was honored for her work with the local Girl Scout troop.  Beverly Gano, Elaine Garrison and Erika Frenzel were credited for the endless hours over the years keeping Fun 4 Kids alive.  Janice Menzies coaches the Jr. Giants and volunteers her time at the Rancho Tehama Thrift store, where Sherry Burns also devotes her time, when she is not volunteering at Rancho Tehama Fire Station 13.

Students presented their gifts to all the volunteers, with a big THANK YOU for all the countless hours they volunteer, making their community safer and stronger for them.

March 6, 2012

Richfield SERRF Adds Natural Beauty

Richfield SERRF students took an afternoon to show pride in their school.
Students have been studying what it means to make a difference and prove
that YOU MATTER in the community and how to specifically use your talents
to impact others. In previous weeks, they had weeded the area to prepare
for the planting of over 30 pansies in their school garden. Now... their
student reading garden has lots of added natural beauty!

February 10, 2012

Bidwell SERRF Honors Director Karla Stroman

On Friday February 10th, Mr. Marple's Bidwell SERRF Students honored SERRF
Director, Karla Stroman with a "You Matter" banner as part of SERRF'S Civic
Leadership Day.

All of Bidwell SERRF'S students participated with their own special
presentation to Mrs.Stroman, consisting of: handcrafted flowers in a
basket, thank you letters in a mail box, reading of poems, and questions
about her many civic involvements.

February 7, 2012

Lassen View SERRF Students Show Off Their Quilts

The children in the Lassen View SERRF after school program had the great experience of learning to quilt.  Thanks to the Tehama County Sun Country Quilters the children spent six weeks learning the art of quilting.  All the students were taught to make their own quilts.

January 17, 2012

Chinese New Year Celebrated at Jackson Heights SERRF

Jackson Heights SERRF celebrated the new year with students participating
in fun activities that included creating bookmarks with "You Matter"
resolutions, fortune cookies with "You Matter" goals inside, and creating
Dragons, as this is the year of the dragon. Shown is MaKenzie Salinas with
her dragon.

January 12, 2012

Los Molinos SERRF Students Learn to Quilt

The Sun Country Quilters are teaching the Los Molinos SERRF students how to quilt! Kylee Toney, pictured above, is learning how to operate the sewing machine

 

January 4, 2012

Berrendos SERRF student enjoys having tea and cookies with her grandmother.

Grandparents Matter at Berrendos SERRF! Berrendos SERRF continues to find ways to promote the You Matter philosophy by holding a Grandparents Matter Tea. SERRF students created a welcoming environment, decorated tables with hand made paper flowers and recycled art vases, served tea and beautifully decorated home made cookies. SERRF students were excited to  celebrate and spend time with the grandparents in our community.

December 16, 2011

SERRF – SALVATION ARMY COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE NETS HUGE RESULTS!

SERRF students, in collaboration with local businesses, participated in a community-wide food drive for the Salvation Army. Supporters included Baskin Robbins,  St. Elizabeth’s Hospice 2^nd Hand Store, Grocery Outlet, Job Training Center, both Starbucks locations, Tehama Family Fitness Center,  Luigi’s Pizza, Round Table Pizza, U.S. Bank, Aquarium & Pets, Lariat Bowl, Jack in the Box, Dandylion’s Children’s Shop, Wholesome Goods, Sugar Shack, Tremont Café & Creamery, Vista middle school, Bidwell elementary school, and Tehama County Department of Education. The food drive resulted in more than 682 pounds of food for Tehama County families. Salvation Army representative, Lieutenant Heather Paap, accepted the food at a special student-led presentation during SERRF at Vista middle school on Friday, December 16,  2011.

November 9, 2011

Round Table Pizza recently supported an art contest among SERRF students at Vista and Berrendos middle schools. Round Table donated pizza boxes, which students decorated using various art techniques. The boxes were put on display at the restaurant for voting by SERRF and Round Table staff. Sasha Ellis won Best of Show and students Tylee Lucas, Melissa Stroing, Emily Grissom, and Ashley Meade earned honorable mention for their excellent artwork. Round Table furnished prizes for all of the winners and supported a SERRF staff luncheon. Round Table also supports SERRF student's homework completion rates by providing personal pan pizza certificates.

