Others First

 

What is Others First?  (also watch our Intro Slideshow from the 9/19 meeting)
 
The Others First program recognizes three kinds of community service activities:  monthly student lunch meetings, participation in other service-oriented OIS lunch clubs, and community outreach. 
 
 
Our monthly lunch meetings offer an opportunity for every OIS student to engage in community service projects right on campus!  A group of student leaders and parent volunteers design projects that can take place in the Library during the Friday lunch period once a month.  Students receive thirty minutes of community service credit for attending these meetings.
 
Students also receive community service hours for time spent in other service-oriented OIS lunch clubs.  Others First coordinates directly with the teachers who sponsor the Green Club, the Sustainability Club, and the Garden Club to award credit for participation in those clubs.
 
Others First also credits students with community service hours for "independent activities" of their own choosing.  The program encourages activities that directly serve others.  These activities should be charitable, altruistic and/or humanitarian, non-partisan, and secular in nature (although they may be associated with non-secular organizations).  Activities performed on campus and at other OUSD schools can qualify.  Examples of qualifying activities will be provided in this description of Independent Activities (link coming soon).  Students need to request credit for independent activities through the process explained below.
 

NEW!!  Student Volunteering at Elementary School Fall Festivals

 

OIS students love to give back to their elementary schools by volunteering at the OUSD fall festivals.  We also expect to post Wagner Ranch opportunities in the Spring.

 

Del Rey Elementary BooFest.  BooFest will be held on October 18, 2025.  OIS students can sign up for shifts on the BooCrew through the BooFest Sign-Up Form.

 

Sleep Hollow Elementary "Creepy Hollow":   Creepy Hollow will take place on October 25, 2025.  OIS students can sign up on the Creepy Hollow Sign-Up Form.

 

Glorietta Elementary Funfest.  Funfest will be held on October 26, 2025.  OIS students can sign up for shifts through the Funfest Sign-Up Form.

 

Upcoming Lunch Events (2025-2026)

 

We have a variety of fun and meaningful events planned for our lunch meetings this school year.

 

October 2025: African Library Project

November 2025: Blue Star Moms Halloween Candy Collection

December 2025: Monument Toy Drive

January 2026: Toiletries Drive

February 2026: TBD (project led by OIS 6th Grade Girl Scouts)

March 2026:  Pantry Kids Snack Drive

April 2026:  Let us know if you have a great idea!

  

How does my student receive credit for independent activities?

 

We have a new submission process for requesting credit for independent activities.  

 

Step 1:  Fill out the independent activity form.  Paper copies will also be available at the Others First display in the OIS Library.  Scan or take a picture of your completed form.

 

Step 2:  Submit a digital copy of the completed form via our online submission form.

 

Award Criteria

 

Others First recognizes students who are dedicated to serving their community in the following ways:

 

Mid-Year Recognition: Students who earn at least 25 hours of service credit by December 1, 2025, will be eligible to receive a gift card, presented by the OIS Parents' Club.

 

End-of-School-Year Recognition: Special recognition will be given to students based on service hours earned and credited by April 15, 2026.  Students with at least 25 hours will receive the OIS Principal's Award for Community Service.  Students with at least 50 hours will receive additional recognition (details forthcoming).  The top hours earners by grade level will also receive gift cards from the OIS Parents' Club.

 

Parent Volunteering

 

Others First also provides volunteer opportunities for parents!  We are looking for parents who can help during our monthly Friday lunch events on campus.  You can sign up for one date or many.  Details of these one-day positions are on our sign-up form.  

 

We are also looking for parents to serve as project coordinators.  Most of our monthly projects are run by a student leader.  As a project coordinator, you would guide and assist our student leads in their tasks. These tasks may include coordinating with our partner organizations and with the OIS leadership teacher.

 

If you are interested in being more involved with Others First, or if you have ideas for a new on-campus service project, please email us at OISOthersFirst@gmail.com.

 

Linked Pages:

Description of Independent Activities (coming soon)

 

Independent Activity Form

 

Online Hours Submission Form

 

Parent Volunteers Sign-Up Form 2025-2026

 

 

 

Co-Directors: 

Lissa Tryer
Lisa Bress

 

 

OISPC Liason:

Corey Hill

 

 

Questions? Email: oisothersfirst@gmail.com

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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