Heights Cares is a Philanthropic Program to inspire our children to become passionate lifelong learners and responsible world citizens. The Heights Cares program was launched in 2015 at the Heights to provide a wonderful enrichment to our children’s education experience, one that would awaken the power we all have to make a difference in the world. We hope that through both local community and global community service, Heights students will learn to become leaders of change in their communities. See our previous years' projects below!
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More than 50 volunteers from Del Mar Heights Cares volunteered at Feeding America's food distribution center in Mira Mesa.
HEIGHTS CARES EVENTS
2017-2018
2017-2018

Feeding America: Volunteer Day
Wednesday, Nov. 15th, 2017 from 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Saturday, Dec. 16th, 2017 from 9 - 11 am
Feeding America San Diego provides food to more than 480,000 children, families, and seniors every year. Heights Cares members volunteer several times a year to sort food at their distribution center in Mira Mesa (9455 Waples Street, Suite 135 San Diego, CA 92121). Del Mar Heights sometimes even has its own "shift" packing hundreds of food kits for hungry students to take home over the weekend! Come join us in helping to end hunger!
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER
1. Visit http://vhub.at/fsd
2. Click “Sign In” in the upper right hand corner and follow the steps as instructed.
3. Enter your group's join code: 1176
4. After you sign in or create an account, look for your group volunteer shift on the calendar.
5. Click the “Sign Up” button to the left of your group’s volunteer shift.
6. You'll get a confirmation email after you've successfully signed up.
Wednesday, Nov. 15th, 2017 from 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Saturday, Dec. 16th, 2017 from 9 - 11 am
Feeding America San Diego provides food to more than 480,000 children, families, and seniors every year. Heights Cares members volunteer several times a year to sort food at their distribution center in Mira Mesa (9455 Waples Street, Suite 135 San Diego, CA 92121). Del Mar Heights sometimes even has its own "shift" packing hundreds of food kits for hungry students to take home over the weekend! Come join us in helping to end hunger!
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER
1. Visit http://vhub.at/fsd
2. Click “Sign In” in the upper right hand corner and follow the steps as instructed.
3. Enter your group's join code: 1176
4. After you sign in or create an account, look for your group volunteer shift on the calendar.
5. Click the “Sign Up” button to the left of your group’s volunteer shift.
6. You'll get a confirmation email after you've successfully signed up.

The Great Candy Giveback
Nov. 1-3, 2017 from 7:40-8:00 am
Heights Cares typically collects more than 400 pounds of candy and sweets to support Operation Gratitude, which sends care packages to U.S. service members!
THANK YOU, Heights Cares for organizing, and Dr. Curtis Chan, DDS., for providing nifty prizes!
Nov. 1-3, 2017 from 7:40-8:00 am
Heights Cares typically collects more than 400 pounds of candy and sweets to support Operation Gratitude, which sends care packages to U.S. service members!
THANK YOU, Heights Cares for organizing, and Dr. Curtis Chan, DDS., for providing nifty prizes!

Halloween Costume Exchange
Oct. 9-12th, 2017
Hooray! We collected an incredible 113 costumes this year! Instead of rushing out to buy an expensive last-minute costume that kids will only wear one year, families who participated in the Third Annual Halloween Costume Exchange saved money by swapping their old costumes for "new" ones while saving some room in their closets! Unclaimed costumes were donated to the Monarch School.
A spooktacular thank you to the Heights Cares team for making the Halloween Costume exchange a huge success!
Oct. 9-12th, 2017
Hooray! We collected an incredible 113 costumes this year! Instead of rushing out to buy an expensive last-minute costume that kids will only wear one year, families who participated in the Third Annual Halloween Costume Exchange saved money by swapping their old costumes for "new" ones while saving some room in their closets! Unclaimed costumes were donated to the Monarch School.
A spooktacular thank you to the Heights Cares team for making the Halloween Costume exchange a huge success!