November 8, 2011

Maywood SERRF girls constructed a EWE (female sheep) as part of the "Create a Ewe" Contest sponsored by the Tehama County Farm Bureau. The girls were part of a 6 week "EWE Project Club" and did a fantastic job with Mrs. Bobadilla!

November 7, 2011

During a "Fun Friday" at Antelope SERRF we were invaded by pirates! We were,  however, able to capture these 5 and get them to pose for a picture.

November 1, 2011

Richfield SERRF students traveled to the Gateway Science Museum in Chico on Oct. 12, 2011 to explore a variety of hands on learning opportunities. After completing a six-week learning club that explored various types of art, the SERRF students were able to observe and discuss the exhibit offered by the museum, "Earth as Art 3." They viewed various artworks that were images from satellites and were then digitally manipulated to enhance color and depth. This exhibit encouraged the K-8th students to enjoy art and even inspired some students to create artwork of their own!

October 31, 2011

SERRF After School Program students walked to Rancho Tehama's station #13 fire department to give them a "gratitude banner".  Part of the "You Matter" movement adopted by the SERRF program is to thank those that serve our community.  Students took a tour of the fire station, learned safety information, took turns behind the wheel of a fire truck and had a hands on experience spraying water with a fire hose.

October 15, 2011

Metteer SERRF students surprised Mrs.Gaskin, principal at Metteer Elementary School, with a "YOU MATTER!" banner and appreciation gifts on "Fun Friday."

October 14, 2011

Local volunteer fireman Kyle Lauderdale (pictured standing) came to talk to Olive View SERRF students about the importance of volunteering in your community and being a “hero” as part of a culminating event for the “Super Hero” club at SERRF. Students learned that you’re never too young or old to be someone’s hero!

October 13, 2011

As a culminating event to Manton SERRF's six week study of rocks, 26 rockhounds took a trip to Gaumer's Rock Shop. They were gracious enough to accommodate our rock enthusiasts!

October 3, 2011

Lassen View SERRF students enjoy cantaloupe donated from Julia's Fruit Stand!  Lassen View SERRF is committed to teaching students healthy behaviors and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.  In addition to homework help, students participate in nutrition and physical activity enrichment sessions.  Julia's Fruit Stand regularly donates watermelon and cantaloupes
for the after school program.  Upcoming events at Lassen View SERRF include "Football Matters" Fun Friday on 10/7, parents are invited to come and play!  "Community Matters" on 10/14  where students will help prepare the school and decorate for the Dairyville Orchard Festival.  LV SERRF staff will host a booth at the festival featuring a bike blender:  children can ride the bike to power the blender.   10/20 is the annual Lights On for After School programs event.  Activities will include jump roping, a cooking demonstration, and appreciation of community service.

October 1, 2011

Berrendos SERRF After School Program students "mob" Principal Steve Prinz with a "You Matter Thank You!"

September 28, 2011

Jackson Heights SERRF has a quilting club that began with first and second grade students learning to sew. Students will be instructed throughout the year by Dottie Caswell and quilter Helen Bucaloy, as they learn quilting techniques.

September 27, 2011

The kids in Kirkwood’s SERRF program geared up for the Tehama County District Fair last Friday with a visit from Tehama County Farm Bureau Director Kari Dodd and her volunteer Liz Mendenhall, former Beef Ambassador of Tehama County. The students enjoyed a "fair" themed scavenger hunt that included items representing different parts of the fair: riding helmet,
tickets, flowers, a ribbon, and a mason jar among other things. The afternoon also included a Q & A session with the 4-H and FFA representatives, popcorn, and a lesson in calf roping!

September 26, 2011

Rancho Tehama School provided our SERRF program the perfect opportunity of putting on a “Back To School Barbeque”, inviting all family members.  The huge and successful turnout helped us fill our “Gratitude Journal”. It was a wonderful time for families to get together, and share that we have much to be grateful for.

September 22, 2011

Los Molinos SERRF students are learning about being grateful while using our new SERRF “YOU MATTER”  curriculum. They are learning to show gratitude by writing thank you cards to parents and others who "matter." They have even written letters expressing appreciation to soldiers who are currently away from home!

