OAISD STUDENTS AND STAFF PROVIDE FOR OTHERS AT THANKSGIVING

Holland, MI - Students and staff from Ottawa Area ISD buildings collected and distributed items to help students and families in the Ottawa Area enjoy Thanksgiving without a financial burden. 

Sheldon Pines School (SPS) assembled boxes for 25 SPS students and their families with everything needed for a Thanksgiving dinner. SPS staff provided the turkeys and employees from around the OAISD contributed ingredients for side dishes including green beans, gravy, mashed potatoes and more to complete the meals. Homemade pies from the CTC Pastry Arts and Baking program rounded out the Thanksgiving meal box. 

Brandie Navarro, Sheldon Pines School Director, said without the OAISD staff donations several CTC families would not have had a Thanksgiving dinner at home this year. 

“SPS parents tell us how much they appreciate being able to cook a traditional Thanksgiving meal for their children and loved ones thanks to the generosity of OAISD staff and students,” stated Navarro. “The annual Thanksgiving boxes demonstrate the dedication of our staff and students inside and outside of the classroom.”

Careerline Tech Center supported its students and families with 42 Thanksgiving food baskets for Tech Center families in need. Each box contains a full meal including a broiler chicken from the Agriculture/Animal Science program, squash, mashed potatoes and gravy prepared by Culinary Arts program students, homemade pies courtesy of the Pastry Arts and Baking program and a coupon for a free haircut through the Cosmetology program. The boxes also contain rolls and homemade applesauce. 

“All CTC programs give back to the community throughout the year, and it is even more meaningful when we are directly impacting Tech Center students and families,” Careerline Tech Center Director Kris Doenges, said. “We look forward to this every year. It’s a great way to start the holiday season!”

In addition to pies for OAISD families, the Pastry Arts and Baking program also donated pies to a local church for Thanksgiving. 

“Making and then donating food is a great way for our students to connect their learning with community service,” Austin Gresham, Pastry Arts and Baking program instructor for CTC said. “Our students love knowing they are giving back and making a difference in the lives of others.”

Sheldon Pines School 

Sheldon Pines School is a service of Ottawa Area ISD that provides Special Education programs and related services to students who are at risk educationally due to emotional impairments or behavioral issues. www.oaisd.org/sheldon-pines

Careerline Tech Center
Operated by Ottawa Area ISD, Careerline Tech Center prepares high school juniors and seniors for tomorrow's workforce by providing career and technical education in 30 career areas. CTC serves students from public and private high schools, as well as those who are homeschooled, within the following local school districts: Allendale, Coopersville, Grand Haven, Hamilton, Holland, Hudsonville, Jenison, Saugatuck, Spring Lake, West Ottawa, and Zeeland. www.CareerlineTech.org

Ottawa Area Intermediate School District

Ottawa Area ISD works collaboratively with schools and communities to meet the educational needs of students of all ages in the Ottawa area. By pooling resources and providing services regionally, Ottawa Area ISD provides important programs and services to local K‐12 school districts, charter, parochial and private schools and adults in the most cost‐effective ways possible. To learn more about Ottawa Area ISD visit www.oaisd.org