The young men at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (JSMO) are starting the year off on the right foot with the addition of class community service projects to the school curriculum.  These projects bring into focus the school-wide theme of “Men for Others II” and will act as an extension of good works beyond the classroom.    

 

Projects were chosen by the JMSO staff prior to the start of the school year and were revealed to students in their classrooms an hour before an all-school assembly.  Representatives from each class were then chosen to present their project to the student body.  “These service projects will fully integrate what it means to receive a Jesuit education,” said Principal Tony Connelly.  “Our young men will be volunteering on a consistent basis and will truly know what it means to be a man for others.”  

 

The fourth grade “Trasher Smashers,” along with their teacher Ms. Bolin, will be cleaning up the neighborhood surrounding the school, as well as assisting with the Mildred D. Brown Strolling Park project.  Ms. Vacha and the fifth grade class will be increasing the appreciation efforts to our area Adopt-a-School partners.   Mr. Mansour and the sixth grade students will collaborate with an area nursing home to bring a bit of joy and playfulness to the lives of the residents.  Mr. Franklin and the seventh grade class chose to work with the Sienna Francis House to provide assistance to the shelter and its residents by holding various food and fund-raising drives.  Lastly, with the assistance of Mr. Lindley, the eighth grade class will be raising money and collecting school supplies for students in Africa.  

 

The phrase “Men for Others” is taken from the school’s mission statement.  It is also one of the Five Jesuit Principles of Education, which include:  Gospel values, academic excellence, self-discipline and religious diversity.  All young men are required to recite the mission statement of the school when they gather for morning assembly prior to classes.