September 16, 2011

Gerber SERRF is enjoying the amazing opportunity of having The Sun Country Quilters  present a six week lesson on quilting for our 4th through 8th grade students. 

September 14, 2011

In keeping with SERRF's "You Matter" theme, Flournoy and Elkins SERRF students offered a great big  Thank You  to principal, Mr. Ken Burkhart, for supporting students and the SERRF program. Thanks again Mr. Burkhart, "You Matter!"

September 10, 2011

Antelope SERRF would like all of Tehama County to know that "You Matter" to all of us.

September 7, 2011

May 26, 2011

SERRF thanks sorority, Sigma Omega Phi, for their fundraising efforts and donation of books to Los Molinos SERRF.

May 9, 2011

Manton S.E.R.R.F. students performed a Talent Show to a full house at their Character Counts Community Family Night. Performances ranged from comedy, singing, skits and dances including twenty two S.E.R.R.F. students dancing to the Cha Cha Slide.

May 3, 2011

To celebrate Character Counts Day SERRF students at Vista Middle School held a Character Counts themed art show. Visitors were greeted at the door with a large banner advertising the enrichment club “Bowling with Character!” Classroom displays included student-designed comics featuring characters such as “Respectful Robert and Fair Fred”. Displays also featured pictures created by scratch-art and other media that depicted citizenship, caring, responsibility, and trustworthiness. The event was visited by family members and students of Red Bluff High School’s ASSETs after school program.

April 29, 2011

April 29 Lassen View SERRF students and their families participated in Character Counts Family Fitness Night. Students who showed exemplary character throughout the school year were awarded Character Counts Student Star Awards. Melody Yeager, a SERRF parent and volunteer, was awarded the Character Counts Star Family Award. Yeager has shared her expertise in anthropology as a Chico State and Butte College instructor with the students.

April 29, 2011

Fun was had by all with various art activities, a strawberry ice cream social, and displayed art from throughout the year. On April 29, 2011 METTEER S.E.R.R.F. hosted a Character Counts Family Night. Children pictured received awards for demonstrating admirable character throughout the year.

April 4, 2011

Reeds Creek SERRF focuses on physical fitness. Among the activities provided are hockey and Geo-Mats. Each student has been able to participate at their own level learning many new skills, as well as the importance of team work.

March 10, 2011

Rancho Tehama SERRF students awarded Melissa Allen with a certificate and bouquet of flowers made with special care from Ms. Liz's SERRF class. The students wanted to thank Ms. Allen for volunteering her time in the SERRF program, as part of the SERRF-wide "Character Counts Community Civic Leadership Day."

March 3, 2011

Gayle Kemp, of Gayle's Tuxedo Rentals, was honored by Antelope SERRF, on behalf of the Downtown Red Bluff Business Association, as part of SERRF's "Character Counts Community Leadership Day". She received a certificate acknowledging her generous donations over the years. The entire association received cards for their display of community leadership, as well. She is pictured here with Diane Ellis, liaison at Antelope SERRF.

March 3, 2011

Bidwell SERRF Students present an appreciation banner to Firefighter Lesleigh Mcleod and Engineer Kevin Turner during their SERRF Character Counts Community Civic Leadership Day. Bidwell SERRF students created the banner to honor our Red Bluff City Fire Department for all that they do for our community.

March 2, 2011

"Lucky Charm the Leprechaun" made a surprise appearance at Antelope SERRF to help the students with their Saint Patrick's Day activities. He assisted them with their rainbow hand print art, three wishes writing, hot potato game, and even helped a few students look for four leaf clovers!

February 28, 2011

The Olive View SERRF students had a large task when deciding what community leader(s) to honor for the SERRF-wide "Character Counts Community Civic Leadership Day", February 11, 2011. SERRF leadership students decided to honor the rural volunteer firemen in our Corning community. Fireman Jim Allen graciously donated his time speaking at an assembly for the students, in which he discussed the importance of being a volunteer and leader in the community, along with answering many questions about a fireman's duties. Olive View SERRF then honored Allen, and all rural volunteer firemen, with a thank you banner signed by the students, a fireman boot filled with hand made thank you cards, and a certificate for being such great civic leaders in our community!

