Lunch Bunch is a service organization at Samuel Mickle School that promotes leadership with a focus on enriching lives through character education, service learning, volunteerism and philanthropy. The mission of Lunch Bunch is to inspire students to get involved and make a difference. We want our students to know that their ideas are valued and that being involved is a stepping stone for the future. The program has grown significantly over the past 12 years giving every student in grades 3-6 the opportunity to become involved and to be a role model to their peers. Lunch Bunch has served as a catalyst for other clubs and programs in our district including mentor club, chorus, creative writing, yearbook, art, murals, and STEAM.
Lunch Bunch is committed to shaping our students into responsible, generous, assertive, collaborative leaders while enriching the lives of others. The program supports the core values of character education and has enhanced our school community. Our Lunch Bunch representatives develop the following skills through our program: Leadership Organization Public Speaking Team Building Collaboration Project Management Love of Community Service Lunch Bunch allows students to develop a sense of pride and ownership in the activities they plan and coordinate for our district. Lunch Bunch has served as a catalyst for other clubs and programs in our district, and is an opportunity for student involvement that also acts as a stepping stone for middle school, high school, and future endeavors. It is evident that our representatives are committed to making a difference in the lives of others. We are proud of our students visions, and enjoy watching them come up with ideas that will help our school community thrive.
Projects we have sponsored over the years include: Week of Respect Activities Red Ribbon Week Activities Veterans’ Day Assembly/Luncheon Read Across America Book Drive Anti-Bullying Assemblies Habitat for Humanity Assembly, Leadership/Volunteerism Assembly Pennies for Play to support Hurricane Katrina Victims Pennies for Patients to support Leukemia-Lymphoma Society Holiday Drive for the Troops School walk for MS/School Walk for Diabetes ' Holiday Food Drives Rainbow loom bracelets for kids at St. Jude's Alex’s Lemonade Stand Hoops for Haiti to support earthquake victims Hoops for Soup to support local soup kitchens Jeans for a Cause Winter Clothing & Blessing Bag Donation Drive Animal Shelter Donation Drive Gloucester County Domestic Violence Service Collection Teacher Appreciation Coupon Books Kindness Pals Art Buddies Hearts of Remembrance Gratitude Challenge International Pen Pals A Variety of Spirit Weeks Pink Day 6th Grade Talent Show Character Counts Program Character is Magical Assemblies Service Learning Projects
Lunch Bunch allows students the opportunity to work together and support each other in a positive environment. The projects and activities we plan benefit students district-wide (Pre-K-6). By allowing students to have a voice in working alongside their peers, teachers, and administrators; it brings our whole school community together. Our students know their ideas are valued and show ownership of the decisions we make that benefit the community. Our students are able to make personal connections to programs such as Pennies for Patients through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Alex’s Lemonade Stand in which they are able to help other kids. When they become personally invested in a project, they want to do more and are dedicated to making a difference.
Lunch Bunch Advisors 5th Grade: Jillian Garren 6th Grade: Natalie Ostrowski Lunch Bunch Coordinator: Stacy Kuhen **Lunch Bunch meets weekly during lunch and recess on Day 2. Our Lunch Bunch Program was recently recognized as a 2106 Promising Practice by Character.org at the National Forum of Character Education in Washington, D.C. We are honored and humbled to receive the award and look forward to continuing to enhance our program.