Boomerang Lunch
Oct. 4th, 2017
Did you know the average student generates more than 60 pounds of trash from their lunches each school year? To raise awareness of this fact and help reduce waste, Heights Cares put on the school's very first Boomerang Lunch! A boomerang lunch is a lunch that has every piece returned home at the end of the day, including the garbage! Just for this one day, we asked kids who brought their lunches to school to pack up everything they brought with them and take it home once they're done eating. Kids who ordered hot lunches separated their trays and leftovers for composting, recycling and landfill. Parents can help take the lesson further by discussing at home ways you can shift towards waste-free lunches! Go HERE to learn more.
Oct. 4th, 2017
Did you know the average student generates more than 60 pounds of trash from their lunches each school year? To raise awareness of this fact and help reduce waste, Heights Cares put on the school's very first Boomerang Lunch! A boomerang lunch is a lunch that has every piece returned home at the end of the day, including the garbage! Just for this one day, we asked kids who brought their lunches to school to pack up everything they brought with them and take it home once they're done eating. Kids who ordered hot lunches separated their trays and leftovers for composting, recycling and landfill. Parents can help take the lesson further by discussing at home ways you can shift towards waste-free lunches! Go HERE to learn more.
Walk to School Day
Wednesday, Oct. 4th, 2017 Join us in improving our health and air quality by walking to school on this day and many more this year. Walking to school is a great form of exercise! Physical activity helps control weight, builds lean muscle, reduces fat, and promotes strong bones, muscle and joint development. In addition, walking to school protects the air around our campus and the environment. Idling for even one minute produces as much carbon monoxide as smoking 3 packs of cigarettes! If you missed this, it's not too late to TAKE THE PLEDGE! |

Helen Woodward Animal Center Towel & Sheet Drive
Sept. 18-22, 2017
Heights Cares collected hundreds of towels and sheets donated by Heights families this year for the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Our kindergarten classes delivered the donations to the shelter during their fall field trip, along with dozens of felt pet toys they made in class.
Sept. 18-22, 2017
Heights Cares collected hundreds of towels and sheets donated by Heights families this year for the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Our kindergarten classes delivered the donations to the shelter during their fall field trip, along with dozens of felt pet toys they made in class.

Beach Cleanups
Heights Cares will be continuing its tradition of helping to keep our coasts clear! We'll be doing several cleanups throughout the year. Watch for notices on our next event and come join us to keep our beaches clean and support our vibrant ecosystem!
Heights Cares will be continuing its tradition of helping to keep our coasts clear! We'll be doing several cleanups throughout the year. Watch for notices on our next event and come join us to keep our beaches clean and support our vibrant ecosystem!
HEIGHTS CARES EVENTS
2016-2017
2016-2017
Heights Cares Fundraiser
Throughout March 2017 Two years ago, Del Mar Heights Cares started a new tradition of organizing a school-wide annual fundraiser for a local charity. This year, we asked students to bring forward their favorite charity. After careful review of several student proposals, they chose the San Diego Chill as our charity of the year. San Diego Chill, founded by the brother of a Del Mar Heights student, helps local kids with special needs play noncompetitive ice-hockey as a way to stay fit and make friends. Students organized various fundraising activities throughout March, including:
As of March 30th, our students have raised more than $2,227, with even more coming in. Their efforts were highlighted on the front page of the Lifestyles Section of the Del Mar Times (see left). Stay tuned for a final tally, which will include a match from the PTA of at least an additional $1,000! Thank you, Del Mar Heights students! |
Please click in the document and scroll down to view the whole flyer.
HEIGHTS CARES EVENTS
2015-2016
2015-2016

Help Feed America! Heights Cares Service Project
Saturday, March 5th, 2016
Feeding America San Diego provides food to more than 480,000 children, families, and seniors every year. Your family can help by joining Heights Cares as we sort food at their distribution center in Mira Mesa on Saturday, March 5th from 1–3 pm.
Please sign up online at Feeding America San Diego’s website (http://vhub.at/fasd):
(The shift may say ‘full’ or ‘reserved’ until you complete these steps.)
The sign-up process is a bit tedious but in the end will be worth it!
Volunteers must be 6 and older to participate and children must be accompanied by an adult. Signed waivers are required for all volunteers under the age of 18. Closed-toe shoes only. Feeding America’s distribution center is located at 9455 Waples Street, Suite 135 San Diego, CA 92121.
Saturday, March 5th, 2016
Feeding America San Diego provides food to more than 480,000 children, families, and seniors every year. Your family can help by joining Heights Cares as we sort food at their distribution center in Mira Mesa on Saturday, March 5th from 1–3 pm.
Please sign up online at Feeding America San Diego’s website (http://vhub.at/fasd):
(The shift may say ‘full’ or ‘reserved’ until you complete these steps.)
The sign-up process is a bit tedious but in the end will be worth it!
- Click “Sign in” in the upper right hand corner to create a Username for each participant and follow the instructions to register.
- Enter the Heights Cares group code: 1176.
- Once you return to the main page, scroll down to find our March 5th volunteer shift.
- Click the “Sign Up” button to the left of the “Event Name.”
- Each Volunteer will receive a confirmation email and reminder when signed up successfully. (You may register your children with the same email address and a different username.)
- Make an impact! Bring a donation of non-perishable food like low-sodium canned fruits, vegetables, beans or soup.
Volunteers must be 6 and older to participate and children must be accompanied by an adult. Signed waivers are required for all volunteers under the age of 18. Closed-toe shoes only. Feeding America’s distribution center is located at 9455 Waples Street, Suite 135 San Diego, CA 92121.