February 18, 2011

Los Molinos SERRF students were treated to four guest speakers on SERRF's 2nd annual "Character Counts Community Civic Leadership Day". From left to right: Dana Crossland, LME Booster Club Vice President, Kenny Brewer the current Los Molinos mayor, Jill Botts, current President of the Los Molinos Unified School District School Board and Joyce Bundy, volunteer of many community programs. The speakers shared their inspiring volunteer stories with the students and shared with Students how they could volunteer in their community and school. Also, pictured is SERRF student and MC, Valeria.

February 14, 2011

West Street SERRF students honored Round Table Pizza of Corning for their service to our community, as part of the SERRF-wide "Character Counts Community Civic Leadership Day" on February 11th.

January 12, 2011

Archeology was the Fun Friday theme for Lassen View SERRF students on 1/7/11. Melody Yaeger, instructor of Anthropology from Chico State University and Butte College, shared her expertise. Students learned that layers of the earth that are deeper are older, and those that are shallower are more recent. When archaeologists find things buried in the earth, they can learn more about how old they are by their depth. Students dug for artifacts and were able to discover the excitement of the dig on their own. Students used hieroglyphic stamps to write their name, painted trilobites (prehistoric crustaceans) that were made from plaster of paris, and painted rocks using Chumash Indian Art as a model. The Chico State Museum of Anthropology generously donated items for students to uncover. Ms. Yeager will host two more Fun Fridays at Lassen View. On January 28 the focus will be Primates and Skulls, and then concluding on February 18 with with a celebration of Cultures and food.

November 29, 2010

Tehama County Farm Bureau's Keri Dodd & Tehama County Beef Ambassador, Elizabeth Mendenhall, presented a roping demonstration & spoke on the by-products of beef to Bidwell SERRF Students, as a culminating activity for their "Wild West Enrichment Club". SERRF student Chloe tried her hand at roping, while other students waited patiently for their turn.

November 16, 2010

Woodson SERRF kids demonstrate citizenship, our current "Character Counts" pillar, by collecting cans to donate to the Salvation Army.

November 15, 2010

Vina SERRF students spent several weeks creating a paper, wire and wood cow for a Farm Bureau dinner. The students learned about local crops grown in Tehama County as they made the cow. Pictures of local produce were attached to the side. The students named the her "Tehama COW-nty." Pictured are: Back row Ayden V, Monica R, Rosario E, Ulises G, Alyssa M Middle row: Parker C, Hailee M, Damian S, RJ C Front row: Dionte S, Darian V, Trista V, Judith C, Joshua S, and Austin M

November 2, 2010

The students at West Street School SERRF After School Program celebrated "Lights On!", the national rally for after school programs! We have a wonderful bunch of students and love to show them off!

October 25, 2010

Los Molinos SERRF is honoring liaison, Alicia Garcia, who will be deployed to Afghanistan in December. Her students wish her safe travels, and they will be keeping in touch with with her through many letters written in their Language Arts class.

October 18, 2010

Manton S.E.R.R.F. students have been exploring the Gems Science and Math Kit "Buzzing A Hive". Through this enrichment club students are learning about the complexity of the honeybee's social behavior, communication and hive environment. As a culminating event the S.E.R.R.F. students will take a field trip to a local bee keepers farm to learn more about the honey making process.

October 15, 2010

Olive View SERRF students in third, fourth, and fifth grades participated in the second annual SERRF, Community Clean Up Day. This SERRF wide event was held on Friday Oct. 15th. Students took a walking field trip to Woodson Park in Corning to clean up the park. They picked up trash as well as tree limbs and branches. The Kindergarten, first and second grade students stayed on campus to do a campus clean up. The annual SERRF wide clean up day is part of our character education development(Character Counts).

October 12, 2010

Please be on the look out for SERRF students showing that their "Character Counts" on Friday, October 15th! SERRF After School Program students will be performing "Character Counts Community Clean-Up Service" from all schools in Tehama County. Many school sites will be collecting recyclables and beautifying walkways in their communities. Character is given back in the form of pride, for many students are pulling weeds, planting flowers, washing picnic tables, cleaning black tops, and even decorating for orchard and harvest festivals at their respective schools.

