Focus on Service Learning: Mrs. Cherylynn Omelia and Jo Ivester

Focus on Faculty Spotlight: Cherylynn O'Melia Watch Cherylynn O'Melia in this week's Focus on Faculty video on the CasadySchoolLife YouTube channel: Focus on Faculty - Cherylynn O'Melia. Cherylynn O'Melia has been teaching for 31 years and is in her sixth year at Casady School teaching seventh grade English, and she is Middle Division English Department Chair. Ms. O'Melia earned her degree in elementary education from Anderson University, then her Master's in Administration from William Woods University. On top of her degrees, Ms. O'Melia holds multiple Oklahoma teaching credentials and certifications. Ms. O'Melia is also Middle Division's Coordinator for Service Learning and organizes service learning opportunities and experiences for Middle Division students throughout the school year.  Each year, Ms. O'Melia attends the National Service Learning Conference where she meets with similarly service-minded educators to develop cross-curricular projects to incorporate service into her students' literature and writing studies. "I am passionate about cross-curricular teaching and integrating the service-learning component," Ms. O'Melia said. "Cross-curricular teaching makes learning relevant for the students and empowers them to set lifelong learning and service goals."    Ms. O'Melia is a warm and inviting presence for every student who enters her classroom. Her greatest hope is that students leave Middle Division with an appreciation and desire for a service-filled life.

Service Learning Opportunities for Cyclones and their Families Cyclones will join hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the country on this national day of service sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation and the Corporation of National and Community Service. On MLK Day, Cyclones answer Dr. King’s call to serve and face differences. Volunteer service is a powerful tool that unites us around a common purpose and builds strong communities. The MLK Day of Service shines a spotlight on service as a powerful force to bridge economic and social divides – on MLK Day and throughout the year. Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma Cyclone volunteers are invited to join classmates and families at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in the Volunteer Center on Monday, Jan. 15 from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. The Casady Afternoon of Service is sponsored by our Middle Division Community Service Learning Program and led by Ms. O'Melia. Sign up through this link: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0F4BAEA828A6FD0-mlkday, or you may contact Ms. O'Melia directly at omeliaa@casady.org or Sarah E. Smith M.S., M.T.S., who is subbing for Carmen Clay, in Upper Division at smiths@casady.org or 405.850.7703. Additional Community Service Opportunities On Friday, Jan. 12 after school, Upper Division students are invited to volunteer with YAC Vice President Sahanya Bhaktaram at Boys and Girls Club. On Saturday, Jan. 13 from 3:15 to 8:30 p.m. the Myriad Gardens Winter Olympic Expo needs volunteers. Sign up link at Casady Places to Serve Blog or contact Megan Brown, mbrown@myriadgardens.org or 405.445.7087. Learn more about Casady's Service Learning Program on the Casady Community Service Learning Blog