Sports Equipment Exchange
February 29 to March 2, 2016
Have your kids outgrown their skis? Need to do a little spring cleaning? Trade in your children’s clean, gently used sporting equipment and clothing. Drop off will be before school February 29 to March 2 in the MUR. Pick-up will be after school March 3 in the Library. Similar to the Book Exchange, you’ll earn points for items you bring in (larger or more valuable items will be worth more points). You’ll be able to redeem your points when you pick-up your exchange items. Unclaimed items at the end of the event will be donated to charity. We’ll send out more information as the event nears. So, mark your calendars and start setting aside items!
February 29 to March 2, 2016
Have your kids outgrown their skis? Need to do a little spring cleaning? Trade in your children’s clean, gently used sporting equipment and clothing. Drop off will be before school February 29 to March 2 in the MUR. Pick-up will be after school March 3 in the Library. Similar to the Book Exchange, you’ll earn points for items you bring in (larger or more valuable items will be worth more points). You’ll be able to redeem your points when you pick-up your exchange items. Unclaimed items at the end of the event will be donated to charity. We’ll send out more information as the event nears. So, mark your calendars and start setting aside items!

Beach Clean Up
Saturday, March 12, 2016, 9-11am
Powerhouse Park
Come join the San Diego Coastkeeper sponsored beach cleanup!
Meet at Powerhouse Park, and wear your Del Mar Heights spirit wear.
Click HERE for more information.
Saturday, March 12, 2016, 9-11am
Powerhouse Park
Come join the San Diego Coastkeeper sponsored beach cleanup!
Meet at Powerhouse Park, and wear your Del Mar Heights spirit wear.
Click HERE for more information.
Nick's Picks
February 1 - 29, 2016
February 1 - 29, 2016
Classroom Service Projects: 2015-2016
Kinder : Kinder students made toys & collect items for dogs (Helen Woodward). Thank you Kelli Brandl for delivering the supplies and toys in December.
1st: Feeding America
2nd: Raised funds through a child driven holiday art sale at the farmers market on a Saturday for “Grow my way” school for children with autism. Thank you Eleni Ammirati , Lisa Dorsey and Mireille Barnard for coordinating.
3rd: Collected socks for Silverado Senior Center in Encinitas. Thank you Kelli Brandl for coordinating the 3rd graders to deliver the socks and sing holiday songs at the Senior Center.
4th: Walk To Cure Type I Diabetes. Thank you Anindita Bhoumik for coordinating.
5th: Walk To Cure Type I Diabetes. Thank you Shani Loizu for coordinating.
6th: Walk To Cure Type I Diabetes. Thank you Susanne Chakravarty for coordinating.
Kinder : Kinder students made toys & collect items for dogs (Helen Woodward). Thank you Kelli Brandl for delivering the supplies and toys in December.
1st: Feeding America
2nd: Raised funds through a child driven holiday art sale at the farmers market on a Saturday for “Grow my way” school for children with autism. Thank you Eleni Ammirati , Lisa Dorsey and Mireille Barnard for coordinating.
3rd: Collected socks for Silverado Senior Center in Encinitas. Thank you Kelli Brandl for coordinating the 3rd graders to deliver the socks and sing holiday songs at the Senior Center.
4th: Walk To Cure Type I Diabetes. Thank you Anindita Bhoumik for coordinating.
5th: Walk To Cure Type I Diabetes. Thank you Shani Loizu for coordinating.
6th: Walk To Cure Type I Diabetes. Thank you Susanne Chakravarty for coordinating.

Heights Cares: Beach Clean-Up!
Saturday, February 13, 2016: 9-11am
Heights Cares is the new Philanthropic Program at the Heights. We are joining Surfrider and San Diego Coast Keeper in their beach clean-up on Saturday, February 13th from 9-11. Meet at Torrey Pines Park and bring your friends! Wear your Heights Spirit wear! Click HERE for more details.
Saturday, February 13, 2016: 9-11am
Heights Cares is the new Philanthropic Program at the Heights. We are joining Surfrider and San Diego Coast Keeper in their beach clean-up on Saturday, February 13th from 9-11. Meet at Torrey Pines Park and bring your friends! Wear your Heights Spirit wear! Click HERE for more details.