October 11, 2010

Proud Blue Ribbon Winners from Lassen View SERRF's 4th - 8th grade Wood Carving Club. Students whittled and painted American Eagles and Imperial Penguins, with the help of master carver, Al Aliano. All received first place ribbons at the 90th Annual Tehama County District Fair. Al Aliano is an instructor with SERRF, and he teaches wood carving in many of our Tehama County Schools, with the SERRF After School Program.

September 22, 2010

Jackson Heights SERRF celebrated the beginning of Autumn with a Fun Friday filled with activities focusing on physical fitness and healthy snacks. Students are shown measuring chopped apples, yogurt and crunchy cereal.

September 14, 2010

Thanks to Helen Stillwell's vision, students at Lassen VIew SERRF pose in front of a mural they began last year for Sunshine Sanctuary, a home for rescued horses. The children completed the artwork last week in time for Sunshine Sanctuary's Open House. Upper grade students pulled weeds around flowers they planted last June, and created a photo collage showcasing past SERRF involvement at the ranch.

September 13, 2010

Flournoy S.E.R.R.F. holds "Potato Fun Friday"! Students learned how and where potatoes grow, in addition to, estimating, measuring, graphing, and interpreting data. Fun was had by all for relay races, and hot potato games. Students finished off their event by enjoying baked potatoes with all the fixings.

August 10, 2010

The Antelope SERRF Green group students and teacher Daniel Garcia show off their respect posters during our "Respect Rally". Bidwell SERRF students practice how to control the tennis ball during "Bidwell SERRF'S Tennis Club". Students are learning how to build early confidence in the game of tennis, realizing the health benefits of exercise & having fun! Bidwell SERRF staff attended a United States Tennis Association training to learn up-to-date tennis activities to teach to their SERRF students.

June 18, 2010

Antelope SERRF "Dog Club" got a great surprise when Officer Rich Ryan from the Tehama County Sheriff's Department and his K-9 companion, Rocky, came to visit. Students were able to pet Rocky and learn about police dogs. Dylan, Darren, Audra, and Alisa are shown waiting patiently for their turn to pet him. The students were then able to sit and watch him practice his skills with a fellow officer wearing a dog protection suit.

June 1, 2010

For children there's nothing better than running around in a Spring rain shower! Rancho Tehama S.E.R.R.F. had the opportunity on a recent field trip to the Sacramento River Discovery Center (SRDC). Armed with umbrellas and plastic bag ponchos, students and parents headed out on an adventure - hiking to the river for a bug exploration. The students saw mallard ducks, swifts, killdeer and to their surprise, a bald eagle soaring over the Diversion Dam. Joey Gomez talked about Geo caching and how to use a G.P.S. to find the ‘treasure’. Ben Hughes shared the ‘Salmon Story’. Students were thrilled when they were able to hold George the king snake. Al the albino king snake was rattling his tail and hissing like a rattlesnake. Students were not disappointed when they could not hold him. Students took turns smelling different plants in the SRDC gardens and learned about endangered plants of the North State. These are just a few of the many wonders at the SRDC, right here in Red Bluff.

May 18, 2010

Flournoy SERRF Goes to Town!! After a five week enrichment program on bowling, the Flournoy SERRF students were able to go on a culminating field trip to the Lariat Bowl in Red Bluff! They would like to thank the bowling alley for allowing them to use their equipment, practice their techniques, and learn the rules and regulations! It was an awesome day and students were excited for the opportunity to learn a new skill and hobby!

May 10, 2010

S.E.R.R.F. Safe Education and Recreation for Rural Families after school program students at Berrendos and Vista Middle School had a great time recently due to a visit from Baskin Robbins Ice Cream. Baskin Robbins manager, Karen Rodriguez along with daughter Jessica, presented students with techniques on professional cake decorating. Students were able to use professional cake decorating tools to practice making borders and flowers. Each student was able to decorate their own piece of ice cream cake courtesy of Baskin Robbins. Baskin Robbins also provided students with a variety of coupons including a discount on Mother’s Day ice cream cakes. Baskin Robbins is also a supporter of SERRF’s Homework Zone program. SERRF’s Middle School programs are always looking to collaborate with area businesses to provide students with unique and enriching opportunities. Those interested should contact, Stacey Garrett, SERRF Lead Facilitator – Middle Schools, at 526-1630 or at Tehama County Department of Education at 528-7381.

