Independent Day School’s “Cool Cats”
BCR was privileged to again host the Independent Day School’s “Cool Cats” on tour on Friday May 22nd. The first and second grade students came out to present Big Cat Rescue with a remarkable donation they raised of over $1,000 dollars! This is probably the 8th to 10th year that IDS has donated to Big Cat Rescue. It used to be Wildlife on Easy Street when they started. Back then $350.00 was a lot of money to donate - now they routinely raise over $1,000.00!
This project started as a community service. Almost every class at IDS takes part in giving back to the community. This project is also a hands on education in economics and beginning a business. First students secure a loan from the “bank of IDS” (the school), complete with collateral. The children then set up a "Safari" store where safari type items are sold to the whole school. The children also produce and package a trail mix called "Meow Chow" to sell at the store. The students decide what to sell based on items that were popular in the past. They advertize the store with posters, commercials and ads in the school newsletter. The children act as sales people, cashiers and accountants throughout the process. All of these efforts culminate in a wonderful field trip to Big Cat Rescue where the children get to see firsthand how all their work has paid off!
The teachers involved this year were Debi Brockmeyer and Andria Petty. It just goes to show that at any age people can make a difference. We extend our sincere thanks to the students and teachers of the Independent Day School who really are "The Cool Cats that Care."
by: Dr. Beth Kamhi, Education Director
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