Be Green: Recycle at School because Heights Cares!
Help us to teach our kids about recycling and composting. Volunteers are needed to assist for 45 minutes at lunchtime to teach our kids about what is recyclable and compostable from their hot lunches and brown bag lunches, and what is not. Please contact Shari Hallahan for volunteering opportuniites.
Help us to teach our kids about recycling and composting. Volunteers are needed to assist for 45 minutes at lunchtime to teach our kids about what is recyclable and compostable from their hot lunches and brown bag lunches, and what is not. Please contact Shari Hallahan for volunteering opportuniites.
The Great Halloween Candy Giveback
A Heights Cares Service Project
November 2-4, 2015
Are you drowning in Halloween Candy?
Bring in your unopened candy to school November 2nd, 3rd and 4th to donate to Operation Gratitude.
Children and parents are also encouraged to write a "Thank You" card that will go in the individual care packages. Children bringing in candy or cards will receive a small token of our gratitude for sharing their Halloween haul. Operation Gratitude sends thousands of care packages to U.S. service members overseas. So let's show support, lift spirits and express our appreciation for all that our armed service members do for us!
We are also looking for volunteers to help collect before and after school. Please use this Google Docs Sign-up Sheet to Volunteer. Please contact Jazmin Blais for info. or questions.
A Heights Cares Service Project
November 2-4, 2015
Are you drowning in Halloween Candy?
Bring in your unopened candy to school November 2nd, 3rd and 4th to donate to Operation Gratitude.
Children and parents are also encouraged to write a "Thank You" card that will go in the individual care packages. Children bringing in candy or cards will receive a small token of our gratitude for sharing their Halloween haul. Operation Gratitude sends thousands of care packages to U.S. service members overseas. So let's show support, lift spirits and express our appreciation for all that our armed service members do for us!
We are also looking for volunteers to help collect before and after school. Please use this Google Docs Sign-up Sheet to Volunteer. Please contact Jazmin Blais for info. or questions.

Heights Cares: Halloween Costume Exchange & Donation
Collection: Monday, Sept. 28-Friday, Oct. 2, 2015
7:45-8:15am, 12:15-12:45pm in the MUR
Additional Collection: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 2:15-2:45pm in the MUR
Pick-up date: Tuesday, October 6th from 2:15-3:00pm also in the MUR.
Heights Cares is the Heights' new philanthropic program.
Bring your gently used, clean Halloween costumes (all sizes welcome) and exchange them for another fun costume for this year! Bring costumes in the week of September 28th
Costumes will be separated by size to facilitate selection on October 6th.
All costumes remaining will be donated to a local charity.
Contact Kimberly Jackson with any questions or to volunteer to help with this great program.
Collection: Monday, Sept. 28-Friday, Oct. 2, 2015
7:45-8:15am, 12:15-12:45pm in the MUR
Additional Collection: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 2:15-2:45pm in the MUR
Pick-up date: Tuesday, October 6th from 2:15-3:00pm also in the MUR.
Heights Cares is the Heights' new philanthropic program.
Bring your gently used, clean Halloween costumes (all sizes welcome) and exchange them for another fun costume for this year! Bring costumes in the week of September 28th
Costumes will be separated by size to facilitate selection on October 6th.
All costumes remaining will be donated to a local charity.
Contact Kimberly Jackson with any questions or to volunteer to help with this great program.

Heights Cares: Beach Clean-Up!
Sunday, Sept. 20th, 2015: 1-3pm
Heights Cares is the new Philanthropic Program at the Heights. We are joining the Del Mar Foundation and Rotary Club in their beach clean-up on Sunday, September 20th from 1-3. Meet at Powerhouse Park and bring your friends! Wear your Heights Spirit wear!
Heights Cares coming soon: Halloween Costume Exchange at the Heights! Bring your kids' costumes and get once worn ones for them to wear this year! Details coming soon. Contact Kimberly Jackson with questions.
Sunday, Sept. 20th, 2015: 1-3pm
Heights Cares is the new Philanthropic Program at the Heights. We are joining the Del Mar Foundation and Rotary Club in their beach clean-up on Sunday, September 20th from 1-3. Meet at Powerhouse Park and bring your friends! Wear your Heights Spirit wear!
Heights Cares coming soon: Halloween Costume Exchange at the Heights! Bring your kids' costumes and get once worn ones for them to wear this year! Details coming soon. Contact Kimberly Jackson with questions.