May 10, 2010

SERRF’s MARIO & LUIGI BRING IN THE FUN AT LUIGI’S PIZZA! Great food and great fun were enjoyed by all on Wednesday, April 21st when the S.E.R.R.F. Safe Education and Recreation for Rural Families after school program held a family night at Luigi’s Pizza. Families from Berrendos and Vista Middle Schools attended. SERRF student projects were available for viewing and included: photography, creative art, and brick building. Visitors were also able to view a student created Photo-Story from SERRF’s recent Highlight Show. Mario and Luigi of video-game fame were on hand to sign autographs and perform sign-dancing in front of the popular restaurant. Stacey Garrett, SERRF Lead Facilitator for Middle Schools said, “Thank you to Luigi’s Pizza for providing our students with a warm atmosphere and a place to show-off their latest accomplishments in SERRF.”

May 5, 2010

Bidwell SERRF liaision, Becca Elliott, and student assistant, Summer, along with their academic enrichment class of kindergarten-second grade students, pose with their Lawrence Hall of Science GEMS Kit "Buzzing the Hive" bulletin board. This GEMS Kit creates learning opportunities for students to explore the science of honey bees, that includes their social behaviors, communication skills, & hive environment.

January 11, 2010

Los Molinos SERRF students are walking 500,000 steps again this year keeping track with pedometers donated by St. Elizabeth Hospital. Students are also "Moving 60 Minutes a Day, the Fun SERRF Way!" with physical activities from CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health). In addition, "Trustworthiness" is the January Character Counts theme, demonstrated by being a good friend, honesty and keeping promises.

January 8, 2010

Antelope SERRF students are pictured here, along with two residents from Brentwood Skilled Nursing. They were there to bring Christmas cheer and bear gifts. The Antelope SERRF students, graced with a generous donation from The St. Elizabeth Hospice Second Hand Store, put together goodie bags for the residents, as part of our "Character Counts" community involvement activities.

December 11, 2009

Lassen View SERRF students invited seniors, along with friends and family, to participate in a partner yoga night. Students paired with an adult and performed the 12 yoga poses of Christmas. Theresa Wood, yoga instructor, was there to lead and demonstrate. The 12 poses came faster and faster, as each group tried desperately to keep up! Families laughed together, tried to hold their pose together; and were rewarded with a Secret to Healthy Living cookbook and a backpack from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital filled with healthy senior tips.

December 10, 2009

Earth Tribe Club is dedicated to learning through exploring nature’s treasures. A walk through the Sacramento Rivers’ riparian habitat allows for students to come face to face with ecology concepts learned in the classroom, such as predator and prey relationships in the food chain and the interconnectedness of all life. Highlights from Earth Tribe 2009 field trips include spotting fresh deer and raccoon tracks after a night rain, discovering the amazing relationship of a tiny wasp and valley oak trees in their oak gall shelters, finding a grandfather tree with hundreds of holes drilled by an Acorn Woodpecker for storing acorns and wildlife sightings including over 50 Canada geese on the water! We have enjoyed scavenger hunts (only finding and observing…no taking) and sitting in the tall grass waiting for the local resident birds to answer our curious calls…psshh…psshh…psshh! We also send out a special thank you to Ranger Zack from Woodson Bridge Recreation Area who blessed us with a special visit during one of our Corning Weststreet field trips. So far S.E.R.R.F’s Earth Tribe Club has only had the opportunity to serve Metter School in Red Bluff and Weststreet in Corning, but we look forward to visiting other sites in the future. The Sacramento River is an amazing natural resource in our community…we have so much to be thankful for. Field trips in Red Bluff have taken place in the wildlife habitat next to the Sacramento River Discovery Center and in Corning at the Woodson Bridge Recreation Area. May we continue to enjoy and learn from the nature that surrounds us. Speak to the Earth and it will teach you.

Monday, Nov. 30th

Emily Ruffner & Kayla Cook from California Health Collaborative, Children's Power Play, Network for a Healthy California, make berry smoothies for Bidwell SERRF Students on a recent "Five A Day Power Play Fun Friday". Students participated in healthy physical activity stations & a smoothie station. Emily & Kayla also spoke to the students about healthy nutrition by sharing the ingredients in the smoothies. SERRF curriculum this year includes providing healthy nutritional information & physical activities for all students.

Friday, Nov., 20th

Bidwell SERRF Students Kane Patterson & Emerson Marple prepare to place a flower on a veteran's grave on Tuesday, November 10th, when Bidwell SERRF 5th-6th grade class walked to the Oak Hill Cemetery. Students placed flowers donated by The Westside Flowers & Gifts on Walnut St., on the veteran's graves to honor them on Veteran's Day. SERRF's Character Counts Pillar for the month of November is Citizenship and by honoring the Veterans students learned how to be a good citizen in their community.

Monday, Nov., 9th

Antelope SERRF takes the cake! Several of our SERRF students, along with their teachers, decorated cakes for the ugly cake contest at the Tehama District Fair. Their creativity paid off. They entered three cakes and they returned with three 1st place ribbons.

Friday, Oct., 16th

Students from Metteer SERRF celebrate Community Clean Up Day by planting and cleaning the courtyard at RBHCC. Way to go! Manton SERRF children painted rocks to decorate the flower beds during our Character Counts Clean Up Day. Jackson Heights SERRF participated in a Character Counts Campus Clean Up by having students pick up trash, wash classroom windows, sweep walkways and plant a Character Counts Garden. DPM Landscaping in Red Bluff donated plants and flowers and instructed students how to care for the butterfly and hummingbird garden.

Vina SERRF participated in Character Counts Week by having SERRF students clean up the Vina Community Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

Program wide Community Clean Up Day for all SERRF After School Program sites. Every site did something a little different, but the goal was for all students involved in the program to get involved in helping the community. The Olive View SERRF program took a walking trip to Woodson City Park. Twenty-five 3rd, 4th and 5th graders participated in the park wide clean up. Students picked up litter from the grounds as well as tree limbs and branches. The students were very impressed with their efforts when they saw the finished product, as the park looked much cleaner. After the students were done with the clean up they were given carrots with ranch dip as a healthy cool reward for their hard work.

Students helped on Friday setting up the Dairyville Orchard Festival. Kindergarten to 3rd graders swept, picked up trash and jackets, and cleaned up the school. Upper graders set up corn husk doll decorations on corn stalks and tables, helped set up displays and unload trucks. SERRF made popcorn and the students served all the community volunteers who came to help. Students were willing to participate even more and look forward to being a part of the set up for this festival every year.

Fact or Myth… the Quest! September 22, 2:18 p.m. the Autumnal Equinox

"It was our belief that at this exact moment and even a few minutes before and after the Autumnal and spring equinox, we could balance an egg on its large end. Rancho Tehama teachers and SERRF staff were on the mission to find out if this was fact or myth. Thirty four eggs were placed on a smooth flat table at 2:10 and everyone diligently went to work. At 2:14 p.m. Gabe Chavira was the first to balance an egg. The balancing of the egg inspired the others and at one time or another most all the eggs were standing for a time. The longest standing egg lasted approximately 80 minutes before an ‘accident’ tipped it over." [more]

October 13, 2009

Students in Lassen View SERRF, make corn husk dolls for the Dairyville Orchard Festival on Saturday. The dolls will be placed around the festival on tables and in corn stalk decorations. SERRF students will spend time on Friday, “Character Counts Community Clean Up Day,” sweeping the sidewalks, picking up trash and putting together booths.

October 10, 2009

Plum Valley SERRF students made cookies and posters for the Cal Fire Firefighters from Paynes Creek. The firefighters discussed the character and responsibility it takes to be a firefighter. The students were allowed to try on fire gear and to spray water from the firehoses.

September 30, 2009

During the month of September, Manton SERRF students learned how to make dried apple heads. School cook, Carmen Reynolds, who often volunteers her time and talents, helped lead the group in this activity.

September 28, 2009

Our SERRF program is lucky to have an intern from Chico State and the SCNAC program to come out and teach our students some fun new games. Here at Kirkwood, the students cannot wait to have Megan come out and play with them! They had a blast playing “Clean Your Room” (pictured) and a few other games with her last week and they are already asking when she is going to come back!

September 18, 2009

Los Molinos SERRF shows Josh Trout, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Kinesiology Department at Chico State their Geo Mat skills.